2013 International Pool & Spa Expo

 

Nov. 12-14, 2013 the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo will be held in Las Vegas NV. at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  Pool Builders from around the world come to see the new products and innovations that were 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:

• 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.
• 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.  
• 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.
• 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 #3511 at the International Pool & Spa Expo.   

How To:Measure & Install A Mesh & Solid Safety Cover

Wondering how to measure and install a Mesh & Solid Safety Cover? We have made two videos to help you understand the steps a little easier and what you will need on the job.

Safety Cover Installation

AB Measuring Safety Cover

Slack in Automatic Covers

From time to time the question arises about the need for slack in Coverstar automatic pool covers and how much is enough.  Regardless of manufacturer, all automatic 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 service man before doing so.  They can advise you exactly where the water level should be to keep the pool equipment operating properly.

 

 

Coverstar Solid & Mesh Safety Covers

Coverstar safety covers are made strong to make your life easier.  Every pool professional knows: 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.

In addition to overlapped seams, Coverstar safety covers include many other features that add to the strength and durability of hte cover. 

• Bar and box tack reinforcement on all perimeter straps for additional strength - a 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 won't mark the coping, like other strips!

• Lower profile springs with heavy-duty overlap D-ring  - cover lies flat and fits tight!

And...because we build them better, we back them better: with a 20-YEAR WARRANTY (5-year full warranty)!

Coverstar Automatic Covers and ASTM Safety Standards

From time to time, we are asked about Coverstar Automatic Safety Covers meeting ASTM safety standard F1346-91. 
All Coverstar cover systems including the Eclipse, SwimWise, CS3000 and Coverluxe meet the ASTM standard for safety covers as specified in ASTM standard F 1346-91 when they are installed and maintained properly according to the installation and homeowner instructions which have been provided by Coverstar.  On several different occasions, the Coverstarc overs, both automatic and manual have been tested by independent testing laboratories and have always been found to be in compliance with all the ASTM requirements for safety covers.  Our covers are also listed by UL (File E164833) and classified by UL as a power safety cover in accordance with ASTM F 1346-91

 If you wish to verify either of the UL certifications, take the following steps:

            Go to www.ul.com

            Once there click on Search UL.com

            Click on Online Certifications Directory.

            Under General Search click on UL File Number

            Type in E164833 and hit enter

You should now see Coverstar’s listings.  If you have problems, you can also search by company or by Automatic Pool Covers

If more information is required about ASTM and its standards, you can go to their website at www.astm.org.

 

Shown below is the UL authorized label that is attached to the automatic cover system that we ship which shows both UL certification and compliance with ASTM F 1346-91. A label is also placed on the front of every cover stating that we meet the ASTM safety standards.

 

 

 

New SS Flush Wall Anchor

Coverstar and Latham Pool Products is pleased to introduce a new anchor that can be used when anchoring solid or mesh safety covers into raised walls. 

This new anchor doesn't replace our current wall anchors with eye bolts, but will be an optional anchor that can be used when appropriate. 

The flush wall anchor provides a clean look, not only while the cover is over the pool, but after the cover has been removed as well.  With the cover off the pool, the anchors can be pressed and threaded further into the hole, so the head of the anchor ends up flush with the raised wall. 

 

To see the installation of this new anchor, please click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oHRLa99ZTg

Winterizing your pool with Coverstar

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.  We are neutral on this issue.  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.

2.      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 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).

 

3.      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.  This could cause the tracks to pull down, possibly damaging the material to which 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.