Automatic Cover System Types

Automatic pool covers have seen a number of innovations in recent years which give greater flexibility to the types of pools that can include an automatic cover. 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 also be installed on freeform pools during the construction of the pool or even to existing pools.

Coverstar Automatic Covers systems come in three different types, Underguide, Recessed Topguide and Deckmount. The system type that is used will depend on the shape of the pool and the location of the cover track. Let's look at these three different options:

Underguide

An underguide cover system provides an attractive and effective solution for rectangular pools. The entire motorized drive mechanism is mounted below the deck and sliders through aluminum tracks that are mounted along the side of the pool underneath the coping. This conceals the track and allows it to be virtually unnoticed.

For a more integrated look, encapsulation can be mounted directly to the pool wall during the construction of the pool. The coping is then poured over the top of the encapsulation, locking it in place. The encapsulation includes a channel where the cover track will be inserted during the installation of the cover system. This method allows the cover track to be built back into the wall of the pool.

The cover housing can be covered using lids that are aluminum, or in order to blend in with the surrounding pool area, they can be stone or concrete.

Recessed Topguide

Recessed Topguide systems are used when covering a non rectangular shaped pool. In this case, the drive mechanism is again mounted below grade in a cover housing. The cover track is located outside the shape of the pool.

There are different tracks that can be used. Standard topguide track sits on top of the finished pool deck. It is secured to deck using screws and anchors. While the track does have a low profile similar to that of a door threshold, it is sitting above the deck.

Recessed guides can also be used in this case as shown in the picture above. During the construction of the pool, tracks are positioned along the sides of the pool and poured into the deck with the top of the track being flush with the finished pool deck.

When using either of these track options, it is important to keep the tracks as close to the pool as possible to minimize the amount of pool deck the cover will be pulled across.

Deck Mount

A Deck Mounted system can be installed on existing pools. Both the drive mechanism and the cover track are mounted directly on top of the pool. With the drive mechanism on top of the deck, benches can be built over them to provide a covering, as well as a perfect location to sit and visit.

 

For more information on Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers, go to www.coverstar.com.