Friday, November 16, 2012

MESH & SOLID SAFETY COVERS - FAQ

Q:Where should the water level be for closing a pool with a winter safety cover?
A: The water level should be kept with in 12"of the top of the pool wall.

Q: What is the proper spring tension?
A: Initially, adjust the straps so that they are set to at least half compression. This will keep the cover tight and aid in draining. The springs should be checked periodically and the straps adjusted to maintain this tension.

Q: Should I treat the pool with chemicals before closing?
A:Be sure your pool has the proper level of sanitizer and algaecide before closing it for the winter. This will insure that the water is clear upon opening in the spring. If the cover is left on when the temperature has gone beyond 60 degrees F., it may be necessary to add algaecide to maintain clarity.


Q: Should I remove snow and water from the cover over winter?
A: Large accumulations of snow should be carefully removed, taking precautions not to damage the cover. Likewise if a large puddle of water accumulates it should be removed immediately by draining it to the drain or by using a weighted cover pump. The straps should be adjusted to prevent a re occurrence. Failure to perform this maintenance could result in stretching or damage to the cover components. Drainage can be facilitated by slightly loosening the strap that runs through the drain areas while tightening the straps away from the drain. A small amount of puddling is normal and will evaporate in dry weather. If you have questions about these or any procedures, please contact your cover installer.

Q: How does debris (leaves, pine needles, etc..) affect my cover?
A: Covered pools in heavily wooded areas are susceptible to accumulation of leaves, needles and other debris that will inhibit water flow to and through the "Invis-a-drain". It is very important to keep the drain clear of debris at all times.

Q: How can I protect my cover from abrasive coping?
A: For cover not ordered with sewn on padding, it is required that our loose 2' x 20' padding be placed as a barrier between rough or sharp coping and the cover itself. Periodic inspection of the cover is necessary for detection of early signs of wear.

 Q: Are there any special instructions for removal and storage of the safety cover?
A: The cover should be hosed off removing any debris that accumulated over the winter. If you have a cover with the invis-a-drain you should clear the drain also. Before folding the cover make sure it is completely dry. Cover cleaner and treatments, available at most pool supply stores, are also recommended.

Q: Do the anchors require any special care?
A: After removing or prior to installing the cover, clean out all the anchor sockets with a stream of compressed air or water. This biannual cleaning will assure proper anchor function. Applying spray silicone to these components will also be beneficial to their proper operation. When the cover is not in use, screw anchors down completely to keep out debris and to prevent tripping, foot injuries, and cover damage.

Q. I don't have any kids in my house. Why do I need a safety cover?
A. It's been well documented that any swimming pool is a magnet for children and pets in the neighborhood. A properly installed and maintained safety cover is the best way to ensure wandering kids or pets will not gain access to your pool when you can't be there to supervise.
Coverstar solid and mesh covers also come in different material weights. Your authorized Coverstar dealer can help you determine the cover type and weight best suited to your needs.

Q. I have a custom-shaped pool. Can I get a Coverstar safety cover to fit it?
A. Absolutely! Your dealer will measure your pool carefully, taking into account its shape, size and any and all features, such as stairs, rails, diving boards and raised walls. Based on these measurements, Coverstar will design a custom mesh or solid safety cover that will fit your pool perfectly!

Q. Can I walk on my cover?
A. Coverstar safety covers are built strong enough to support the weight of several adults, in the event they need to retrieve a child who has wandered onto the cover. However, it is not recommended that anyone walk on any type of safety cover.

Q. What kind of warranty does a Coverstar have?
A. Coverstar builds our covers better – so we back them better! We provide an exclusive 20-YEAR Warranty on all of our mesh and solid safety covers.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Coverstar Participates in International Pool and Spa Expo

Nov. 6-8th the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo was held in New Orleans LA.  Pool Builders from around the world came to see the new products and innovations that were exhibited by hundreds of vendors.   Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, was proud to have participated in this event. 

During these three days, Coverstar highlighted many features that set their automatic cover system apart from their competitors.   Some of the features highlighted include:

  • Heat Sealed Webbing – This 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. 
  • Touch Pad Control Switch – The new touch pad can have 4 unique user pass codes programmed in to it.  It will also learn the amount of torque that is required to operate each cover.  The amp current limits can then be adjusted to allow the cover motor to automatically turn off if a problem is detected during the operating of the cover. 
  • New Lid Forming Kit – This reusable lid forming system will allow builders to quickly and easily form and pour beautiful concrete lid sections that can be installed over the cover housing.

For those that may not have been able to attend, please come and visit us at any of the following shows:

Canadian Pool & Spa Show - Nov. 26-29, 2012 - Niagara Falls Ontario Canada
Mid-America Pool & Spa Show - Jan 21-24, 2013 - Chicago IL
Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show - Jan 28-31, 2013 - Atlantic City NJ
SouthEast Pool & Spa Show - Feb. 4-7, 2013 - Atlanta GA
Southwest Pool & Spa Show - Feb. 28 - Mar 2, 2013 - San Antonio TX.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Coverstar Participates in the Latham Pool Builder Academy


Twice a year, Latham Pool Products organizes the Pool Builder Academy to give pool builders from around the country an opportunity to receive hands on experience while helping build a pool from start to finish in 3 ½ days.  Those that attend the academy vary in their experience within the pool industry.  Some are new pool builders who are just starting out.  Others are working in pool service and want to learn and expand into the construction side of the business.  Regardless of their experience level, they come with a desire to learn and a willingness to work hard to build a pool.  

When Latham Pool Products first introduced the pool builder academy, they would work with a homeowner that was having a pool built in their yard and get their approval to host the academy.  A few years ago, they decided to go one step further and to identify a family who would really benefit from having a pool, and with the cooperation of other companies, donate the entire pool. 

This most recent academy was held Oct 21-25 in Chesapeake VA.  The recipient of this pool was a wonderful family that has a special needs daughter.  This daughter absolutely loves the water and will benefit from the water therapy the pool will provide.  Her love of the water was evident at the conclusion of the build as we saw this precious girl sit on the edge of the pool with her father, and kick her feet in the water.  The smile on her face made all of the aches and pains from the long hours of work fade away. 

The Pool Builder Academy has given Coverstar the opportunity to, not only give back to the community, but it has also allowed us to meet many new pool builders and let them see our products first hand.

Coverstar is proud to have participated in 7 Pool Builder Academy’s. Below are several pictures that show the pool progressing through the construction process, including the installation of the Coverstar Automatic Safety Cover. 

















Friday, October 19, 2012

Solid & Mesh Cover Care

Water Level
The water level in the pool should always be kept within 12" of the top of the pool wall.

Spring Tension
Initially, adjust the straps so that they are set to at least half compression. This will keep the cover tight and aid in draining. The springs should be checked periodically and the straps adjusted to maintain this tension.

Water Treatment
Be sure your pool has the proper level of sanitizer and algaecide before closing it for the winter. This will insure that the water is clear upon opening in the spring. If the cover is left on when the temperature has gone beyond 60 degrees F., it may be necessary to add algaecide to maintain clarity.

Snow & Water
Large accumulations of snow should be carefully removed, taking precautions not to damage the cover. Likewise, if a large puddle of water accumulates, it should be removed immediately by directing it to the drain or by using a weighted cover pump. The straps should be readjusted to prevent a reoccurrence. Failure to perform this maintenance could result in stretching or damage to the other cover components. Drainage can be facilitated by slightly loosening the strap that runs through the drain areas while tightening the straps away from the drain. A small amount of puddling is normal and will evaporate in dry weather. If you have questions about these or any procedures, please contact your cover installer.

Debris & Standing Water
Standing water resulting from melting snow and rain must be removed immediately. Covered pools located in heavily wooded areas are susceptible to accumulation of leaves,needles and other debris that will inhibit water flow to and through the "Invis-A-Drain". It is very important to keep the drain clear of debris at all times. Water can be removed by placing a weighted pool cover pump in a suitable location on the cover. Cover pumps are available local pool dealers.

Abrasive Coping
For covers not ordered with sewn-on padding, it is required that our loose 2'x 20' padding be placed as a barrier between rough or sharp coping and the cover itself. Failure to do so will void the warranty. Periodic examination of the cover is necessary for detection of early signs of wear.

Removal
The cover may be hosed off and should be allowed to dry before fan folding for storage in its mesh bag. Cover cleaner and treatments, available at most pool supply stores, are also recommended.

Anchors
After removing or prior to installing the cover, clean out all the anchor sockets with a stream of compressed air or water. This biannual cleaning will assure proper anchor function. Applying spray silicone to these components will also be beneficial to their proper operation. When the cover is not in use, screw anchors down completely to keep out debris and prevent tripping and foot injuries.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Coverstar Featured Product - Heat Sealed Webbing

Automatic Pool Covers have seen great innovations through the years.  Some of these innovations allow automatic pool covers to be installed on a larger variety of pool shapes and sizes, while other innovations have improved the reliability of the cover.

In 2003, Coverstar introduced one of our innovations that significantly improved the reliability of automatic covers - Heat Sealed Webbing. 

The webbing is the material that is attached to the sides of the cover and that actually rides in and locks into the cover track.  Traditionally, the webbing is sewn to the cover fabric, making this webbing to fabric connection only as strong as the stitches. 

As the stitches are exposed to the harmful effects of the sun, they begin to weaken and eventually break.  Automatic covers with the sewn-on webbing are often replaced because the webbing went bad, not because the cover fabric went bad. 

Coverstar’s Patented Heat Sealed Webbing is attached to the cover through a process that actually bonds the webbing to the fabric without sewing.  This attachment is much stronger and much longer lasting than sewn webbing. 

To see more information on the differences between Heat Sealed Webbing and sewn webbing, click HERE.


Friday, September 28, 2012

No One Is Easier To Do Business With!

Custom Covers ship in just 4 days!

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!

More ways we make your life easier:

  • Mobile Phone App enaples safety cover quoting in real time right at your job site!
  • Faster Installation with our exclusive center web - allows quicker line-up. A Coverstar exclusive!
  • Patented Reduced Deckmount Springs for easy installation with less than 18" of deck space. Maintains tight cover fit. A Coverstar exclusive!
  • Removale Perimeter Padding attaches with Velcro - padding can be replaced quickly and easily at a fraction of the cost.
  • 35" Installation Rod is ergonomically designed to make installation and removal virtually effortless.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

New Reusable Lid Forming Kit

Coverstar is excited to announce the release of their new lid forming kits.  These kits will allow concrete lid sections to be formed and poured on the job site quickly and easily, and best of all, these kits are completely reusable.  The lid forming kits are available with either an inclined or a cantilever shaped profile and match the profile of Coverstar's reusable coping forms.

 








The new lid forming kits include:

  •   Molded plastic lid forming trays 
  •  Removable profile forms in either a Inclined or Cantilever shape
  •  Shape specific trowel
  •  Easier cleaning and maintenance 
  • Reduce complexity and time required to pour lids 
  •  Weight saver design for 20% lighter lid sections
  •  Channel for locking stone to bracket 
  •  Easy forming of motor and non-motor ends 
  •  Non-weight saver tray and adjustable divider that can be used to make lid sections with custom widths. 
  



A concrete lid is a great looking lid that helps the location of the cover housing blend in with rest of the pool.  The concrete sections of lid are removable, so the cover housing can be accessed as needed. 
Coverstar also has a number of aluminum and stainless steel bracket options available that can be mounted across the back of the cover box to support the concrete lid.  For more informaiton on this new reusable lid forming kit, please contact a Coverstar Representative.