800119 REL-0005©2017 Cover-Pools Incorporated 7
BASIC MAINTENANCE
Motor
The motor we provide is waterproof and capable of
withstanding short-term submersion. However, you
should not allow the motor to be submersed for periods
longer than a few hours. Your system housing should have
adequate means of drainage for below-deck or recessed
installations. Make sure all drains remain clear. Your
motor has an internal thermal overload switch. If the
motor overheats to the point where the switch activates, it
will reset automatically when cool.
Water Level
The ability of your cover to support any weight is completely
dependent upon your maintaining the pool water at normal
operating level. In many cases, the cover will not support
itself if run over a low or empty pool or spa.
WARNING 11pt
WARNING 12pt
WARNING 14 pt
WARNING 24pt
WARNING 21pt
WARNING 27pt
WARNING 37
10PT
WARNING Severe damage to the cover may occur and
a great hazard may develop if your water level is not
maintained properly! (see “Winterizing Your Cover” on
page 8).
Track Cleaning
The track may collect dirt and debris over a period of time.
A buildup of dirt and debris can affect the operation and
adjustment of your cover. If the channels in your cover
track are not cleaned when necessary, the edging on your
cover and the protective anodized coating on your track
can wear out prematurely. To clean the track, retract the
cover and spray water into the track. The water will flush
out debris if sprayed the full length of the track at close
range. In most situations your track should be cleaned
twice a season. For pools or spas that are used year round,
or if you are in an area that is sandy or windy, cleaning
should be done more often. Never use anything but water to
clean the tracks or other extrusions.
Mechanism Cleaning
Over time, dried chemicals and dirt can build up on your
mechanism. If these components are not rinsed off, the
buildup can become so excessive that damage can occur.
We recommend rinsing the components as soon as you
see a noticeable residue. The metal components of your
pool cover should be rinsed off with fresh water only.
The frequency will vary with the usage of the pool cover.
When in doubt, it is better to rinse too frequently, than not
frequently enough. When rinsing the mechanism, turn off
all electricity to the cover. Make sure you have adequate
drainage in your cover housing. The motor will withstand
direct spray at low force. NOTE: Improper chemical
balance can rapidly affect your system as well as the cover
fabric. Check your water regularly to be sure it is balanced
properly. Please review the rest of this manual for proper
chemical balance recommendations.
Replacing a Pulley
At the end of each track is a pulley. A worn pulley can
cause cover adjustment problems and eventually lead to
a broken rope. Pulleys usually last about three years. If a
pulley in the end of the track causes a noticeable clicking
or grinding sound, it is worn. You should contact your local
dealer for replacement as soon as possible.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR WEAR AND DETERIORATION
You should give the components of your automatic cover a thorough inspection at least two to three times a year.
Vinyl Cover
The vinyl cover material is constructed with a tough
combination of vinyl and a polyester mesh.
Inspect the vinyl: Over the years, depending on your
cover’s exposure to chemicals, heat, and sun, the vinyl
will become brittle and eventually begin to crack. When
this occurs the polyester mesh will be exposed and begin
to change the capability of your cover to hold weight.
Inspection for this kind of deterioration should begin with
an examination for leaks. If you have leaks:
1. Patch the hole immediately.
2. Check the area around the hole to see if it has become
brittle or stiffer than the rest of the cover. Any change
in the feel of the vinyl where it begins to seem brittle
or stiff can indicate a problem.
3. If the normal square pattern you see in your cover
from the polyester mesh changes so that the mesh
pattern appears to be more pronounced than the other
parts of the cover, it could be an indication of the vinyl
becoming weak.
4. In areas where your cover is pulled over your deck or
coping it is possible to gradually wear the vinyl away
from the reinforcing mesh. Once the mesh is exposed
it can begin to deteriorate or break. Have the cover
repaired immediately if you notice this problem.
Inspect the sewing: Inspect the sewing where the vinyl
is attached to the webbing (edging) along the side of your
cover by your tracks. If any threads are broken or if the
webbing has begun to tear or fray, the strength of your
cover will be compromised. Have the cover repaired
immediately if you notice this problem.
Cover Track
Since your track is the main means of anchoring your cover
to your pool, inspection of the fasteners used to hold your
track to the pool sides is as important as inspecting the
cover. Make sure that all screws are tight and replaced if
missing. Some track is contained in a channel with shims.
Be sure to replace missing shims. The channel or opening
that your webbing slides in can wear over the years. If you
feel there is marked difference in any of the items we have
asked you to inspect, please contact your pool cover service
technician immediately for a detailed inspection.
