Coverstar Automatic Cover Considerations

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, would like to share the following items to consider when building a pool that will include an automatic cover.

• • Switch location- Having the switch correctly located can prevent many problems and costly repairs. When selecting a location for the switch, keep in mind that you must be able to see the entire pool at all times.
  
  
  
  
  
  It is best if you can be closer to the Leading Edge Bar when the cover is in the open position so you can see that the cover is running straight. We recommend that the switch be located along the length of the pool halfway between the middle of the pool and the mechanism end, not more than twelve feet from water’s edge. Poorly located switches are one of the largest contributors to cover failure because of visibility challenges when operating the cover.

• Drop to water - Drop to water refers to the distance from the cover track to the water level in the pool. For the best possible results, it is important to keep the track as close to the water level as possible. Strive to keep your cover tracks within 4 inches of the water’s surface. The drop to water will be a little more than this in cases where the track is mounted on top of the pool deck. 

• Drag (or resistance) - It takes almost no effort to push or pull a cover across water. Pulling a cover across a dry surface can create a lot of drag or resistance. This drag commonly occurs on freeform pools where the cover guides are mounted outside the shape of the pool.

One way to combat drag is to limit these drag areas to 10% of the total cover size. This is done by keeping the cover tracks as close to edge of the pool as possible. Another way to handle drag is by using blowers. Lifting a cover with blowers requires a significant amount of air flow (more than you might think) and must be done properly. Blowers will create a cushion of air that the cover will ride on rather than riding on the dry surface, significantly reducing the amount of drag.  

 

• Drains- Lack of sufficient drainage is the most frequent cause of cover failure. When a cover housing is flooded, it is not just the motor that might be damaged. The roll-up tube often fills with water, which can weigh several hundred pounds causing the tube to fail and the cover to rip. The best way to protect your automatic cover is to have proper drainage. We recommend at least one three inch (3”) drain. Increasing the size of your drain to four inches (4”) can offer additional protection.  Additional drains can be added to further prevent the possibility of flooding. Drain pipe smaller than three inches is not recommended.

By following the above guidelines, we are confident that your automatic safety cover project will be a pleasant and trouble free experience.

For more information on Coverstar Automatic Covers, please visit www.coverstar.com.

AutoDrain - Automatic Cover Pump

A few months ago, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, announced the release of AutoDrain.  AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric and positions itself on the automatic safety cover.

The AutoDrain will help keep the closed pool safe as because it turns on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed from the top of the cover, eliminating the safety hazard of standing water on the cover. 

Because the AutoDrain positions itself on the cover automatically, it eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump every time the cover is operated, making Coverstar the only truly automatic cover system.

The AutoDrain can be installed on an existing Coverstar automatic covers.  In these cases, a  2-1/2" clearance is required between the pool wall and the bottom of the cover housing lid. 

AutoDrain can be ordered using part number A0060.

For more information on this and other Coverstar Automatic Cover products, please go to www.coverstar.com. 

Preparing your Automatic Cover for Spring

As the swimming season is quickly approaching, swimming pools will soon be uncovered, cleaned, chemicals balanced and prepared for family fun, relaxation and entertaining friends. We would like to remind you that in addition to preparing your pool for spring, it is also important to prepare your Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover for the swimming season. Like anything that is exposed to harsh chemicals and wide variations in environmental conditions, a pool cover also needs regular maintenance.

We recommend that the following items be checked each spring to insure that you’re Coverstar automatic safety cover will operate smoothly and perform reliably.

· Lubricate all pulleys

·Adjust the torque limiter

· Adjust the ropes for smooth cover operation

· Flush dirt from the cover track

· Tighten loose bolts and screws

· Clean leaves and debris out of the cover box and make sure there is adequate drainage from the cover box

· Clean the cover

· Replace sliders and pulleys as needed

In addition to servicing your cover system, spring is a great time to inspect your automatic cover fabric to determine if it needs to be replaced. 

When inspecting your cover, it is important to look for the following:



Look for wear and tear.
Pool chemicals, temperature variations and ultra violet light can break down the pool cover fabric over time. Look for cracks, peeling and week spots on the cover where water may be seeping through the surface.







Feel the cover fabric.
Pool cover fabric should be pliable and supple. When a cover becomes too stiff and brittle, there's a good chance the fabric may need to be repaired or replaced.






Inspect sewn webbing stitching.
Traditional sewn webbing is a likely source of cover problems. On standard pool covers, sewn threads can become frayed, cut or disintegrate over time, leading to cover failure. A cover with sewn webbing is only as safe as the stitching that holds it together. Coverstar is the only automatic cover manufacturer that produces covers with Heat Sealed Webbing, thus eliminating the stitching.





Watch for sewn webbing bunching.
Covers with sewn webbing can bunch up around the rope, which may cause the fabric to catch and tear as it passes through the cover guide feeds.

By properly maintaining your Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover, it will continue to provide the best protection available for your family and your pool investment.  For more information, go to www.coverstar.com.  

Using an Automatic Cover as a Winter Cover

Now that winter is upon us, we wanted to send a reminder about  precautions that are to be taken if using a Coverstar Automatic Cover as a winter cover. 

• During the winter months, it is critical that the proper water level in the pool be maintained as the water provides support for the ice and snowmelt build-up. The best method for maintaining water level is to blow out the plumbing lines and use filter plugs & cover plates so that the water level does not have to be lowered. (If the pool has tile, which might be damaged by freezing, lower the water level to 1 inch below the tile). 

•     The cover pump must be left on the cover and plugged in, so that as water accumulates from the ice and snow melting, it will be pumped off of the cover. Excessive amounts of water should not be allowed to build up on top of the cover. Attempting to break and remove snow, or ice from the cover can cause damage to both the cover itself and the tracks. The cover should never be operated if it has water, snow or ice on it.

• There are some risks associated with using the motorized cover as a winter cover, such as the water level dropping below the recommended level. If the pool loses water because of a leak or for any other reason, there may not be enough support for the cover and snow load. This could cause the tracks to pull down, possibly damaging the coping that it is attached as well as the cover itself. However, if there is adequate slack in the cover and the water level is properly maintained, there is little likelihood of problems occurring.

• The cover is not warranted against damage to the cover or pool due to winter use, just as the warranty does not cover damage due to such things as mudslides, earthquakes, falling trees, etc.

• Leaves and debris should be removed from the cover as they accumulate to avoid damage and staining the cover.

• A cover should only be used as a winter cover if it has the proper slack. Proper slack is determined by where the cover touches the water. When the water level is lowered, the cover should normally touch the water no more that 12 inches from the edge of the pool. Actual slack requirements may vary depending on local conditions.

• Another consideration has to do with the longevity of the cover. The cover will not last as long when used as a winter cover because of added exposure to the elements. If it is not used as the winter cover, it should be cleaned and rolled up during the wintertime.

• A great alternative to using a Coverstar automatic cover when winterizing your pool is to use a Coverstar Mesh or Solid Safety cover. These covers are designed specifically to cover the pool during the winter months. They provide safety and peace of mind knowing that the pool is secure. It will also help keep dirt, leaves and debris out of the pool so less work is required to open the pool in the spring.

We hope these items of consideration are helpful as you maintain your pool and cover through the winter. 
For more information, go to www.coverstar.com
.

The Pool & Spa Show - Atlantic City

Jan. 27-29, 2015, The Pool & Spa Show will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City NJ.  Pool Builders from the northeast who attend the show will be able to see the new products and innovations that will be exhibited by hundreds of vendors.   Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, will be one of the vendors who will be participating in this event.

During three days of exhibits, Coverstar will highlight many features that set our automatic cover system apart from our competitors. Some of the features include:

• AutoDrain - This unique cover pump will position itself on the cover, and retract automatically, eliminating the need to manually place and remove the pump prior to operation of the cover
• Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing eliminates the stitching that often fails in sewn on webbing.  Heat sealed webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,
• Eclipse Stainless Steel and CS3000 Aluminum Mechanisms – These mechanisms were engineered to provide strength in the harsh pool environment, as well as easy and reliable operation for years to come.
• WiFi Touch Pad Control Switch – The new touch pad can send homeowners notifications via text or email when the cover is opened, when the cover is closed, if the cover has been left open for longer than a set amount of time and more.  
• Coverstar Ipad App - The Coverstar app includes a cost savings calculator that will show homeowners what their potential savings can be when operating a pool with an automatic cover.  It also includes a design tool which allows homeowners to choose from many  automatic cover options and displays photographs of pools that include similar features. 
    

To learn more about Coverstar products and programs, visit us in booth #2419 at The Pool & Spa show, or visit our website www.coverstar.com.   

New Coverstar Products for 2015

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, strives to be ahead of the market and continually focuses on releasing innovative and reliable products. As the 2015 season quickly approaches, we would like to introduce some additional innovations which will be released this year.

AutoDrain-

AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric and positions itself on the automatic safety cover.

The AutoDrain will help keep the closed pool safe as because it turns on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed from the top of the cover, eliminating the safety hazard of standing water on the cover. 

Because the AutoDrain positions itself on the cover automatically, it also eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump every time the cover is operated.

Rotary Limit-

The new rotary limit is a cost effective solution for controlling water features. The rotary limit will not allow the water feature to turn on when the cover is over the pool.  The low profile rotary limit is easy to install and will provide reliable operation for years to come.  

Both the AutoDrain and the Rotary Limit will be available Jan. 30, 2015.  

As we enter into the 2015 season, these new products will again distinguish Coverstar as the market leader in automatic pool cover products.

For further information on these and other Coverstar products and services, please contact us at (800) 617-7283, visit our website at www.coverstar.com or contact our network of authorized distributors or value added resellers. We look forward to working with you in 2015.

Happy Holidays from Coverstar

As 2014 comes to a close, we look back on the wonderful year it has been.  We appreciate the opportunity to work with so many fantastic pool builders, dealers and distributors.  We are looking forward to 2015 and are excited about the upcoming release of several new products.  

Included in the new product releases schedule for Jan. 30th, we will be releasing the new AutoDrain. AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric to automatically positions itself over the automatic safety cover as the cover is closing.  The AutoDrain will turn on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed.

While the pool is being uncovered, the AutoDrain will ride on the cover until it has come to rest under the lid over the cover housing.  The AutoDrain eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump, each time the cover is operated.

From all of your friends at Coverstar and Latham Pool Products, we wish each of you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.  

Canadian Pool and Spa Show 2014

Dec. 3-4, 2014, the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference was held in Toronto, ON Canada.

During these two days, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, joined with our friends from Coverstar Canada in sharing with pool builders many of the features that set the Coverstar automatic cover system apart from our competitors. Some of the features highlighted include:

•  AutoDrain - The AutoDrain is a new innovative cover pump that automatically positions itself on to of the cover while the cover is closing.  It eliminates the need for the pool owner to manually place and remove the cover pump from the top of the cover.  

• Eclipse Stainless Steel Mechanism – This mechanism was engineered to provide strength in the harsh pool environment, as well as easy and reliable operation for years to come.

• New CS300HD Spa Mechanism - This new spa mechanism includes a strong motor that will allow the system to operate covers upto a 16 x 32.   It includes pulley brackets that allow it to be installed in cover housings that range from 10 - 14 inches wide, making it possible to easily install it in our polymer housing. 

• Ipad App – The app provides compelling information about both automatic and solid and mesh safety covers.   It also includes a cost savings calculator and photo galleries.

• Wireless Touchpad - The wireless touch pad will communicate with a hard wired touch pad switch. It can be used when a pool owner needs a second switch to control their automatic cover, but they are unable to run wires or conduit to that location.  

• Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,

To learn more about these and other Coverstar products, please go to www.coverstar.com.

Coverstar Introduces AutoDrain

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is pleased to introduce AutoDrain.  AutoDrain is a unique cover pump that rides on the cover fabric and positions itself on the automatic safety cover.

The AutoDrain will help keep the closed pool safe as because it turns on automatically when water is detected and will continue to operate until the water has been removed from the top of the cover, eliminating the safety hazard of standing water on the cover. 

Because the AutoDrain positions itself on the cover automatically, it also eliminates the need for the homeowner to manually place and remove the cover pump every time the cover is operated.

The AutoDrain can be installed on an existing automatic covers.  In these cases, a  2-1/2" clearance is required between the pool wall and the bottom of the cover housing lid. 

This new innovation is patent pending and will be available as of January 30, 2015.

 

 

Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover Benefits

Automatic pool covers have seen great 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 not only be installed on rectangular shaped pools, they can also be installed on freeform pools that vary in shape and size.

Regardless of the type of track that is used when installing an automatic cover on a pool, there are a number of benefits that the homeowner will gain by adding a Coverstar automatic pool cover to your swimming pool.

The first benefit 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 automatic safety covers have been tested and do comply with the safety standards outlined by ASTM F1346-91.

The second benefit is Savings. Pool owners can see dramatic savings in these areas by using an automatic cover:

Pool Heating

Because an automatic safety cover is so easy to use, your pool can be covered when it’s not in use. Covering your pool will dramatically reduce water evaporation and heat loss by up to 70%.

Pool Chemicals

Your automatic cover helps keep your pool chemistry in balance. Your pool looses chemicals through water evaporation. An automatic cover seals the water in, reducing chemical loss by up to 70%. Buying a swimming pool is an investment in family fun. An automatic cover maximizes the value of your pool investment.

Electricity

Your automatic cover reduces the amount of energy needed to clean your pool. Electricity is required to run the equipment that cleans your pool. An automatic cover keeps dirt and debris out of your pool, saving you up to 50% on electricity.

Not only will the pool cover save you money, you will feel satisfied knowing that you are conserving precious resources.

Water

An automatic cover reduces water evaporation by up to 90%. Keeping your pool covered eliminates the need to constantly add water to your pool. Imagine saving time, money and natural resources all at the same time.

The third benefit is convenience. When closed, an automatic pool cover will keep the dirt, leaves, bugs etc out of the pool. This will give pool owners more time to enjoy the pool and less time cleaning and maintaining it.

Automatic pool covers are custom made for the specific pool it is installed on. Whether you have a square or a freeform shaped pool, in most cases, your pool can have an automatic pool cover.

Coverstar - The Strongest Name in Automatic Safety Covers

The stronger the cover, the safer the cover.  No company builds in more exclusive design and manufacturing features to ensure the strength and performance of its automatic covers than Coverstar. 

 Heat Sealed Webbing

Most automatic cover manufacturers sew webbing material wrapped around rope to the cover. With this method, the webbing often fails before the fabric does.  Coverstar uses an exclusive, patented process to heat seal webbing around a polymer bead and weld it to the cover in one step.  Independent lab tests show Coverstar’s webbing to be over twice as strong as competitive webbing sewn to a cover. 

 Mechanisms

Our unique mechanism is engineered with heavy-duty components and with ropes and pulleys that are stronger than any others used in the industry.  The extreme precision of the machined and laser cut parts allows for smooth operation and many years of hassle-free use.  

 Coverstar Motors

Coverstar motors are completely sealed, using a proprietary method to prevent water damage.  Other less reliable means of water protection could mean an expensive motor repair. 

 
PowerFlex Ropes

PowerFlex Ropes come with a two year no-break warranty. 

Mechanical Torque Limiter

The torque limiter is adjustable to protect the motorized mechanism form too much stress. 

 Durable Fabric

Coverstar fabric is made using an advanced vinyl formulation and superior fabrication methods, which make it the top of the line.

For more information on these and other Coverstar features, go to www.coverstar.com.

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.

2014 International Pool & Spa Trade Show

   

Nov. 5-7, 2014 the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo will be held in Orlando FL at the Orange County Convention Center. During this trades show, Pool Builders from around the world come to see the new pool products and innovations that will be exhibited by hundreds of vendors. Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, will be one of the vendors who will once again be participating in this event.

During three days of exhibits, Coverstar will highlight many of the features that set their automatic cover system apart from other manufacturers. Some of the features include:

• Eclipse Stainless Steel Mechanism – The Eclipse mechanism is engineered with heavy duty stainless steel components that have been machined and laser cut to provide smooth operation for years to come.
• CS300HD Spa Mechanism - The CS300HD spa mechanism is made from the same SS material as the Eclipse mechanism.  It can be installed on spas or smaller pools that are up to a 16 x 32.  It features a much smaller motor side offset than the standard system.
• Heat Sealed Webbing – Coverstar uses an exclusive, patented process to heat seal webbing around a polymer bead and weld it to the cover in one step. This heat sealed webbing is much stronger and longer lasting than standard sewn webbing.
• Touch Pad Control with Wifi – The touch pad with Wifi can send homeowners notifications via text or email when the cover is opened, when the cover is closed, if the cover has been left open for longer than a set amount of time and more.
• Coverstar Ipad App - The Coverstar app not only includes presentations that highlight the benefits of a Coverstar automatic cover, it also includes a cost interactive savings calculator that will show homeowners what their potential savings can in operating costs when an automatic cover is added to the pool.  The app also includes a design tool which allows homeowners to choose from many automatic cover options and displays photographs of pools that include similar features.

To learn more about Coverstar automatic safety cover products and programs, visit us in booth #3802 at the International Pool, Spa & Patio Expo.

Coverstar Featured Product - 2 1/2" Leading Edge Tube

In April of this year, Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products,  released a new 2 1/2 inch Leading Edge Bar, which was designed to be used in applications that had previously used a 3 inch round leading edge bar. The new 2 1/2 inch leading edge bar provides improved deflection in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

The 2 1/2 inch leading bar includes covered end caps that slide into the ends of the leading edge tube to provide a nice clean look. This leading edge bar can be used when the automatic cover system will have a guide space that is 24 ft or less.


When ordering a cover system that will include this leading edge bar, there are two different options that it is compatible with that can be selected.

The first option is called a loop leading edge. In this application, the leading edge bar slides into a sleeve along the front edge of the cover, concealing the tube so it blends in with the rest of the cover.

The second option is called a rope leading edge. In this application, a rope bead is installed along the front of the cover providing the locking mechanism that the leading bar can slide onto. When using the rope leading edge option, the aluminum leading edge bar remains exposed as it travels across the pool during the operation of the cover.

For more information on this or other Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover products, please visit us at www.coverstar.com.

How to Install a Solid or Mesh Safety Cover

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, has created a video that shows the process for installing a solid or mesh safety cover.   The video will outline the tools that are needed as well as steps and tips to simplify the installation of the cover. 

To view this video, click on the image below. 

Safety Cover Installation
 

 

How to Measure for a Safety Cover

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is often asked how to measure for a solid or mesh safety cover using the point to point or A-B method.  To help answer this question, we have created the following instructional video.  Please click on the image below to view this video. 

AB- Measuring of a Safety Cover

 

Coverstar Automatic Cover as a Winter Cover

As the swimming season is coming to a close, we wanted to share some information that is often requested this time of year regarding using a Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover as a winter cover. The answer is that it is a matter of personal choice. We neither recommend nor discourage use of the motorized cover as a winter cover. In order to help you make a decision, we have listed below some of the items you should consider when making your choice.

1    When proper precautions are taken, Coverstar Automatic Covers can be successfully used as a winter cover.

During the winter the proper water level must be maintained as the water supports the ice and snowmelt build-up. The best method is to blow out the plumbing lines and use filter plugs & cover plates so that the water level does not have to be lowered. (If the pool has tile, which might be damaged by freezing, lower the water level to 1 inch below the tile).

T    The cover pump must be left on the cover and plugged in, so that as water accumulates from the ice and snow melting, it will be pumped off of the cover. Excessive amounts should not be allowed to build up on top of the cover. Attempting to break and remove snow, or ice from the cover can cause damage to both the cover itself and the tracks. The cover should never be operated if it has water, snow or ice on it.

4     There are some risks associated with using the motorized cover as a winter cover, such as the water level dropping below the recommended level. If the pool loses water because of a leak or for any other reason, there may not be enough support for the cover and snow load. This could cause the tracks to pull down, possibly damaging the coping that it is attached as well as the cover itself. However, if there is adequate slack in the cover and the water level is properly maintained, there is little likelihood of problems occurring.

5    The cover is not warranted against damage to the cover or pool due to winter use, just as the warranty does not cover damage due to such things as mudslides, earthquakes, falling trees, etc.

6     Leaves and debris should be removed from the cover as they accumulate to avoid damage and staining the cover.

7     A cover should only be used as a winter cover if it has the proper slack. Proper slack is determined by where the cover touches the water. When the water level is lowered, the cover should normally touch the water no more that 12 inches from the edge of the pool. Actual slack requirements may vary depending on local conditions.

8    Another consideration has to do with the longevity of the cover. The cover will not last as long when used as a winter cover because of added exposure to the elements. If it is not used as the winter cover, it should be cleaned and rolled up during the wintertime.

9     A great alternative to using a Coverstar automatic cover when winterizing your pool is to use a Coverstar Mesh or Solid Safety cover. These covers are designed specifically to cover the pool during the winter months. They provide safety and peace of mind knowing that the pool is secure. It will also help keep dirt, leaves and debris out of the pool so less work is required to open the pool in the spring.

We hope these items of consideration are helpful as you prepare your pools for winter.

Solid & Mesh Safety Covers by Coverstar

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, offers mesh covers for maximum drainage and solid covers that block 100% of sunlight - in a variety of material weights and colors. All can be custom designed to fit any size or shape pool precisely, including any special features such as raised walls, diving boards, stairs and rails. The professional Coverstar team will help you select a cover with the performance and features that best meet your needs.

The stronger the cover, the safer the cover. Coverstar applies exclusive, patented design and manufacturing innovations to give our mesh and solid safety covers unmatched strength and durability.

Unique features such as our exclusive center web and extra-long installation tool make it fast and easy to install and remove your Coverstar cover. All Coverstar covers keep debris out of your pool, and block virtually all sunlight – so you save on chemicals and enjoy cleaner water at opening time.


Mesh Safety Covers

Coverstar Premium 98 High-Shade Mesh

• 98% Shade, 7 oz Weight
• Allows water through for drainage and safety while keeping sunlight and debris out.
• Available in green and tan
• 20 year warranty

Coverstar Standard 95 Shade Mesh

• 95% Shade, 5.2 oz Weight
• Lightweight for easy installation and removal - about half the weight of Coverstar's Full Weight Solid cover.
• Allows water through for drainage and safety
• Available in green, blue, grey, and tan
• 20 year warranty

Solid Safety Covers

Coverstar Lite Solid

• 7 oz Weight
• High-end construction and features
• Custom engineered mesh designed to inhibit algae growth in pool
• Available in green and blue
• 12 year warranty

Coverstar Heavy-Duty Solid

• Full 12 oz Weight
• Patented INVIS-A-DRAIN - 1/4" drain holes located down the center of the cover; mesh drain filter panel underneath. Minimizes debris passage for easy clean, no puddling. A Coverstar Exclusive!
• Keeps out all debris and sunlight
• Available in green and blue
• 20 year warranty

Why Automatic Covers are made with Slack

From time to time the question arises about the need for slack in Coverstar automatic safety covers and how much slack is enough. Regardless of manufacturer, all automatic safety pool cover fabrics are made wider than the width of the track. There are several reasons for this:

1. A cover that is too tight will pull against the tracks and will not operate properly. A cover that is made too small reduces the life of the cover and mechanism, causing premature failure of both the fabric and the mechanism due to the added stress.

2. Fabric shrinks over a period of time. The amount of the shrinkage varies widely according to the weather conditions, particularly the amount of time the cover is exposed to the sun. Slack is always added to the fabric to compensate for potential fabric shrinkage.

3. In order to meet the ASTM safety standards, the cover must lie on the water as most of the supporting strength of the cover comes from the support of the water directly under it.

Each automatic cover that Coverstar manufactures is made with the slack calculated based on the type of track that was used, how far the track is located above the level of the water and the overall size of the cover. Any other variables that may be brought to our attention are also included. Initially, a properly sized cover will drop almost directly down from the track or deck to the water, with some folds & wrinkles as it crosses the pool. Our slack formula is designed to give the cover and mechanism maximum life, as well as making the cover look as attractive as possible.

In some cases, a portion of the slack may be taken up by lowering the water level. However, you should consult with your pool builder or pool service company before doing so. They can advise you exactly where the water level should be to keep the pool equipment operating properly. For more information on Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers, please go to www.coverstar.com. 



 

Coverstar Touch Pad with Wifi

A Coverstar automatic safety cover is the best way to protect your family, your pool and your time. A backyard swimming pool is the ultimate source of family fun! But when it comes to children and pets, it is also the source of safety concerns. No parent can be watching over the pool every minute. No fence or alarm can prevent a child from getting access to an unsupervised pool. A Coverstar automatic safety cover can!

Simply flip a switch, and your Coverstar automatic safety cover will create a barrier over your pool that no child or pet can penetrate. Coverstar is the best protection available for your family and your pool investment.

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, is proud to offer a new touch pad control switch, which has been given a voice of its own.

What if your pool cover controller could contact you, when you are away from home, to let you know who is using the pool?

Or notify you when your pool cover is closed, letting you know your pool is safe and secure?

What if your pool cover controller could alert you when your pool has been left uncovered?

Now it can with Coverstar!

The Coverstar touchpad with wifi connects to your existing home network. It is easy to set up and will allow you to choose which text or email notifications you want to receive such as:

• When the cover is closed
• When a user code is entered
• When an unauthorized user attempts to log in
• When the cover is left open for longer than a preset amount of time

The Coverstar touchpad allows you to program up to 4 unique user codes, so different members of the family can have their own code. The touchpad can be installed on any new or existing Coverstar automatic cover system.

Let your pool cover connect to you.

To view a video about the touch pad with Wifi, click here