Installing Automatic Pool Covers On Fiberglass Pools

The demand for pools has indisputably increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the demand for fiberglass pools has been on the rise due to their simple installation process. Likewise, there was an increased demand for automatic pool covers. Most homeowners are now looking to improve their outdoor living area. Nevertheless, installing both a fiberglass pool and an automatic pool cover can be a challenge. 

Tips for installing automatic pool covers include:

Size

Occasionally, pool professionals end up requesting wrong-sized automatic covers for their fiberglass pools. Typically, finding the correct automatic cover will need you to determine the fiberglass pool’s inner measurements. The inner measurements of fiberglass pools are often smaller. For example, if you have a 17 feet pool, the inside measures 16 feet wide. Thus, a 17 feet automatic pool cover would be too big. It would be best if you ask your fiberglass manufacturer for the inside measurements of the fiberglass pool. This way, you will buy the right sized automatic pool cover.

Width

Maintaining a consistent width from the top to the bottom of a fiberglass pool can be difficult. Since fiberglass pools vary in width, they may be 16 feet in the deep end and 17 feet wide in the shallow section. It is critical to note that automatic pool covers can only accommodate a difference of one inch. Consequently, installing APCs on fiberglass pools is not a walk in the park.

Usually, fiberglass pools tend to bow along the length of the pool due to pressure.” One way to keep the width consistent is by filling and backfilling the pool.

Pool patrol owner in british columbia, ALLAN HORWOOD

Tip for installation

Simplifying the installation process entails put up the track on both sides. Horwood says, “Often, we spread out the track over the pool. We ensure all sides and corners are equal. Simply put, what you do on the right side should be done on the left as well. It will help if you start dealing with the corners first. Then, spread it out proportionally. Before you start cutting any track, it is best to layout the coping first. The good thing with aluminum extrusion tracks is that they offer both excellent functionality and beauty. Also, it is essential to let your cover manufacturer know that you have a fiberglass pool. This way, they’ll be able to get a cover with the correct dimensions.

Elevation

It is challenging to install an automatic pool cover on an elevated surface. By nature, an automatic pool cover requires that the cover be installed on a completely level plane. Horwood says that the solution for this is to use an automatic pool cover made for a vinyl pool. From there, you can adjust it to complement the pool’s landscape. You would need to use such covers for pools with built-in spas and raised tiles on the pool’s shallow end. Pool experts should identify the elevation angle to get a clear picture of the most suitable automatic pool cover to purchase.

Polybox housing challenge

The automatic pool cover should get attached to the deep section of the pool before you finish backfilling. Start with supporting the slide on the poly box using an encapsulated coping. Horwood states, “We use a vinyl liner retainer and support the polybox by free-staking into the ground.” When doing this, always ensure that you level the poly box to boost the cover’s functionality. All this should happen before you pour the concrete.

Dealing with the corners 

When installing APCs on fiberglass pools, it is always challenging to deal with the corners since they have a radius. The best thing to do would be to inform the fiberglass manufacturer to prepare the cover installation corners. This will make the work much more manageable.

Lid challenge 

Typically, the poly box has to boost proper functionality. In most instances, the manufacturer gives you a walk-on lid to promote quick and straightforward installation. Even so, there is a wide range of lids that you can use for this. Horwood says, “Since there are many lid options to choose from, some customers always want finishing options that don’t complement the lid tray. And this makes the installation process challenging.”

Outsourcing is a better solution

In this present age and time, pool contractor can always outsource cover installers during pool construction. This way, they don’t have to go through the installation challenges or spend hours training their staff on cover installation. Horwood has a specialty in automatic pool cover installation. And most pool contractors make their work easier and faster by hiring him. Nonetheless, it is always essential to communicate with the pool contractor from the start of the project to avoid misunderstandings. Chris Hunt, an auto cover specialist in Wichita, says, “Professional automatic cover installers know particular tricks that help them install the covers much faster.”

Increased demand

Due to the fast and straightforward installation process, fiberglass pools are increasingly becoming popular. Likewise, the demand for automatic pool covers is on the rise. Combining the two products is a plus for pool companies, especially in the middle of this global pandemic. It means more sales, revenues, and profits.