What is an automatic pool cover?

  The pool cover systems sold by Ellis’ Pool Covers are best described as “powered safety covers”.  A reinforced fabric (click here for the standard colors) material rides in 2 tracks, and is pulled back and forth across the pool.  The cover is pulled over the pool by Dacron cables, and pulleys, which are hidden in the track.  The cover is pulled off the pool by rolling up onto a long aluminum tube.  Power for the system comes from an electric gear motor, or from a hydraulic motor with a remote electric power pack.

A thermal barrier

 Keeping your pool covered when not in use will considerably reduce the amount of fuel to heat it.  Not only does the cover fabric seal off evaporation, and heat loss that way, but it also acts as a solar cover, to a degree.  Here in New England, the swimming season can be significantly lengthened by keeping the pool water warm despite the cool spring and autumn nights.

•    A typical 10 to 15 degree increase in water temperature, during the swimming season.
  

    At the same time, keeping your pool covered when not in use helps in the following ways:

•     A typical 70% lower pool heating bill.
•     A typical 70% lower chemical bill.
•     A 70% or so lower pool pump power bill.
•     A typical 90% lower pool water bill.
•     The long term effects of using fewer chemical can extend the life your pool plaster, or liner, as well as the other pool equipment.

A Safety cover

Ellis’ Pool Covers sells tracked automatic swimming pool cover systems (versus floating covers like the “bubble wrap” type).  All covers meet the ASTM standard F 1346-91.

The main provisions of ASTM F1346-91 are:

•     The cover system must be labeled with warning labels.
•     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 switch operated.  All pool cover systems come with some sort of locking, or key switch.
•     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.  All outdoor pool cover systems come with an automatic cover pump.

Automatic pool covers for new pools

 When automatic pool cover systems are incorporated into the pool design from the beginning, they work and look best, as well as being the most inconspicuous.  Usually, the pool cover mechanism, and most of the hardware resides underground.

 Knowing the details ahead of time is critical when planning your new pool.   Browse the pictures, and don’t be afraid to call for help.

Top track recessed mechanism

 This configuration is used to apply an automatic pool cover to a non rectangular pool.  The cover rolls up under ground to minimize the amount of space it takes away from your pool area.  The track the cover moves in is low profile, and feet friendly.

  This type of system can also be installed onto existing pools, click here to see how it's done.

Under track system

 On rectangular shaped pools, an “under track” system can be installed.  This arrangement has the cover track mounted on the underside of a narrow cantilever.  With the mechanism under ground, and the track mounted out of sight, under track systems are neat, and do not alter the appearance of your pool much.

Encapsulated track

 “Encapsulated track” systems use a track system that is built into the pool walls.  The mechanism is housed under ground. There are several types of encapsulated track systems available, please call for more information.

Automatic pool covers for existing pools

Deck mount system

 As a retrofit to existing pools, a “deck mount” system is available.  Deck mount systems attach entirely on the pool deck surface.  Within limits, the shape of the pool is not important, so deck mount systems can be installed on free form pools, as well as pools with end or side swim outs.  The main requirement is the space to install the two parallel tracks the cover travels in.  It is not uncommon to require small patches of cement (etc.) to be added to the pool deck area of a free form pool in order for the pool cover track and or mechanism to be installed.

Top track recessed mechanism

  A recessed top track system can also be installed onto an existing pool.   The procedure involves cutting into the pool deck and installing the mechanism enclosure under ground.   Click here to see an example.