Automatic Pool Cover Repair

Have you ever closed your cover and heard a loud “pop” noise, as one side of your cover quits moving?  That’s the sound of a broken rope!  Our skilled technicians can repair most ropes without even removing your cover.  We use rope that has been strength tested and manufactured just for use on Automatic Pool Covers.  Other rope may look similar or be the same size, but they are not the same.

Manufacturers state that it is acceptable to have a difference of up to two inches when the cover is either all the way open or closed.  Covers that are out of alignment more than two inches need to be adjusted for smooth operation and to prevent further cover damage.  Not repairing an alignment issue could cause damage to your cover.  Tri-State Pool Covers can align your cover and get it back to factory specifications, possibly saving you costly future repairs.

Covers that are stuck open are usually stuck because of mechanical issues.  Something has caused the cover to run too far into the box and/or off the track.  The first thing to check is that your cover has power.  Then look inside the box for crossed ropes or something that just might not look right.  Look to see if the cover is in the track on both sides.  If all looks okay, try to close the cover again.  If it still fails, Tri-State Pool Covers can quickly diagnose the problem and get your cover closed and pool safe again.

Covers that are stuck closed never happen at a good time. However, in most cases they aren’t mechanically broken.  A few things to check for are; is the water level in the pool in the middle of the skimmer, is all the rain water pumped off the top of the cover, is there power to the cover motor or a breaker tripped?  We have seen covers stick to the concrete on extremely hot days, especially if you have recently sealed your concrete.  If the cover is stuck closed, try this quick tip.  Take a leaf blower and blow air under the leading-edge bar.  This will break the seal if it’s stuck to the concrete or float the cover above the water which will lighten the cover and make it easier to mechanically open.  Then you can decide if maybe the water level was a little low, or maybe the vinyl was stuck to the concrete.  If you’re not sure Tri-State Pool Covers would be happy to diagnose and repair the issue.

Your Automatic Pool Cover is a safety cover, and to meet the ASTM safety guidelines we cannot patch a ripped cover.  We can patch small puncture holes or small leaks from chemicals or bird droppings.  We can sew corner gussets and have been damaged or webbing along the track that may have thread rot from UV rays.  Tri-State Pool Covers can make these repairs poolside without removing the cover from the pool.  If your cover is 5 to 7 years of age, it’s not recommended to bother with these types of repairs and you should consider a replacement cover.

In the past, it has been common practice for most contractors to build a treated lumber box recessed into the concrete for the mechanical system to be housed.  Even though the lumber has been treated, it still has a life expectancy.  Once the wood starts to deteriorate, you lose the foundation your mechanical brackets are mounted to. This poor foundation can lead to a number of issues.  Tri-State Pool Covers can repair or replace your cover box to assure you have a good foundation for many more years.

Some of the older systems are also in need of regular maintenance.  There are several common parts that require service on Automatic Pool Cover systems that use “dated technology.” The components we use are of higher quality than those provided by the original manufacturer. Even with optimal conditions, older designs require regular service or repairs. Due to our years of experience and vast industry product knowledge, we can repair those older systems better than anyone in the Tri-State area. We also have the ability to upgrade your system with parts that will be more durable to improve your experience.