Access needed for pool cover maintenance

[mikeyliny]

Pool cover maintenance seems to be related to servicing and/or "cleaning the motor and other components of the housing." Aside from the motor this includes the 2 cables, their hardware, and the drain area. Pavers sitting over the housing box sit like shelves over brackets. In our case (as diagramed below), pavers sit on top of 12" x 24" shelves which sit over the brackets. Where and how much space needed for access?

I would assume that the areas around the motor, drain and cables require the amounts of access and that the pavers overlying these areas should be the easily removed. I shaded out areas in the second image below based on some of these assumptions and would appreciate if anyone else has recommendations based on their experience with maintaining and/or fixing their autocover.



In the example below, each grid/square is 6" x 6". I assumed that the area around the motor, drain needs the largest amount of access. Also, I shaded areas along the length of the cables in case the cables need to be repaced. The three 6x6 boxes in the middle area are spaced provide enough space to stick a vaccum hose in between to suck out leaves in the middle portion of the autocover box.



Here are some actual picture of the construction and how the cutout squares look.



Please let me know where you think the access cuts should be. Feel free to color over my diagram or represent this in any way you can. Your help is much appreciated!

 

[santacruzpool]

You will need to clean out the "pit" so I am not sure a couple of holes like you have is enough...I move my coping stones completely out of the way to clean it out - and I fill several buckets with debri every year.

Plus you will need to get a new cover fabric at some point.

Do you have a way to remove the bigger sections all the way along the vault area?

 

[mikeyliny]

The idea was to use a shop vac to suck out the middle section leaves, if that is possible and then to have the larger sections at both ends of the box, to access the motor and cables.

 

[santacruzpool]

Not sure I could clean out my vault with just a vacuum - it would fill it several times, and the stuff gets matted and under the big roll of vinyl and I have to scrape it to get it all out.

What about when you need to replace stuff?

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

I don't see how this plan can possibly work.

You will find it impossible to suck out bulky wet leaves with a shop vac. You will need to open the entire length of the cover vault and scoop out the leaves with gloves on your hands.

Autocovers need occasional adjustment. This involves adjusting, repairing, and replacing components. You won't be able to do that through little holes.

At some point, you will need to replace the cover fabric. This involves removing the entire spool. Again, you'll need to open the entire length of the cover vault.