Automatic Pool Cover Won't Open

[phoneticsoft]

Hi,

I'm new here and am hoping someone can help me figure out how to get my pool cover open. It is a CoverPools brand...I think it's a T3 model. It's about 2 years old.

When I turn the key, I just hear a clicking noise. No movement of the cover. I can see that the clutch doesn't seem to be engaging. (I think it's called a double-dog clutch.) I am posting a video so you can see what I'm talking about.

Anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

We have a few members with automatic covers so lets see if this bump gets them to see your post!

Take care.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

A 2-year-old auto-cover ought to have some warranty left. Contact the installer before attempting DIY repairs.

 

[mjbarr99]

Stick a large screwdriver where the dogs are located and push in while someone else turns the key to open the cover. This will help engage the gear. Hope this helps.

 

[avspin]

My CoverPools cover is older and there is a 2" x 1/4" roll pin that breaks when there is too much stress. My cover is on top of the concrete and I get breaks every couple months. Don't know if the new ones have pins.

 

[amfrench]

My CoverPools cover is older and there is a 2" x 1/4" roll pin that breaks when there is too much stress. My cover is on top of the concrete and I get breaks every couple months. Don't know if the new ones have pins.

I'm so sorry that I'm going to ask what is probably a very stupid question... What is a roll pin? What would I be looking for to see if my cover has this?

I'm having a similar issue that seems to be caused by what the OP is experiencing... New to pools and not very mechanically inclined myself...

 

[avspin]

In the video and photo above there is a white nylon strap held in place by springs. It covers a hole that goes through 3 layers. There is a pin that is hammered in to connect the layers so everything spins with the main shaft that's attached to the motor. The pin is there to break if there is too much force on the motor to save a very expensive fix. I bought a box of 100 pins about 10 years ago and have gone through about half.
**But this is only applicable if it has a pin. As I stated above, mine is from 2002 and I don't know if the newer ones have pins. But mine looks exactly the same as in the video and photo.

 

[avspin]

Shear pin is the correct term. Here is the instructions.

 

[santacruzpool]

You are lucky that the motor is running well it appears - Check if you have a shear pin as others have mentioned above (Not sure a T3 does - mine is a T3 also). I would look at the slip clutch.

If you do have a sheared pin, then it would seem that your cover ropes might be stuck or too tight which caused the shear pin to break protecting your gears and pulleys.

I would do at least a partial manual close/open to check the ease of moving the cover and ropes through the tracks and pulleys. If it hasn't been used in a while one or more of the pulleys could be frozen and creating too much friction. I would also check the rope track and make sure it is clean.

Here is the T3 manual from Cover-Pools.

Once you have the cover moving well on its own, then the next thing I would check is the slip clutch: "Make sure there is nothing interfering with the cover operation before adjusting the slip clutch. Water on the cover, low pool water level, bad track pulleys, and dirt or debris in the track can all cause the clutch to slip. If the clutch is slipping due to the reasons above, fix the problem, don't adjust the slip clutch. "

This is on page 15 of the manual I linked.

 

[Mom]

Shear pin is the correct term. Here is the instructions.

Do coverstar systems have shear pins? My motor will only turn 1 direction, pool tech said just get a new motor. Want to be sure he is correct.