Pool cover manual & hand-crank - can barely move it, what to do?

samsoccer7

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2022
71
Chicago, IL
Pool Size
30000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
We bought a property with a pool that has a hand-crank cover with tracks on the deck. I can barely crank the cover. The pool was opened and closed last summer, and has been serviced, by the same company for years. They seem to be able to open and close the cover. When I asked them what I can do to "fix" it or make it more usable (we have little kids) they told me basically we'd need to replace the entire thing which is not a cost we want at this time.

Any thoughts on what I can try? Maybe get another opinion? I've attached some pictures here. The leading edge of the cover has this wheel assembly that do not seem to touch the concrete decking very well. It's obviously very old so I know there might not be an easier fix but you are all experts so I thought I'd ask.IMG-7728 (1).jpgIMG-7727 (1).jpgIMG-7724 (1).jpgIMG-7725 (1).jpgIMG-7726 (1).jpg
 
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Your objective is to eliminate all the friction you can as the cover moves.

I would clean all the dirt off the tracks, wheels, bearings, and cover.

Then spray silicone lube on all moving and rolling parts. You didn't show the crank and gear mechanism and maybe use lithium grease on those moving parts.


Move the cover back and forth as you lube things and see how the effort changes.
Wonderful advice thank you I will try this and report back. It's clearly pulled out and retracted once a year so it "works" just not smoothly and I can barely crank it myself. Will do what you suggested thanks again.
 
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