Pool Cover question

[Monkeylove]

Has anyone ever bought a cover from a company called PCS (pool cover specialists)? They have a cover called Powertrac that uses a cordless drill to move the cover that I am interested if anyone has experience with.

Thanks
MonkeyLove

 

[bop]

I got one from them 3 years ago....works as advertised although the installation instructions where a little sketchy in places. Had a weld on a gear break last year.....had it welded back up for a few bucks....pretty sure was covered under waranty but figured a trip to town was faster then mailing so took care of it myself.

 

[Monkeylove]

You installed your own? How hard was that? Did it do a good job of keeping junk out of your water? I struggle with a lot of dirt and leaves blowing under my winter cover and thought this might be better at sealing off the pool.

 

[bop]

Yes, I installed it myself....took a day to get it done by myself....would take half as long if I had to do it again........I just finished my third winter with it and the only things in my pool were a few pine needles and some worms. Does a great job keeping it clean!

 

[Monkeylove]

Bop- thanks for your replies. Do you use your cover as a winter cover also? I am wondering if they can handle a snow load. I live outside of chicago and we do get some significant snowfalls in the winter. Thanks again.

 

[bop]

They say you shouldn't but I do......we had a record snowfall winter before last......something like 150 inches with a couple of 2+ foot storms. I was a little nervous with that but I used a roof rake to clear some off and when that wouldn't work anymore I walked out on it and used a snow shovel to remove a bunch of it a few times.....

I had no problems doing that but I was worried once it warmed up and sucked up a lot of moisture the snow load might be to much so I figured it was the smart thing to do given the alternative.

I also had to shovel the roof that winter a few times as well!

This winter was not nearly as extreme so I really didn't do a lot other then get the roof rake out a few times to take some of the snow off from time to time.


I think it will be ok as long as you keep enough water in the pool, as that is what really supports the cover.

 

[Monkeylove]

Bop,
So this cover you installed sets on the water all winter? Do you not drain your water below your skimmers or returns when you close? Where were you able to buy a cover that you could install yourself? Thanks again for your responses.

Monkeylove

 

[bop]

Yes I drain to just below the skimmer in the winter but the cover is 22 feet wide for my 20 foot wide pool so the cover sags down enough that there is plenty of contact with the water surface.

I bought it directly from pool cover specialists in Arizona. They shipped it via semi. Took about 2 weeks to get it once I ordered. They would only sell the powertrac for homeowner install. They refused to sell me the autocover directly and once I compared the price it made no difference as 10k was a deal breaker.

 

[Monkeylove]

bop,
Is your cover still holding up with the snow?