Coverstar and Freeform Pools (part 3 of 3)

To continue showing the different track options when installing an automatic pool cover on a free form pool, we will now look at the third type of track that can be used in this application, which is standard topguide.  This track is not set in place during the construction of the pool.  This track will be set in place on top of the finished concrete deck.  This track is a low profile track (similar to a door threshold) that is screwed down on top of the deck.  It is important to check the measurements between the tracks on each side of the pool to make sure they are straight and square before anchoring them to the pool deck. 

When any of these track types are used for an automatic cover during the construction of the pool, the cover drive system is located in a cover housing which is below grade.  This is where the cover will roll up and be stored when the cover is retracted off the pool. 

This cover housing can then be covered using different types of lids.  Some of these lids are an aluminum hinged lid, while other lids are made of concrete so the lid blends in with the surrounding pool deck. 

The examples that have been given are based on adding automatic pool covers to new pools that were under construction.  However, it is also possible to install an automatic pool cover on existing pools.  In this case, both the cover drive system and the track are anchored to the top of the concrete pool deck.  With the drive system above grade, they can be covered using plastic deckmount housings or by building a wood bench over them. 

It is important to note that when installing an automatic pool cover on a freeform pool, it is important to limit the amount of concrete that the pool cover will be pulled across.  When a cover is pulled across concrete, it creates deck drag on the cover which will add stress to the operation of the cover system.  By locating the track close to the edge of the pool, this deck drag will be reduced, allowing the cover to operate more smoothly. 

Regardless of the type of track that is used when installing an automatic cover on a freeform pool, there are a number of benefits that a homeowner will gain by adding an automatic pool cover to their swimming pool. The first is Safety.  Although an automatic cover doesn’t replace the need for adult supervision, it does give peace of mind knowing that there is another layer of protection between your loved ones and your swimming pool.

Coverstar and Freeforms Pools (part 2 0f 3)

This is a continuation of a blog post that showed one way of incorporating an automatic pool cover on a freeform pool.  The first option that was presented a few weeks ago is an option called pool in pool.  The second type of track that can be used to add an automatic pool cover to a freeform pool is recessed horizontal track.  This track is similar in concept to the track and encapsulation that is used in the pool in pool application in that there is a housing section that is buried in the concrete and a section of track that will lock into the housing with a separate spacer.  Because the housing portion of this track is buried into the concrete, it is put into place during the construction of the pool. One difference between the recessed horizontal track and the encapsulated track is that there is no need to use a second deck with a step. The recessed horizontal track is positioned in the concrete that is poured immediately around the pool.

The recessed horizontal track is set in place along both sides of the pool before the concrete deck is poured.  As the track is staked into place, it is important to check the measurements between them to make sure they form a perfect rectangle.  The top of the track will be set at a height that is flush with the top of the finished concrete deck. 

Once the recessed horizontal track is staked in place, it is important to mask the top of the track during the concrete pour to keep concrete from making its way in to the track. 

Our next blog post will focus on using our standard topguide track.  

COVERSTAR NOW OFFERS SAFETY COVERS!

Coverstar is excited to announce that not only do we offer the strongest brand in Automatic Safety Covers, but we now offer a new line of Coverstar branded mesh and solid Safety Covers. This new product line reflects the strength and reliability of the Coverstar brand, and supplies the best in class in materials, craftsmanship and service. Among many exclusive features, all Coverstar Safety Covers include interlocked and double overlapped seams that dramatically improve seam strength and the life of the cover.

Now you will be able to rely on Coverstar as your one-stop source for all your automatic cover and safety cover needs…plus so much more to make your life easy!

No Covers are Built Stronger:

Every pool professional knows that the weakest part of every safety cover is the seams. Only Coverstar uses interlocked and double overlapped seams to dramatically improve weight transfer from the cover material to the seams and webbing. Coverstar Safety Covers also include:

• Bar and box track reinforcement on all perimeter straps for additional strength – Coverstar exclusive!
• Double decker edge won’t unravel – the cover material is first hemmed then sandwiched between double layers of webbing around the perimeter.
• Heavy duty vinyl nosing pads protect cover against wear from coping and steps.
• Chafing strip sewn to bottom of cover protects the webbing from coping abrasion wear – and wont mark the coping, like other strips!
• Lower profile springs with heavy-duty overlap D-ring (standard on Heavy-Duty Solid and custom covers) – cover lies flat and fits tight!

 And…because we build them better, we back them better: with a 20-YEAR WARRANTY (5 years FULL warranty)!

No one is easier to do business with:

When it comes to delivery in-season, Coverstar can do in days what our competitors do in weeks! Our multiple manufacturing locations positioned strategically across North America enable us to ship custom safety covers in just 4 days in season! We also make your life easier by:

• Mobile Phone App that enable safety cover quoting in real time right at your job site!
• Faster installation with our exclusive center web – allows quicker line-up. Coverstar exclusive!
• Patented Reduced Deckmount springs for easy installation with less than 18” of deck space. Maintains tight cover fit. Coverstar exclusive!
• Removable perimeter padding attaches with Velcro – padding can be replaced quickly, easily and at a fraction of the cost! 
• 35” Installation rod is ergonomically designed to make installation and removal virtually effortless.

We look forward to being your one-stop source for all your pool cover needs! For more information about Coverstar Safety Covers please call 1-800-833-3800.

Coverstar and Freeform Pools (part 1 of 3)

Automatic pool covers travel through aluminum tracks that are installed on each side of the pool.  These tracks form a rectangle around the pool.  Because automatic pool covers are rectangular in shape, they have traditionally been an easy addition to rectangular shaped pools.  However, through these new innovations, automatic pool covers can not only be installed on rectangular shaped pools, they can also be installed on freeform pools that vary in shape and size. 

When installing an automatic pool cover on a freeform shaped pool, there are three different types of track that can be used.  The first type of track is called encapsulated track.  This encapsulation is used in a pool application called pool in pool, or it is also known as deck on deck. 

The pool in pool application includes pouring a concrete deck immediately around the perimeter of the pool.  Once this first concrete deck is complete, encapsulation is installed on top of the concrete deck along the two sides of the pool as well as on the shallow end of the pool to create a rectangle.  This encapsulation is set back from the edge of the pool about 1 ft.  The fourth side of the pool will be left open as the location for the cover drive system to be installed. 

Once the encapsulation is installed on the first concrete deck, a second concrete deck is poured on top of this encapsulation and on top of the first deck.  This will create a step up from the first deck to the second deck.  The backside of the encapsulation is locked into place inside the concrete while the front side of the encapsulation is accessible on the inside of the step.  The track for the cover is then inserted inside the encapsulation and locked into place using a spacer.  While the encapsulation is poured and locked into place in the concrete, the cover track is still removable as needed. 

Don't Build A Pool Without A Cover...

Without A Cover
Like a house without a roof, a pool without a cover is impossible to heat cost effectively. Without a cover, pool owners must continually replace heat and chemicals lost to simple water evaporation. And because the water is exposed to the elements, pool filtration pumps use more electricity than is necessary. That wastes valuable resources needlessly, and can cost you a lot of money.

With A Cover
There is no better way to conserve important natural resources than an automatic safety pool cover. It's like a roof for your pool that helps keep out the undesirable things like dirt, leaves and insects while keeping in the good things, like heat, pool chemicals and water. It's the perfect "GREEN" solution for pool owners who care about the environment and want to save money on operation costs.

Opening Your Automatic Pool Cover For The Season...

Depending on where you live, the warm weather has already arrived or it is just around the corner and that means it's about that time to open your automatic pool cover for the swimming season. When opening your automatic pool cover we recommend having your pool cover maintenance company do the following to ensure proper operation throughout the season:

• Lubricate all pulleys
• Grease all fittings
• Adjust torque limiter and ropes for a smooth cover operation
• Flush dirt from the cover track
• Tighten loose bolts and screws
• Clean leaves and debris out of the cover box
• Clean the cover
• Replace sliders and pulleys as needed 

 Pool covers are exposed to harsh chemicals and a wide variety of environmental conditions, and by keeping up with regular maintenance it will ensure your pool cover keeping your family safe, and saving you money.

Tested & Certified Pool Cover Fabric

Did you know that COVERSTAR systems use only cover fabric which is tested and certified to meet the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for safety pool covers! An advanced vinyl formulation and superior fabrication methods make it top of the line. No other automatic safety cover manufacturer offers so many exclusive features.  When you want the maximum fabric life possible, COVERSTAR safety cover material is the right choice.