How do I measure my pool?

Thermal Pool Cover

Measurements are taken from the inside face of the pool at one end, to the inside face at the opposite end, to determine length and width.

Where a Rollup Station is required, specify where it will be placed, the type of coping and any fixtures or impediments along the sides of the pool. Consider how the cover will roll out and roll up again. Also specify the type of Rollup Station required – where more than one is used, specify how they will be used together.

Solid Cover

Measure from the point of the coping at one end of the pool to the point of coping at the opposite end, to determine the longest and widest points of the pool.

Kidney Shaped Pools for Solid and Leaf Covers

Use a register (straight line) at one side of the pool (see sketch) and measure at 50 cm intervals from one end of the pool over the total length. The measurement is from point A on register to the point of the nearest contour, and again from the point B on the register to the point of the contour on the opposite side. These measurements provide the profile needed to manufacture and fit the cover.

Angles and Contours

In some cases, it may be necessary to create a template of the pool layout. This is done with a plastic sheet cut to show the overall pool shape.

Manufacturing, installation, materials and maintenance

What materials are used in thermal covers?

Laminated 400 microns polyethylene incorporating UV inhibitors. Our Guard range of thermal covers are 500 micron polyethylene also with all the UV inhibitors

What materials are used in PVC covers?

A durable, robust 550 grams per sq metre PVC

How do the materials used in local and imported thermal covers differ?

The difference is in the overall make up of the material. While the local material is slightly cheaper, the life expectancy of the product is 2 – 4 years while that of the imported material is in excess of 4 years.

How long are your delivery times?

Once payment has been received and measurements complete, expect a 2- day manufacturing turnaround with a further 2-3 days for scheduled installations and deliveries

How do I care for my pool cover?

Please refer to our PDF download "Use and care of thermal covers"

What guarantees are there on pool covers?

The EnergyGuard and Sol+Guard cover have a 3 year warranty period on material and workmanship.
All other covers have a one year guarantee on materials and workmanship.

How do I know which covers are best suited to my requirements?

Which is the easiest cover to fit?

The Thermal cover, as it can easily be trimmed with a pair of sharp scissors to fit the pool.

Can I fit the unit myself?

We prefer for our installation team or a service provider recommended by ourselves to undertake all rollup station installations. Thermal covers without a rollup station require little technical input and are easier to fit on ones own. Shaped pools do require skill in order to cut correctly.

What can affect or damage the thermal material?

A change in pH out of the recommended range or huge fluctuations in chemicals is the biggest threat to the cover. If the chemicals in the pool water are out of balance remove the cover for this short time period. Damage to the cover will take place if the water's pH is over 7.8, the cover is bleached and can turn white and the bubbles detach from the laminate. Excessive heating of the pool water may contribute to cover fatigue.

The second cause of damage to thermal covers is if the cover is left in the sun off the pool. The bubbles on the cover act as little magnifine glasses heating up the water but while off the water this heat continues to build up and destroys the cover. To prevent this, either store the cover in a shady area or out of direct sunlight or use your white UV protection sheet supplied.

Rollup stations and accessories

How are thermal covers secured to rim flow pools?

When talking to our sales team, sales pitch, please mention the rim flow as PowerPlastics Pool Covers will make provision with either a wind protection skirt or with eyelets and straps to accommodate a rim flow.

When would I need a rollup station?

When covers are too cumbersome for a single person to handle i.e large pools. Generally, we recommend rollup stations for pools over 7 metres in length.

What do I require with a rollup station?

A rollup station adds the quality finish to a thermal cover installation. With this comes an attachment kit and a leading edge kit. Reinforcing is needed on both ends of the cover to support the attachment and leading edge kits. We prefer to undertake rollup station installations ourselves.

How is the rollup station fitted?

With a stainless steel anchor bolt (one on each stand) which is secured in a ground anchor which is fitted on the coping.

Can the rollup station be removed?

Yes, its castors provide easy mobility

Can I use a rollup station on any pool?

A rollup station can be fitted to most pools but in some cases two rollup stations may be required, depending on pool size. The design of the cover becomes important with shaped pools and this is a discussion with the sales consultant.

What are the height and length dimensions on a rollup station?

The roll up station is 50cm high and 50cm longer than the width of the pool.

Household savings and parental concerns

What does ‘winterize’ mean?

In a nutshell, it means that by using a pool cover, the pool is sealed over the winter months. By hibernating a pool, maintenance is scaled back and minimal effort required during winter months. This also gives you peace of mind in terms of child safety, knowing your pool is secured. Absentee homeowners and frequent travellers love our range of covers for their low pool maintenance benefits.

Can a thermal cover be considered a safety cover?

No. If it’s child safety and drowning that are of concern, we recommend the Solid Safety Cover to avoid all drowning risk. The safety cover will still reduce power, water and chemical consumption.

Will a thermal cover reduce my electricity and water bills?

Absolutely! Your electricity bill can be halved with the EnergyGuard cover and evaporation is cut significantly (90%), requiring less pool ‘top ups’.

My child is a frequent swimmer but is allergy-prone and sensitive to chlorine - will a cover allow me to reduce chemical input?

Yes! Because algae growth is curbed with a dark cover, less chlorine is required to maintain water hygiene.

Other

On a thermal cover, which side faces up?

The flat side faces up and the bubble side is in contact with water.

How does wind affect a thermal cover?

In the average pool, the material adheres to the water and is unaffected by wind. This is true for 99% of homes and schools. However, severe winds (over 60km/hr) can pose a danger and we recommend removing and storing your cover in such cases. Alternatively, chat to us about fitting wind protection mechanisms (flood tubes or a wind protection skirt) to your cover, should you live in a particularly windy area.

If the Starline Roldeck is priced in Euros, how do you determine the rate/end price in Rands?

On quotation, we use the bank rate applicable on that day. The quotation allows for adjustments in the price should the exchange rate vary at time of payment.