Updated Coverstar Dealer Manual

Last year, we introduced our new Coverstar Dealer Manual. The dealer manual provides detailed information that that is helpful when building a pool that will include a Coverstar automatic safety cover. The manual includes information such as:

• Installation instructions for full Eclipse, CS3000 and CS300HD spa systems
• Specifications sheets for each mechanism, system type and housings
• Wiring diagrams for the standard switch or new touch pad switches
• Cross section drawings of housing, walk on lids, housing drainage etc.
• Sections for special applications including blowers, perimeter overflow, vanishing edge etc.

The manual is organized with an easy to follow table of contents which will help you navigate through the different options whether they are looking for information based on pool type (gunite, vinyl liner and fiberglass) or system type (underguide, topguide, deckmount).

We are excited to announce that the new dealer manual has been updated to include improvements that have been made to our systems and products.  This updated version of the manual has been posted on our website and is available for viewing or for download. To access the manual, go to www.coverstar.com. After the website opens, click on the link that says "are you a builder/dealer". Next, use the mouse to hover over the link that says "Automatic" along the top of the page. This will bring up several options, including "Dealer Manual".

After clicking on the manual link, you will see that it has been set up with a number of links throughout it. Each of the line items in the table of contents is a link that will take you to that section of the manual. Additional links titled "return to table of contents", have been included at the top of each page throughout the manual. When clicked, these links will take you back to the table of contents.

The dealer can be downloaded in its entirety using this link at the top of the page or, if a specific section is needed, the individual section can be downloaded.

We hope you find this new manual helpful as you implement automatic covers in your pool designs.

Automatic Cover Maintenance

Extending the life of a pool cover is neither hard nor time consuming. Proper cover maintenance will help lengthen the life of your cover and keep it running smoothly. An automatic pool cover not only provides safety for your loved ones, it can also save you money by reducing heating loss, chemical loss and water evaporation. Additionally, it can be used to winterize the pool and protect it from the harmful effects of the sun.

Throughout the years Coverstar has identified a number of ways to prevent early wear and tear of automatic pool covers and to increase their life by following some simple maintenance techniques.

• Keep water levels in your pool at the mid-skimmer level. If the pool is overfilled, water can flow over the bond beam into the housing and flood the mechanism. If the water level is too low, the cover will have a lot more sag in it, which adds more stress and wear to the system. It is critical to maintain the correct water level especially in the winter months if the cover is being used as a winter cover. If the water level in the pool is too low to support the weight of the snow load, significant damage can occur to the pool and pool cover. By simply maintaining your water level, it will help keep your system running smoothly.

• It is also important to monitor the chemistry of the pool water and keep it properly balanced. Doing this will minimize the harmful effects of chemical imbalance. The general rule is that you only cover a pool that you would swim in. After adding any chemicals to your pool, allow the chemicals to circulate before closing the cover. If you are unsure if it is safe to close the cover, test the water at the surface with your test kit. If the cover is closed before the chemicals have had a chance to mix, this could shorten the life of the fabric or not allow the chemicals to balance properly in the pool.

• General cleaning maintenance of the cover, housing drains, pulleys, and cover guides can greatly impact the operation and life of the cover. Periodically removing debris and dirt from the guides and pulleys with a high pressure hose will allow the cover to operate efficiently. In windy and dusty areas, covers may become inoperable until the debris has been hosed from the guides. The build up of this debris, if not removed, can cause premature wear and tear on all components of the system.

• When you uncover the pool, the water in the pool is transferred from the pool to the top surface of the cover. The sun then dries it, causing high concentrations of chlorine on top of the cover that may damage the fabric. To remove this build-up and other debris, wash the cover with a mild hand dish washing liquid every 3-6 months. However, do not use laundry detergent or any other chemicals to clean the cover.

• In order to meet ASTM safety standards, a closed cover should have a cover pump in place on top of the cover to remove any accumulated water. Not only is the accumulated water on top of the cover a safety hazard, but the increased weight on top of the cover will strain the system if you try to operate the cover with water on top of it.

• Proper operation of the autocover can also impact its life span. We suggest that homeowners stop the cover a foot before the cover is completely uncovered or covered, then bump the switch to inch the cover until it is fully open or closed. This will reduce the wear on the ropes and the webbing by preventing hard hits against the coping on the deep end of the pool as the cover is closed and on the cover stops as it is opened.

• Finally, you may want to consider employing the services of a local authorized pool cover professional to provide an annual maintenance and check-up of your pool cover system. They can provide a variety of service options including lubricating and greasing pulleys and fittings, making cover adjustments, tightening loose bolts and screws and cleaning the box and cover.

Following these few simple maintenance and autocover care recommendations will help preserve the life not only of your cover, but your pool as well. Taking the time to maintain your cover will pay off and will help to keep it operating safely for many years to come.

Northeast Pool & Spa Show

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, particpated in the Northeast Pool & Sps show this past week.  Dealer who attended the event were shown the many features that set the Coverstar automatic cover system and solid & mesh safety covers apart from our competitors. Some of the features highlighted include:

Automatic Covers:

• Eclipse Stainless Steel and 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 stronger motor than the original spa mechanism motor. It includes pulley brackets that allow it to be installed in cover housings that range from 10 - 14 inches wide. This allows it to also be installed 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.
• 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.
• Heat Sealed Webbing – This webbing is much stronger and longer lasting then standard sewn on webbing,

Solid & Mesh Safety Covers

• SS Flush Wall Anchors - These new anchors are used in raised wall applications.  After the cover is removed in the spring, the anchor bolt can be tightened, so the head of the bolt is flush with the wall.  This provides a cleaner look than an opening in the wall after an eye bolt has been removed. 
• Folded and interlocking seams - The interlocking seams provide more strength to the seams of the cover for longer life and durability.  
• Several Fabric Types and colors - Coverstar solid & mesh safety covers are available in multiple fabric shades and weights and colors.  This allows the cover to be perfectly matched with the needs of the customer. 
  
  The highlight of the Latham Pool Products Booth was the beautiful Ford F150 that was  parked in the booth.  Be visiting the Latham Booth and having their badges scanned, dealers were entered into a drawing to win this truck.  As they continue to purchase Latham products throughout the year, additional entries will be placed in the drawing for the truck.  
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 To learn more about these and other Coverstar products, please go to www.coverstar.com.

Featured Product - Reusable Lid Forming Kits

Coverstar is excited to feature their reusable 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 reusable lid forming kits are easy to use and assemble.  With the assembled trays placed on a level surface, the concrete can be poured and finished.  Once the concrete is set, the front form is pulled away and the lid section is removed from the tray.  These lid kits are then easily washed so they will be ready for the next job. 

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 information on this and other innovative Coverstar products, please contact a Coverstar Representative or go to www.coverstar.com.

Coverstar 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. 

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. 

 

Regardless of the cover system type, all Coverstar automatic covers provide a number of benefits that the 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.

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.   

There is no better way to conserve important natural resources than an automatic 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 solution because you care about the environment and want to save money.

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.    







2014 Latham Dealer Conference

 

Coverstar, a division of Latham Pool Products, participated in the 2014 Dealer Conference that was held Jan. 5th - 9th in Aruba. This dealer conference is a reward trip that dealers can earn buy showing loyalty in purchasing not only Coverstar products, but other Latham products during the past year.

During the 4 day event, dealers had the opportunity to learn from guest speakers, participate in sales trainings and a mini trade show where they were able to learn about new products and programs that Coverstar, Latham, Kafko, Viking, Trilogy and Blue Hawaiian Pools will be introducing during the upcoming pool season. 

At the close of the event, many dealers were recognized with Builders of Excellence awards and Centennial awards for those pool builders who built over 100 pools during 2013. 

The 2014 Dealer Conference was a great event where many friendships were made and existing relationships were strengthened.  We are looking forward to the 2015 Dealer Conference and hope to see many more dealers participate. 

Touch Pad Control 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 is proud to introduce 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 new Coverstar touchpad connects to your existing home network.It is easy to set up and will allow you to choose which 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 and more

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.

The new touch pad control switch by Coverstar, a brand of Latham Pool Products, Behind Every Pool.