Pool cover anchor help

[EngineeredPool]

We have pool cover anchors in a paver patio (see picture) and many of them are failed in different ways. Some free spin/come out of the ground, some are no longer screwing in and out, etc. So we are looking to replace them. I would appreciate confirmation of what kind of anchors to buy and whether it's something we need to hire out or can do ourselves. I'm getting conflicting info from Google/old forum threads, especially since a lot of paver info has to do with drilling into the pavers which we don't have to do with the sand grout lines. Thanks for the help!

 

[EngineeredPool]

I'm trying to get my husband to read this: Pool Cover Anchors - Further Reading

He keeps insisting some are broken and need replacing but I'm still gathering the details and hope to determine if following some of the cleaning/troubleshooting in that thread will be sufficient for most/all of them.

Still would appreciate any insight on anything special to note for our specific set up in the paver grout!

 

[Edge70]

As long as your slightly handy and have a decent sized drill this isn't a difficult task. Here's where I've bought these before: https://www.amazon.ca/Brass-Anchor-...ocphy=9000725&hvtargid=pla-309575361016&psc=1Like you I find these fail over time. I try to give mine a shot of oil when I open and close the pool to keep them moving freely. Also, I find that installing between pavers becomes problematic as they get lose over time when the polymetric sand disappears. I've had better success when anchored directly into the stone itself.

 

[JamesW]

I would use a core drill to make a new clean hole and then use the anchor in pipe anchors.

The hole is usually 15/16 or 1", but verify to be sure.

To stabilize the bit at the start of drilling, drill a hole in a piece of wood the same size as the drill bit and then use that as a guide.

IF WE HAVE A PAVER/BRICK DECK CAN WE USE A LOOP-LOC COVER?

Absolutely! LOOP-LOC's anchor-in-pipe installation is the perfect application for paver/brick decks. The pipe holds the anchors firmly into place allowing the cover to remain taut all winter long. No wear and tear on the deck and the cover will not pull or ruin pavers/bricks whatsoever. For additional information on anchor-in-pipe, contact your LOOP-LOC dealer or our customer support department”.

Loop Loc

looploc.com

 

[Newdude]

Before going crazy, try the simplest fix. Pull directly up on the screws and some of the tubes will come right out. They're alot easier to work on in your lap. The ones that don't pop out likely need a couple gentle taps with a hammer.

Most anchors can be fixed with the lubricants listed in the article. Replace any that you can't break free. Drop the new tubes in the old holes. Keep the old ones back in the holes until the new ones arrive.

 

[JamesW]

Pull directly up on the screws and some of the tubes will come right out.

I don't see any tubes.

 

[Newdude]

I don't see any tubes

They're there, just long hidden in the dirt

 

[JamesW]

I still don't see any tubes.

 

[EngineeredPool]

Wow thank you all for your responses!!! I really appreciate it!

 

[EngineeredPool]

So we pulled them all up and are cleaning the ones that will come unscrewed... Which is maybe 50% of them with extreme effort on my husbands part. This is what they look like. For the ones that don't unscrew we will need to replace.. any tips on what to get to replace these? Thank you!

 

[JamesW]

Something like these.

Lawn Tube with Brass Anchor for Pool Safety Covers

Lawn Tube with Brass Anchor For pool safety covers Used when no concrete available to anchor to Tubes are driven into ground Ideal for decks with brick pavers, flower beds, sand, etc. Brass anchor on top of tube Sold individually Length: 18"

www.yourpoolhq.com

Pipe Anchor for Pool Safety Cover - HPAS

This is an 18 inch Pool Safety Cover Pipe Anchor that includes a threaded brass anchor. The 18 inch pipe anchor is designed for pools with paver decks, loose brick or garden/lawn areas near the pool with loose terrain. Pipe anchors extend holding power of a regular screw-type anchor down 18...

www.poolweb.com

Note: Examples only, not a recommendation for the seller.

 

[EngineeredPool]

Something like these.

Lawn Tube with Brass Anchor for Pool Safety Covers

Lawn Tube with Brass Anchor For pool safety covers Used when no concrete available to anchor to Tubes are driven into ground Ideal for decks with brick pavers, flower beds, sand, etc. Brass anchor on top of tube Sold individually Length: 18"

www.yourpoolhq.com

Pipe Anchor for Pool Safety Cover - HPAS

This is an 18 inch Pool Safety Cover Pipe Anchor that includes a threaded brass anchor. The 18 inch pipe anchor is designed for pools with paver decks, loose brick or garden/lawn areas near the pool with loose terrain. Pipe anchors extend holding power of a regular screw-type anchor down 18...

www.poolweb.com

Note: Examples only, not a recommendation for the seller.

Oh thank you!! Knowing the right search terms is a huge help!

 

[JamesW]

Accessories

The “best” pool cover should be secure with the “best” hardware. Meyco hardware is non-corrosive, solid brass or stainless steel.

meycocovers.com

Part 99209100053 - Doheny's

Buy Part 99209100053? at Doheny's

www.doheny.com

 

[JamesW]

These are really odd.

I have never seen anything like these.

All of the safety cover makers sell standard paver tubes, so I don't know why anyone would make their own.

In any case, the anchor in the pipe will be a slightly bigger diameter and you will have to drill a bigger hole to get the pipes in.

The regular brass anchors are 3/4” and the pipes are 15/16” or 1”.

 

[EngineeredPool]

These are really odd.

I have never seen anything like these.

All of the safety cover makers sell standard paver tubes, so I don't know why anyone would make their own.

In any case, the anchor in the pipe will be a slightly bigger diameter and you will have to drill a bigger hole to get the pipes in.

The regular brass anchors are 3/4” and the pipes are 15/16” or 1”.
View attachment 453805

Yeah you are right, they don't look like what we will have to replace them with, fun. No clue why they are different, they came with the house when we bought it 3 yrs ago.

 

[JamesW]

How are they attached to the anchors?

Is there a bolt inside the anchors?

 

[EngineeredPool]

It looks like they threaded something to the bottom of the anchor (the 2nd thicker part) and then attached the bar through that?? I'm not using the right terms I'm sure, haha. They are also only 14" long so replacing them with a thicker and longer anchor is going to be so much fun. Sigh

 

[JamesW]

What does it look like inside the anchor?

 

[EngineeredPool]

Managed to get some pics

 

[JamesW]

Ok, that's really odd.

Do you know who the cover manufacturer was?