{"id":1785,"date":"2023-09-20T01:41:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T01:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=1785"},"modified":"2023-09-20T17:32:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T17:32:41","slug":"automatic-pool-covers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/automatic-pool-covers\/","title":{"rendered":"Automatic Pool Covers: Choosing the Best for Inground Pools Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An automatic pool cover is among the best investments for your inground or aboveground swimming pool. Not only will it keep your pool cleaner, cut down on maintenance, and retain heat, but it also provides an extra layer of safety and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will walk you through all you need to know about auto covers, including what they are, how they work, parts, types, top brands, how to choose the right one, installation and maintenance tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automatic Pool Covers: Basics <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is an Automatic Pool Cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is a powered cover that you can extend or retract at the push of a button or flick of a switch. It sits on the pool’s surface and completely seals off the water when closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How
Auto Cover<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parts of An Auto Pool Cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here are the main components of an automatic pool cover system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controller<\/strong> – This control panel or switch activates the opening and closing of the cover. It is usually a keypad, touchpad, or switch mounted on a nearby wall or post. Pressing buttons for Open or Close initiates the cover retraction or extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Housing<\/strong> – This deck or recessed box stores the electric motor and mechanical drive components. The cover fabric neatly rolls up into the housing when opening the pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead Edge<\/strong> – This front metal or plastic bar attaches to the pool cover fabric. It pulls the cover out of the housing when opening and rolls the fabric onto itself when closing the cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tracks<\/strong> – Guide rails mounted into the pool coping or deck along the sides. The lead edge rolls along these tracks, keeping the cover aligned perfectly as it opens and closes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gliders\/Wheels<\/strong> – Wheels or low-friction gliders mounted under the lead edge bar. They roll in the tracks for smooth movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover Pump<\/strong> – This safety pump is usually placed on the closed cover and hooked to a GFCI <\/a>(ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet. This removes any standing water on top and is critical for safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cables<\/strong> – Steel cable, nylon, or poly ropes that attach to the lead edge and spool up on reels in the housing to retract the cover when opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Automatic
Parts: IMG: APC Inc<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How an Automatic Pool Cover Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An automatic pool cover uses a pulley system with two reels connected by cables or ropes running through tracks along the pool edges. A motor turns the reels to extend or retract the vinyl cover fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One large reel on one side stores the actual cover material; the other smaller reel holds the cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When opening the cover, the motor unwinds the cables from the small reel, pulling the cover off the large reel to retract it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When closing the cover, the motor winds the cables to pull the cover back across the pool onto the large reel. This automatic pulley mechanism allows you to open and close the pool cover with a button rather than manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Automatic Retractable Pool Covers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of automatic pool covers, including electric, hydraulic or solar<\/strong> (based on the energy source that powers their operation), on-deck, recessed, <\/strong>and under-coping<\/strong> (based on how the track systems are mounted to the edge of the pool)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydraulic Automatic Pool Cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hydraulic automatic pool cover system is a type of automatic pool cover that uses hydraulic (liquid fluid) power to open and close the cover. The system consists of a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic cylinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the cover needs to be opened or closed, the hydraulic motor is activated by turning a key or using a remote control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hydraulic pump generates hydraulic pressure, which is transmitted to the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder converts the hydraulic pressure into mechanical force, which moves the cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of system is ideal for larger pools where more power is needed or access to the pool’s electricity is limited or unavailable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, a hydraulic automatic pool cover system is a reliable option for owners who want to ensure their pool’s safety and security while reducing maintenance and energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric Automatic Pool Cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An electric automatic pool cover system is a type of automatic pool cover that primarily relies on electricity to open and close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comprises an electric motor, the component that provides the power to roll up or retract the vinyl pool cover, and a mechanism to activate the motor, usually a push button, switch, or touchpad control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You only need to activate the motor to open or close this type of cover. Once you\u2019ve turned on the motor, the pool cover automatically rolls across the pool area with the help of two tracks on either<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-Deck Covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also referred to as toptrack or deck-mount toptrack, these covers have the track housing on top of the pool deck near the coping. This provides easy access for maintenance and repairs since the system components are out in the open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this setup, it means deck modifications are more straightforward compared to recessed housing. They fit almost any shape or size of an existing pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-deck tracks provide the best overall value, balancing easier installation and maintenance with lower costs.  The downside is that the track and cover housing are visually prominent and do not retract fully out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recessed Covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also referred to as flush track or recessed toptrack, this type of cover has its track housing buried in a trench in the pool deck. The cover disappears into a housing recessed below the deck. This provides a sleek, flush\/hidden<\/strong> appearance when the cover is fully retracted. This cover fits both new and existing free-form or rectangular pools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, installation is more complex, requiring excavation of the pool deck and waterproofing of the recessed trench area. Accessing the track system for servicing can also be difficult with the housing buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under-Coping Covers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes called the recessed undertrack, these covers have the track mounted inconspicuously under the pool\u2019s coping with the mechanism housed below the deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mechanism, track, and cover are hidden from view when the cover is open. In addition to hiding the cover system, this offers the most streamlined look possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While undertrack covers are aesthetically appealing, installation requires removing and replacing the coping stones. The track is also not accessible for service once the coping is restored. Any track repairs or replacement would necessitate redoing the entire coping around the pool perimeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under-coping covers cannot fit on any pool; they fit only on pools designed to accommodate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Types
Track systems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 Pros of Automatic Pool Covers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investing in an automatic pool cover offers numerous advantages that enhance the overall experience of pool ownership. The following are the compelling benefits these covers bring to your swimming pool and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Safety is paramount, especially if you have children or pets. Many users think safety is the primary<\/strong> reason they consider these covers. Here is how auto covers provide a vital layer of protection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n