Use & Care of Automatic Pool Covers

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times.

All field-installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains, or other similar hardware within 3m of the unit shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than No. 8 AWG (No. 6 AWG for CANADA).

Keep the pump on the cover and set up for proper use whenever the cover is over the pool. Check cover frequently for signs of premature deterioration or weakness.

INSTALLATION CHECKPOINTS
A question that is often asked is how one can tell if an installation is done correctly. A few standard things that are easily checked which indicate if the system has been properly installed are listed below.

SLACK — with the guides properly installed you will have the correct amount of slack in your cover to ensure reliable operation for many years. All covers shrink slowly over a period of years when exposed to the elements and pool chemicals. This shrinkage will amount to several inches over the life of the fabric. When a cover gets tight between cover guides, it operates under significant stress, may be unsafe, and should be replaced.

COVER ROLL-UP — covers should retract and extend within 2-3 inches of being square to the mechanism at both ends of the pool. Some variance is allowed because of the diverse applications in which covers are used. Your cover is a very large piece of fabric that rolls around a 6” tube, and controlling exactly how it rolls up is a matter of pool configuration, deck surface adhesion, and environmental conditions.

DECK SURFACE — any rough or sharp edges on the deck that the cover travels over should be rasped or ground smooth.

LEADING EDGE—the leading edge which pulls the cover out over the pool should not drag on any portion of the deck or coping as it travels back and forth across the pool.

INFORMATION BEFORE OPERATION
This information is intended to instruct cover system owners in the proper operation and maintenance of their cover system. If a salesman or installer gives information that contradicts this manual, you should disregard their instruction on that topic.

PUMP OPERATION
A cover with water on it poses the same safety hazard as an open pool. Any accumulation of water on the surface of the cover must be removed immediately. Every cover system comes with a pump that automatically senses water and removes it, provided the pump is operable, properly placed, and maintained according to the pump manufacturer’s instructions.

The pump should be upright on its base in the middle of the cover and plugged into a GFI protected outlet whenever the cover is over the pool. You must follow all pump manufacturer’s instructions regarding its use and maintenance.

After the pump has removed all water from one location on the cover, it may be necessary to move the pump to other locations to remove all accumulated water. Do not operate the cover with water on it. One inch of water on a cover can weigh thousands of pounds.

The pump is covered under the pump manufacturer’s warrant.

PARTIALLY COVERED POOLS—always completely cover or uncover the pool. A partially covered pool can pose a safety hazard. Never allow anyone to swim under the cover.

KEY SWITCH LOCATION—all controls for the cover system must be located where the pool is completely visible during cover operation.

ALUMINUM LID — the aluminum lid on below-deck systems is a long-lasting cosmetic cover for the housing. It is not intended for anyone to walk or step on. It can be slippery when wet and walking on it can loosen the support brackets under it. You should instruct children not to step on the lid.

POOL WATER LEVEL — maintain the water level at the middle elevation of the skimmer opening. If the water drops below this level, the cover may operate under stress. Never cover the pool without the proper water level under the cover. The water supports all surface weight. If the water level is low and rain or surface water builds up on the cover, severe damage may be done to the coping and/or the cover system.

During the winter, the water level must be high enough to support the snow melt build-up. The pump should be on the cover and plugged in.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Powered safety covers are easy to use and very reliable when used and maintained properly. There are a few things to remember about the overall operation of a motorized cover.
1. COVER OPERATORS — only instructed, responsible individuals should operate the cover. For this reason, all systems are key operated. This is an expensive piece of equipment and, like your automobile, should be operated only by someone who can exercise judgment and care. Children should not be permitted to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
2. COVERING THE POOL: Turn the key to the “close” position. It takes a second for the gear to engage the rope take-up reels. Safety covers are required to have a momentary type of switch that requires constant pressure to operate the motor. This keeps the operator in complete control of the mechanism.
When closing the cover on systems where the guides are mounted on the deck, the cover should extend over the pool, but stop several inches short of reaching the end pulley housings at the end of the guides.

On underguide systems, lightly “bump” the leading edge against the end of the pool. Do not continue to force the cover closed after it touches the coping.
Release the switch when you have reached the proper closed position discussed above.
Place the pump on the cover.

NOTE: If the cover hesitates or stops before it reaches the end, you should immediately release the switch and investigate the problem. Sometimes dirt, debris, or obstacles like towels or hoses can stop the cover. Remove the obstruction and continue covering the pool. If, after investigation, you cannot find a reason for the hesitation, you should reverse the direction of the cover a foot or two and then retry to cover the pool.

UNCOVERING THE POOL
Turn the key to the “Open” position and hold it until the cover is retracted in front of the mechanism wit the pool fully exposed.
When uncovering the pool, the cover should retract to a point several inches in front of the emergency stops on the cover guides. The stops are there to prevent pulling the cover out of the guides in the event of over retraction, but are not meant as a stop to run the cover up against. Driving the cover into the end pulley housings or retracting against the emergency stops on a regular basis will damage several components, including the cover, rope, webbing, and possibly mechanical components.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

CLEANING THE COVER — 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. Wash cover with a mild hand dishwashing liquid ever 3-6 months to remove this accumulation. Do not use laundry detergent.
HOUSING DRAINS — on recessed systems, frequently check the drain(s) to be certain they drain the housing completely and do not allow water to stay in the housing area. If water is allowed to stand in the mechanism area over periods of time, the system may become damaged by the constant moisture. Damage to either electrical components resulting from standing water or extended submersion is not covered under the warranty.
WATER LEVEL — keep the water level in the pool at the mid-skimmer level. If the pool is overfilled, the water can flow over the lowered bond beam into the housing and flood the mechanism.
HOUSING — clean leaves and debris from deck housing ever 3-6 months, depending on foreign matter accumulation. Run the cover over the pool, prop the housing lid open or remove it, and remove the debris in the housing. Accumulated debris can hinder the proper operation of the cover.
RODENTS — in certain areas rodents may nest in the cover housing and chew on the cover and ropes. A common cause of rope breakage is rodent damage, which is not covered under warranty. Moth balls in a perforated tamperproof container may help keep rodents under control. Keep poisons out of reach of small children.

WATER CHEMISTRY

We suggest, as all cover manufacturers do, that you only cover pool water that you would swim in. If the water is temporarily out of balance due to chemical additives and you wouldn’t swim in it, covering the pool may damage the cover prematurely. Water that has improper chemical balance may, over the long term, severely shorten the expected life of the fabric. NOTE: If the pool is left open after shocking the pool, adult supervision of an open pool should be provided.
Use a good test kit frequently to maintain proper chemical balance. Premature cover deterioration that is a result of improper chemical balance is not covered under warranty

ASTM F1346-91 SAFTY STANDARD
The American Society for Testing Material created a final recommendation for powered and manual safety covers in 1991 called the ASTM F1346-91 standard. Coverstar systems have been tested, and when used and installed according to instructions, they meet or exceed this standard.
The main provisions of ASTM F1346-91 are:
The cover system must be labeled with warning labels. (Labels are always available either from your distributor or Coverstar if yours is illegible.)
The cover must support 485 lbs. In a five foot radius.
The cover must be operated from a position where the complete pool surface is visible to the operator.
The switch must be momentary and be located at least 5’ above the surface where the operator stands, or be key operated.
An object approximately 4.5” in diameter should not be able to slide under the cover.
An automatic water evacuation system (self-actuating cover pump) must be used at all times. It must be placed on the cover so that rain will automatically be removed within 1/2 hour after the cessation of rain.

You should check your installation and verify that the points above are present in your installation. If any point is not present, by definition, you do not have a safety cover.
Pool safety if a major concern of Ultra Modern Pool & Patio. We agree with the National Spa and Pool Institute that the first and most important component of pool safety is constant adult supervision of the pool area. There is no substitute for adult supervision.
In addition to your safety cover, additional layers of protection are available for your pool. We have included in the homeowners packet a brochure published by the National Spa and Pool Institute entitled Layers of Protection. We recommend that you evaluate your situation and decide which layers of protection you should use to protect your pool.

COVER STAR—LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited ten year warranty on the mechanism: Coverstar Inc. warrants the Coverstar pool cover mechanism to perform the function of covering and uncovering a pool for ten years from the date of shipment from Coverstar Inc.. The mechanism includes all mechanical parts on the reel mechanism except rope pulleys, guide feeds and sliders that are considered consumed through use. Extrusions of the cover system and electrical components are warranted for three years. Electrical components are warranted against water damage for three years provided they are infrequently exposed to water and not submerged repeatedly or for extended periods of time. Evidence of submersion beyond two days will void the electrical warranty. A recessed system must have adequate drainage and the pool owner must maintain drainage. Failure to maintain drainage will void the warranty. Shipping expense to return components to an authorized factory repair location is not included and is the responsibility of the pool cover owner. Coverstar Inc. will repair or replace workmanship failures in components free of charge for parts and factory labor at its factory. This warranty does not cover poolside labor to install or repair parts. All installation and on—site labor warranties are offered by the selling, installing, or servicing dealer according to terms and conditions he sets for such service.

Warranty Performance: Coverstar Inc. manufacturer warranty service is performed at the Provo, Utah service facility. To receive Coverstar factory service you must ship parts to Coverstar Inc. for repair or replacement and pay all shipping costs. All poolside labor warranties including the term and scope of coverage are issued by the installing dealer and are independent from the Coverstar Inc. warranty. Normally a mechanism is repaired on site. In this event, a component covered by warranty is supplied at no charge for the part to the pool cover owner during the term of the warranty. On site service will be provided by the servicing/installing dealer during normal business hours after you notify the dealer and give identification of the equipment, the warranty effective date, and nature of defect. To verify your warranty is still in effect, you must furnish evidence of the warranty effective date. For on-site service, you must call the servicing dealer found in your owner’s manual. No warranty exists unless the cover or system is paid for in full.

What is not covered: These limited warranties do not cover conditions caused by abuse, neglect, abnormal wear and tear, or improper operation or installation, including your failure to comply with printed instructions or the operational videotape furnished with the cover system. Unreasonable use or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance of the fabric, rope, operating mechanism and extrusions of the cover systems or defects arising from the improper installation are not covered. Damage to the pool, equipment, decks, water, or any surrounding material through installation or use of the cover system is not covered. Coverstar Inc., but is warranted by the pump manufacturer according to its own warranty. Coverstar is not an authorized pump repair or service center. These warranties are non-transferable.
Exclusions: The above warranties do not apply.

To conditions resulting from any misuse, abuse, submersion (electrical components are covered above), negligence, accident, failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with Coverstar Inc. instructions, or application beyond the system intended use.
To normal fading and deterioration of exterior surfaces resulting from exposure to the elements except conditions that affect ASTM F1346-91 safety performance.
To damage resulting from acts of God or events beyond the control of Coverstar Inc. including, but not limited to, earthquake, flood, high wind, tornadoes, fire, hail, lightning, etc..

To systems in which any non-Coverstar parts have been used as part of the system or repair work done by service personnel not authorized by Coverstar Inc.

LIMITED FABRIC WARRANTY—ULTRAGARD II
Limited six year UltraGard IITM Fabric Warranty: for thirty months from the date of manufacture, Coverstar will repair or replace an UltraGard IITM fabric that fails to meet ASTM F1346-91 safety standards without charge for materials or factory labor. During the thirty-first through seventy-second months of the limited warranty period the cost of factory repair or replacement will be prorated 1/72 per month for each month of the warranty period from the date of shipment from Coverstar Inc.
Warranty Performance: All UltraGard IITM fabrics with a warranty claim must be sent freight prepaid to a Coverstar Inc. authorized service center for repair or replacement evaluation. Labor to remove or replace a cover is not covered under this warranty. Shipping expenses are the responsibility of the cover owner. All poolside labor service contracts or warranties are offered by the selling, installing or servicing dealer. No warranty exists unless the cover or system is paid for in full.
What is not covered: This warranty does not cover deterioration caused by improper chemical balance in the pool water, damage by animals, abuse, neglect, exposure to damaging chemicals, or abnormal wear and tear. Cosmetic or physical changes to the pool cover including, but not limited to, fading, discoloration, weakening, pin holing, plastic loss, or stiffening resulting from exposure to the pool environment that do not affect ASTM F1346-91 safety performance are not covered. Rope and webbing damage is only covered for manufacturing defect. Damage to the pool, equipment, decks, water, or any surrounding material through installation or use of the cover system is not covered. Damage to a cover that is the result of an act of God or events or conditions not within the control of Coverstar Inc., including, but not limited to: damage caused by earthquake, flood, tornado, hail, high wind, etc., improper installation, or failure to provide care and maintenance in accordance with the Coverstar owner’s manual or video tape instructions is not covered.

COVERSTAR MOTOR WARRANTY
3 years limited warranty. 95% of motor problems deal with moisture and most local motor companies are not equipped to do this. We recommend that all Coverstar motors be returned to Coverstar for repair whether warranted or not, as they seal their motors. The freight is not covered under warranty.

Download a printable PDF: BUL-154 – USE AND CARE OF AUTOMATIC POOL COVERS

Copyright ©2015 ULTRA MODERN POOL & PATIO, INC.
Bulletin #154