Under Track - This is the most common installation for a automatic swimming pool safety cover with new construction of a swimming pool. With this application, the tracks are mounted under the coping. The tracks can be mounted directly to the underside of the coping but the best way is encapsulated. This method provides an extrusion which is mounted to the top of the pool bond beam before the coping is placed around the pool. The tracks go inside of the encapsulation and are then held in place by a shim.

 

 

Top Track - This application allows for the covering of existing pools. The track are mounted directly to the surface of the deck. The placement of the track is generally between the pool edge and any skimmers, handrails and/or auto-fill lines. Ladders can be made to hinge with the purchase of ladder hinges provided by most cover manufacturers as well as S. R. Smith, Inc. (part # A41657-0). Some larger pool applications require the use of blower systems to allow for a sheet of air to be forced under the fabric as it moves across the pool. This is sometimes needed to decrease the amount of surface tension caused by deck drag.

 

Flush Track - With this method the tracking is installed inside of the deck, flush with the surface. This application must be completed before decking but after the finished elevation of the pool is set (coping). The placement of this track is generally between any skimmers, handrails and/or auto-fill lines and the pool edge. Care must be taken when pouring deck so that the installed tracking is not moved from its set placement. The exposed edge must be protected during decking by using plumbers tape or similar.

 

 

The track must always be taped off for protection anytime it has been installed ahead of pool completion.

Under Mechanism - The drive mechanism is mounted below deck level in a recessed housing. The housing can be constructed as part of the swimming pool shell or may be provided by the cover manufacturer in a prefab kit. The housing can then be covered with an aluminum lid provided by the cover manufacturer or may be made out of coping stone or deck material to match the surrounding pool area.

Top Mechanism - The drive mechanism is mounted directly to the surface of the deck, usually at the deep end of the pool. It may be enclosed with a bench kit provided by the pool cover manufacturer or may be built onsite. This method is generally used along with top track installation.

One design that is becoming very popular is a Pool in Pool or Picture Frame Pool.

This consists of a swimming pool with a surrounding stepped up deck.

 

This allows for a freeform swimming pool that still has hidden tracks below deck

as well as a drive mechanism below deck.

Aluminum - The standard way to cover a recessed pool cover system is with an aluminum lid. This is the least expensive means. As this has been the norm in the past, the walk-on lid is becoming more and more common. The aluminum lids can  be powder coated to blend with the surrounding decor. This is done by a third party and usually has no warranty against scratching or peeling.

 

Walk-on - The most attractive way to cover a recessed cover system is to use the same coping material that surrounds the swimming pool. The lid sections will be placed on heavy duty bracketing for support. If the coping material used is thin and fragile a pan or tray system may be required.

 

Bench Kits - A top mount system can be covered with a bench constructed of wood for an inexpensive application. Safety cover manufacturers have designed bench kits that are constructed of plastic and/or aluminum. These benches can be an attractive seating area around the swimming pool.

Special Applications

Extreme Cantilever - This type of application requires extra engineering on the part of the pool designer/builder. The over all geometric shape of the pool is maintained, while a below deck pool cover installation is used. Beach-entry and water features can also be used in this design.

          

Water Treatment Facility - During the process of water purification, many chemicals are used for sanitizing. The off-gassing of these chemicals can cause corrosion on surrounding surfaces within the facility. In order to eliminate some of the corrosion, auto covers can be used. The covers generally will always remain in the covered position unless filters in the tanks need changed.