Autocover box

Dogmom1 · Apr 10, 2022

Hello, last summer when our landscapers were cutting the papers for the auto cover box they cut them too long initially which did not allow access. They were grouted down in some way. They then peeled off the pavers, cut them and re-grouted them down. (I have no idea what they used to seal them to the auto cover plate, see attached pictures.) this spring We opened the box to clean it out and the pavers fell off. This does not seem normal, what do you guys think would be fair to ask of the landscapers in this situation? I am worried that because the pavers were initially cut wrong that the box plates may need to be replaced which are expensive. I know that coping can come off but this seems a little excessive. I don’t think they should have to be attached every year, the pool was done six months ago.

Dogmom1 · Apr 10, 2022

This is what the corner of the auto cover box looks like if that’s helpful.

bmoreswim · Apr 11, 2022

I'll get the conversation started. In the last picture, I can see that the stones are not cut to be aligned with the shape of the SS trays. This is incorrect. The stones should dimensionally be the same size as the trays, either naturally, or by cutting them be that size. That way the trays can be picked up one at a time while not moving another tray. No way to get around this except to have the stones cut to the tray size (either one stone or set of stones). Those can be mortared and should remain in place. That said, stone on a tray in a freezing environment is not an ideal scenario for staying attached. Does the metal lathe material attach to the tray? Seems they should be welded to the tray so that the mortar in them holds to the tray, and hopefully also holds to the underside of the stones (smooth bottom side of stones also give less grip/connection for the mortar). But again, having water being able to get into the try is kind of a recipe for problems in the winter where it will then freeze. I don't have real life experience with these trays and stone in winter though, so I'm just giving my opinion. My autocover has the same brackets, but my stones themselves span the brackets and no trays are needed.

In one picture, the trays are shown upside down. Unless this was done only after they stones fell off, or because the stones aren't sized the same as the trays, they trays shouldn't ever be turned over. It's just tempting fate and physics.

I've attached a picture of how my coping stones are cut/sized the same size as my box, unlike that corner stone from your last picture.

IMG_7767 - TFP.jpg

bmoreswim
Sep 19, 2013

Dogmom1 · Apr 11, 2022

bmoreswim said:
I'll get the conversation started. In the last picture, I can see that the stones are not cut to be aligned with the shape of the SS trays. This is incorrect. The stones should dimensionally be the same size as the trays, either naturally, or by cutting them be that size. That way the trays can be picked up one at a time while not moving another tray. No way to get around this except to have the stones cut to the tray size (either one stone or set of stones). Those can be mortared and should remain in place. That said, stone on a tray in a freezing environment is not an ideal scenario for staying attached. Does the metal lathe material attach to the tray? Seems they should be welded to the tray so that the mortar in them holds to the tray, and hopefully also holds to the underside of the stones (smooth bottom side of stones also give less grip/connection for the mortar). But again, having water being able to get into the try is kind of a recipe for problems in the winter where it will then freeze. I don't have real life experience with these trays and stone in winter though, so I'm just giving my opinion. My autocover has the same brackets, but my stones themselves span the brackets and no trays are needed.

In one picture, the trays are shown upside down. Unless this was done only after they stones fell off, or because the stones aren't sized the same as the trays, they trays shouldn't ever be turned over. It's just tempting fate and physics.

I've attached a picture of how my coping stones are cut/sized the same size as my box, unlike that corner stone from your last picture.

IMG_7767 - TFP.jpg

bmoreswim

Sep 19, 2013

The trays are upside down because when we opened them a few days ago they were not attached to anything, they kind of fell apart from the pavers. We went ahead and lifted them up and set them aside to clean out the auto cover box. Currently the trays are not attached to anything they are just sitting there, I know the trays were ordered to the pavers but I do not remember if they were attached to anything else. Initially they cut the stones so that they we’re not the same size as the trays, they realized their mistake and broke the stones off, cut the stones to fit and then Re mortared them on. I’m not sure if maybe Breaking them off with the residual mortar on and then adding more mortar made them more likely to break apart, if so I am worried about this happening every year!

bmoreswim · Apr 11, 2022

Honestly I’d be concerned it may happen again as well if nothing different is being done. I feel that if the bottom of the stones are smooth, it isn’t helping. Small grooves could be cut in them to give the mortar something to grab on better. But I am not an expert in this area.

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Autocover box

Dogmom1

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Dogmom1

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bmoreswim

IMG_7767 - TFP.jpg

Dogmom1

Well-known member

IMG_7767 - TFP.jpg

bmoreswim