FAQ

Yes, our automatic pool covers exceed the ASTM standard for a safety cover. Unlike manual covers, automatic pool covers can be easily closed in a matter of seconds, allowing your pool to be quickly covered when not in use.

It’s always best to ask your pool professional what would be the best option for your particular pool setup. We neither recommend nor discourage using your automatic pool cover as a winter cover. Choosing to use your automatic pool cover as a winter cover is a matter of personal preference.

If you do choose to use your automatic pool cover throughout the winter season, following the guidelines below will help prevent any damage to your motor or cover fabric and ensure that your system is running smoothly when it comes time to open your pool for swimming season.

Maintaining Proper Water Level

When using your auto cover as a winter cover, the proper water level must be maintained throughout the entire winter season. The pool water supports the weight of ice and snow accumulation and if the water level drops below the recommended level, the weight of the buildup on the cover could potentially pull the tracks out of the pool coping.

Using Your Cover Pump

Your cover pump must be left on top of the cover and plugged in for the entire winter season. This helps to remove excess water as ice and snow begin to melt. Excessive amounts of snow or ice on the cover should be avoided if possible, but do not attempt to break or remove snow or ice from the cover. Always let it melt and be pumped off of the pool cover before attempting to open the pool.

Fallen leaves or other debris should be removed from the cover before snow and ice begin to accumulate. This can be done using a leaf blower for dry debris or a soft pool brush or push broom.

We install, service and repair all brands of automatic pool cover systems.

To prevent any unnecessary labor, additional charges, or delays, the following steps should be taken before the arrival of our service team:

• All stone, brick or concrete lids over the cover box must be removed if aluminum lid is not present or release has not been given to PennCovers prior to service call.

• Gated to pool areas must be unlocked and all pets must be securely kept away.

• Garden hose spigots must be accessible and operational.

• Pool water must be raised to the middle of the skimmer opening (operating level).

If our technician is unable to perform the requested repairs due to lack of preparation for scheduled service, including but not limited to locked gates, no electricity, or no release of masonry lid removal, you may be responsible for our minimum service call fee on the unproductive trip as well as the return trip.​

As long as the items above have been addressed prior to our arrival, the homeowner does NOT need to be present for our technician to provide the necessary service requested.

Yes, this is standard. Automatic pool covers are installed with some extra fabric material, making them appear slightly loose on the pool. This is to help the fabric withstand any weight added to the surface of the cover. If the cover was pulled completely taut, it would not be able to withstand the weight necessary to properly protect your pool.

Yes, it is recommended that you keep the cover pump on your automatic pool cover whenever it is closed. Keeping excess water off the top of the cover will prevent the track and motor from experiencing any unnecessary strain when retracting into the cover box.

Yes, patches are available if the rip is less than 4”.

If your pool cover motor is running but there is no movement from the cover, do not attempt to open the pool cover again. Please click HERE to describe your issue and schedule your service appointment.

The weight capacity of an automatic pool cover varies by brand, model and specific design factors.

Coverstar claims capacity of up to 2,000 pounds when water is at operation levels*.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1346-91 standard requires automatic pool covers to support a minimum of 485 pounds.

There are a few steps to take if your pool cover is not opening and/or closing completely:

1. Open the pool cover completely and then use your hose with a low pressure nozzle and spray any debris out of the track by directing the stream of water into the slot of the track.

2. Be sure to spray along the full length of the track on both sides of the pool until all debris is cleared.

3. If the cover is still not opening/closing properly after the track has been cleaned, click HERE to describe your issue and schedule your service appointment.

In order for your automatic pool cover to run properly, it is recommended to occasionally check and clean out your cover box.

For dry debris, scoop out any large items (leaves, branches, pool toys, etc.) and then use a shop-vac to remove any remaining debris.

For wet debris, scoop out any large items (mud, leaves, branches, pool toys, etc.) and then use a hose to wash the remaining debris down the box drain.

Your pool cover fabric can easily be cleaned by following the steps below:

1. Remove Any Large Debris From Your Cover

   Dry leaves and small branches can removed using a leaf blower or a push broom. Wet leaves should either be left to dry or sprayed off using a garden hose nozzle.

2. Rinse Your Cover With Water

   Once all the large debris is removed from the cover, start on the box end of the pool and use a garden hose to spray any remaining small debris toward the opposite end of the cover. Place the cover pump in the center of the cover to help remove any excess water.

3. Scrub Your Cover Gently With A Soft Brush

   With your pump still on the cover, use hose water and a soft bristled broom or pool brush to scrub any dirty areas of the cover. After removing all of the debris and all of the water, roll the cover up all the way back into the box. Scrubbing with a pool brush will generally get most marks out of the fabric, but for more stubborn stains you may consider using a mild dishwashing soap and your pool brush. Once clean, spray the soapy water towards the pump and allow at least 90% of the water to drain before operating your cover.