botched replacement safety cover??

[abfab]

I ordered a new safety cover from my local pool store. They sent my existing one to the manufacturer to be laser cut. I was told that the new one would fit the same as my existing one. Since they had the original to work with I had no reason to doubt this.

When I installed the new cover I noticed that it did not fit properly. They changed a couple of the straps near the walk in steps so now one anchor is redundant and one on the other side needs to be added. In addition several straps no longer align with the anchors. Some are 1-inch off, others are several inches off. As a result the straps in my shallow end are angled not straight. The deep end isn't too bad.

The sketch that came with the order says that they don't guarantee perfect anchor match and some anchors may need to be redrilled. At least 8 out of the 38 anchors are significantly off. I never saw this paper or signed off on this. I thought it was odd that the order came with 8 new anchors while I got a complete set of buckles/springs. It wasn't until I was adjusting the tension that I really noticed the problem. If I keep it as is the cover does not sit flat in spots. I really don't want to drill more holes in the concrete.

Before I call to complain, is it expected that I should have to relocate anchors every time I order a new cover? I can understand one or two being off a bit, but 20% of them?? I've never had to order a cover before as the previous one was the original. Was it unreasonable for me to expect the new one be identical.
TIA!

 

[ajw22]

The laser cut was for the shape of the cover and as you have now learned does not guarantee duplicating every strap and anchor point.

Install the new anchors and move on.

 

[JamesW]

Before I call to complain, is it expected that I should have to relocate anchors every time I order a new cover?

In most cases, you will have to install a few new anchors.

In some cases where the original manufacturer has the original file data where they made the cover, you might get an exact fit, but that's probably less than 10% of cases.

 

[revitup]

Is moving or adding straps not an option?

 

[abfab]

I don't mind adding an anchor for the new strap that they added but adding new anchors within inches of the old one means that i will have several redundant anchors that will be confusing when i close if I leave them. If I take them out then i will have to fill the concrete holes which will look ugly.

I don't know who did the original cover as it was done when the pool was built by the previous owner 20 years ago. There was no tag indicating the manufacturer.

Is it a problem if some of the straps are not completely straight? I suspect that it will affect the strength and possibly void the warranty? I need it to support the weight of the snow - no animals or kids walking on it.

 

[JamesW]

Is it a problem if some of the straps are not completely straight?

How many degrees away from 90 will the straps be?

 

[abfab]

How many degrees away from 90 will the straps be?

The straps closer to the centre of the pool are maybe 20% off (from 180 degrees). Closer to the walk in steps a couple are at a 45 degree angle.

 

[JamesW]

The straps closer to the centre of the pool are maybe 20% off (from 180 degrees). Closer to the walk in steps a couple are at a 45 degree angle.

That's too far off. The straps should be straight with the entire strap end to end.

 

[1Sammy]

So what did the pool store say ? I have never placed an order for a replacement but was told a few times that if i ever did they asked me to keep the old one so they could send it in for size and strap locations so NO new holes would need to be drilled.

 

[abfab]

Do the strap changes that they made make sense? Shouldn't every strap have an anchor on each side to adjust the tension properly? The red lines indicate the missing straps.

 

[JamesW]

Shouldn't every strap have an anchor on each side to adjust the tension properly? The red lines indicate the missing straps.

I agree that the red lines should have straps.

 

[Homebrewale]

I guess I got lucky. I didn't have to send in my old cover and the new cover I got this year is an exact copy of the old one.

 

[JamesW]

I guess I got lucky. I didn't have to send in my old cover and the new cover I got this year is an exact copy of the old one.

If you get it from the original manufacturer, they should have the pattern on file.

Also, different manufacturers might use different web spacing and that can affect the cover exact fit.

 

[Homebrewale]

If you get it from the original manufacturer, they should have the pattern on file.

Also, different manufacturers might use different web spacing and that can affect the cover exact fit.

It was from the same manufacturer (Loop Loc) and through the same pool company. I don't know if Loop Loc or the pool company saved the dimensions. It was 13 years between covers. I did switch from mesh to solid.

 

[JamesW]

Loop-Loc keeps the pattern on file.

 

[wireform]

I believe where the 2 red lines intersect with the cover are in the correct spot sewn. Since each of those 2 straps intersect from two directions they must be pegged to the deck midpoint so it will pull the both directions equally to tether the cover.

 

[abfab]

I believe where the 2 red lines intersect with the cover are in the correct spot sewn. Since each of those 2 straps intersect from two directions they must be pegged to the deck midpoint so it will pull the both directions equally to tether the cover.

what do your green lines represent?

 

[wireform]

what do your green lines represent?

That's where the new anchor positions ought to be to make it work right

 

[JamesW]

The red lines are where the straps should be.

The straps should be an extension of the webbing and straight in-line with the webbing.

 

[abfab]

That's where the new anchor positions ought to be to make it work right

Do you think that what I had before was better than what they did? I'm trying to understand the manufacturer's logic in removing those straps and adding the other one.