Considering an autocover for our fibreglass build and wanted input on the feasibility is owner installed autocover?
Van G
Van G
AutoCover a DIY project?
- Thread starter Van G
- Start date
My limited experience says no. The install looked pretty complicated, and apparently it's not hard for something to go wrong. Do a quick search on here, and on youtube for the stories.
Here's mine so far - brand new.
http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/128260-Coverstar-Ripped-4-days-old
Here's mine so far - brand new.
http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/128260-Coverstar-Ripped-4-days-old
Generally sold by dealers who install. May be difficult to purchase without installation.
I had mine installed. While the layout was simple (tracks mounted on surface since pool is not rectangular), the cover/motor were mounted below the surface. I investigated self install but decided against it (and I'm a DIY guy) because the cost of replacing the cover if it rips because I did something wrong outweighed the cost savings for me. Maybe some here have done so and can provide their feedback. You can look on youtube for success stories as well. Love having an autocover, closed at the moment to help heat up the pool - will open later this afternoon when the grandkids get here.
Your thread prompted me to ask the question. Hope things are made right for you.
Van G
Follow up question - which will sound odd - but are there manual versions of an auto-cover?
Cover that is installed under coping on tracks, has the same benefits (heat, clean, safety), but is manually 'cranked' into its housing?
Seems the longevity issues of the system are related to the 'auto' aspect. We would be happy with a quality cover that rolls away into a hidden compartment.
Cover that is installed under coping on tracks, has the same benefits (heat, clean, safety), but is manually 'cranked' into its housing?
Seems the longevity issues of the system are related to the 'auto' aspect. We would be happy with a quality cover that rolls away into a hidden compartment.
Our cover is surface mounted, with a custom made bench over the motor/rolled cover. The electric switch was put in up on our deck by the electrician so its very convenient to us. While shopping for covers I did find some that were owner install models, manual action crank models as well as automatic and semi-automatic.
Mine was entirely installed by the company (Pool Cover Specialists of Charleston SC). I think it could be done with helpers if you have strong construction skills/measuring and level deck. Skippy and I didn't feel we could, but it sure didn't take the one technician all that long to install...... <shrug>
Link to a variety of models sold by PCS: Pool Cover Specialists® • Best Automatic Pool Covers
Mine was entirely installed by the company (Pool Cover Specialists of Charleston SC). I think it could be done with helpers if you have strong construction skills/measuring and level deck. Skippy and I didn't feel we could, but it sure didn't take the one technician all that long to install...... <shrug>
Link to a variety of models sold by PCS: Pool Cover Specialists® • Best Automatic Pool Covers
