Automatic pool covers are becoming an ever more popular item to add to a backyard swimming pool because of the many benefits that they have to offer. They are unmatched by any other cover in their ease of use because they go on and off the swimming pool with just the simple activation of a switch; this trait makes them by far the most utilized type of swimming pool cover.
They are an excellent safety device when covering a swimming pool because they act as an ‘isolation barrier’ that seals off all the sides of the swimming pool from accidental entry into the pool water. They also are well known for their energy savings, water savings, chemical savings, and durability, but just because they are extremely durable does not mean they are not subject to breaking down from time to time.
So what do you do in the event that your automatic pool cover does indeed need to be serviced? That question is best answered by the type of part that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Routine Service Calls
If you have a very durable product such as an automatic pool cover you can usually extend its useful working life a lot by having routine maintenance performed on it. A typical routine service call will make sure the gears and other moving parts are lined up well and not grinding on each other, the pool cover fabric is tracking on and off properly, and everything is given a general going over and cleaning. This type of service call can either be handled by a local pool and spa technician with a general working knowledge of automatic pool covers or by contacting the manufacturer or local automatic pool cover dealer to send an authorized factory technician out to do the job.
Motor
Generally speaking an automatic pool cover motor is a part that either works or it doesn’t, the only real exception to this is if you hear excessive noise or grinding while it is running which means replacement or repair will be necessary soon anyway. You pretty much have two options here. You can take the motor to an electric motor repair shop and have it rebuilt or you can call a local pool and spa technician with a general working knowledge of automatic pool covers or contact the manufacturer or local automatic pool cover dealer to send an authorized factory technician out to replace the motor.
Cover Fabric
Repairs to the automatic pool cover fabric usually fit into two general categories. The first is for patching small holes or repairs. These can easily be done by yourself after purchasing an often readily available pool cover repair kit from the manufacturer or local builder; or you can have a pool service technician that is familiar with vinyl repairs come out and do it for you. The second type of repair to the automatic pool cover fabric is for replacing the pool cover fabric after catastrophic failure (huge rips, long tears, worn and brittle fabric, etc…). This is best done by a local pool and spa technician with a general working knowledge of automatic pool covers or contact the manufacturer or local automatic pool cover dealer to send an authorized factory technician out to replace the pool cover fabric.
Drive Mechanism or Tracking
When there is a failure in the workings of the automatic pool cover in regard to the drive mechanism or the tracking you have a situation that requires a very special skill set and parts that are not readily available. In this instance it is best to contact the manufacturer or local automatic pool cover dealer to send an authorized factory technician out to replace or repair the necessary parts.
Rope Replacement
Rope replacement is another area where do it yourself replacement kits are readily available. If you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself then call a local pool and spa technician with a general working knowledge of automatic pool covers or contact the manufacturer or local automatic pool cover dealer to send an authorized factory technician out to replace the pool cover rope.
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