Raised Gunite Wall with Automatic Pool Cover

[utmom]

We're doing an owner build, and putting in a Coverstar encapsulated track (mounts to beam NOT the underside of the coping). So I guess I'm totally reinventing the wheel here...I'm doing a raised (gunite) wall with a water feature that runs along the back 2/3 of the pool. The cover installers are acting as if I've got a second head by doing this! I know it can be done, I've read instructions on the Coverstar site. I'm looking for any photos during this (gunite) stage if anyone has them--so I can explain to the gunite guy how I want it. I've found conflicting information, the coverstar site shows we'll need a horizontal notch of 3x3?? I've seen 1 other photo of the notch being formed with a 2x4 so it's not 3 inches? Another site indicates 2 inches. And then same with the vertical notches for tool access--one I read said 3x3 again-and another Coverstar site showed only 1 inch wide by 4 or 5 inches tall? If you have done a similar setup--I'd really love some input on sizing, sooner is preferred--gunite is likely next week.
THANK YOU!!

 

[swimcmp]

Call Coverstar and explain what you are needing they more than likely have what you need

 

[bdavis466]

I've always seen an actual 2x4 (1.5x3.5) used for the notch.

 

[utmom]

Well....they did not do the forms as I had requested. I even provided the 2x4 and cooking spray. They said it's too hard to get the forms out--and seemed to think I was nuts for suggesting cooking spray to help get the form out. Soooooo....they cut the notch with hand trowels, from ABOVE AND BEHIND the raised wall (after it was setting up). As I watched, I couldn't help but to wonder how on earth they would know the notch was not only straight, but deep enough (since they really could not even see what they were doing--they were not in front of it). They finished at dusk and I kept feeling the notch in the dark--it just didn't seem deep enough. Fast forward through a long night with no sleep---what do you know...I was right. It's not deep enough, and only "sort of" straight. So my question....
Can they cut the gunite to deepen the notch and clean it up a bit? I need only about 1 inch in a 2 foot section??

 

[bmoreswim]

Would probably involve using a concrete saw and highly scoring the area and repeatedly whacking it with a large hammer and chisel. Not sure how clean it would be that way but it would get it deeper.