Friday, May 18, 2012

Coverstar and Freeform Pools (part 3 of 3)

To continue showing the different track options when installing an automatic pool cover on a free form pool, we will now look at the third type of track that can be used in this application, which is standard topguide.  This track is not set in place during the construction of the pool.  This track will be set in place on top of the finished concrete deck.  This track is a low profile track (similar to a door threshold) that is screwed down on top of the deck.  It is important to check the measurements between the tracks on each side of the pool to make sure they are straight and square before anchoring them to the pool deck. 


When any of these track types are used for an automatic cover during the construction of the pool, the cover drive system is located in a cover housing which is below grade.  This is where the cover will roll up and be stored when the cover is retracted off the pool. 
This cover housing can then be covered using different types of lids.  Some of these lids are an aluminum hinged lid, while other lids are made of concrete so the lid blends in with the surrounding pool deck. 

The examples that have been given are based on adding automatic pool covers to new pools that were under construction.  However, it is also possible to install an automatic pool cover on existing pools.  In this case, both the cover drive system and the track are anchored to the top of the concrete pool deck.  With the drive system above grade, they can be covered using plastic deckmount housings or by building a wood bench over them. 




It is important to note that when installing an automatic pool cover on a freeform pool, it is important to limit the amount of concrete that the pool cover will be pulled across.  When a cover is pulled across concrete, it creates deck drag on the cover which will add stress to the operation of the cover system.  By locating the track close to the edge of the pool, this deck drag will be reduced, allowing the cover to operate more smoothly. 

Regardless of the type of track that is used when installing an automatic cover on a freeform pool, there are a number of benefits that a 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.


1 comment:

  1. I hate the ugly metal tracks on my automatic top mount pool cover on our freeform pool.

    Our pool builder failed to inform us they would be on top of the concrete and had us look at his website that showed the only the covers that were hidden in one of the ways described on your site. By the time he told us, it was too late and the concrete was done. (don't trust your pool builder. Ask questions, even if he tries to rush you through explanations or gives no explanation at all. Ours was a dimwitted jerk)

    They are horrible and completely detract from our pool and beautiful stamped concrete.

    Is there any way to hide the rails or make them stand out less? I feel the huge amount of money we spent is wasted because of these ugly rails

    Thanks. Any help would be appreciated

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