Cover renovation is not necessarily an emergency response to a malfunction or accident. Pool installers may suggest renovation to increase performance for greater water and energy savings, to improve comfort to minimise user intervention, to help users from overlooking important operations (installation, locking the pool for safety, etc.), or to enhance the aesthetics of the pool area. This can be a (significant) potential to be exploited!
Opportunities: now is the time, the investment is reasonable and deferred, and the options are very attractive to customers
While pools have already benefited from many improvements, cover renovation is still in its infancy. The 'cover' market (bubble covers, tarp or bar-supported safety covers, automatic or manual slatted safety covers) is significant. We should bear in mind that the market has only developed relatively recently due to a lack of motivation... When water and electricity were available at affordable rates and presented no supply problems, users had no compelling need to cover their pools.
Today, covers provide 'savings' and can, depending on the model, 'secure' the pool.
Even if many covers have benefited from new panels or if the motors have been replaced, today's market offers various options for the improvement of existing equipment: solar panels, stylish gratings and above-ground housing, automatic closing systems, photovoltaic power, atmospheric LEDs, etc. Beyond the replacement of worn parts and interventions in case of malfunction or accident, there are numerous possibilities for upgrading covers, slatted rolling covers in particular.
The Roll'Top 300 by Walter Pool, a rolling cover bench that is stylish, functional and customisable. Fixed or mobile (on rails), it can be configured differently according to the customer's requirements and pool configurations. It can be powered by either a conventional electric system or a solar-powered version. Integrated LED options add a warm atmosphere which gently enhances the pool area, day or night.
However, it must be admitted that cover improvements often occur during a more general pool makeover. It is often when a private owner undertakes structural work or simply changes their liner that they notice that their cover stands out like a sore thumb. Its appearance (even if it is still functional) can create a problem in an otherwise faultless installation. Through their sales, manufacturers see that the panels are often changed for a more trendy colour (for the same quality of PVC) or to choose solar slats that are more pleasing to the eye, more resistant and provide improved performance (A-rated solar slats compared with B rating for other types). In addition, the investment in solar slats is reasonable when compared with the cost of heating.
Before and after! Renovation by ID'Eau (France), a Mondial Piscine dealer, with work including the removal of the old coating, the existing paving and an above-ground slatted cover. After the installation of a new coating, the replacement of the above-ground slatted cover with a Mayotte underwater cover completely transformed the aesthetics of the pool.
Another noteworthy improvement to point out during a refit: the change from an above-ground cover to a nearly invisible underwater cover. Here, too, the aesthetic aspect prevails, since it concerns an installation that loses none of its functionality. Technical modifications are often undertaken following a malfunction of the original equipment.
At the same time, the search for comfort is also to be noted, since there is a big demand for remote control (even though control units with a reassuring lock and key are still in demand). The problems of wiring and power supply are still obvious constraints on certain motor refits when conduits have not been provided. Nor should it be ignored that grid power is more robust and durable than photovoltaic power, which may discourage some customers who are nonetheless eager to do as much as possible to save energy and make the transition to solar power!
The underwater solution for both new installations and retrofits: the Subeo underwater cover by BWT. It is equipped with a light, ultra-tough beam. The panel is deflector-free. Note its brand-new installation tool, which consists of a drilling template specifically developed for underwater covers (also usable for other models of underwater covers). As for aesthetics, interchangeable grating finishes (PVC, aluminium, etc.) are available.
A different intervention for each type of cover
Due to differences in materials, the operations, costs and time required are totally different depending on the different types of cover:
- Bubble covers: no real financial issue, so everything is replaced and improved. Tearing, burst bubbles and collapse create a loss of thermal performance and deteriorate the appearance. There is only one solution: the replacement of the cover. However, it is worth taking advantage of this to offer a thicker, more efficient version and a better finish (stainless steel eyelets and sewn PVC reinforcements), not to mention a motorised roller.
There are no real expectations for this type of cover on the repair market... total replacement is not a significant investment. The important thing is to select upstream a resistant cover that is perfectly designed to resist wear, friction and deterioration.
The choice is now much easier because performance is quantified to enable better comparison. - 4-seasons covers: replacement or repair as appropriate. Several problems may exist: wear, porosity and loss of tension in the cover itself, creating water pockets and infiltration. Broken straps and torn eyelets are also common.
When the cover is too old, total replacement with a more efficient and treated material is necessary. However, repair is still possible in the event of an accident (tearing) by installing heat-sealed parts and heavy-duty strap seams. Some manufacturers offer repair kits with a process to be respected to ensure compatibility with the existing structure, and to obtain the same appearance and colour finish.
The Open Classic by Abriblue has been designed to enable fast and optimised intervention by the pool installer: its innovative lateral sliding system offers direct access to fittings and connectors.
- Rolling slatted covers: everything is possible. Many interventions can be considered in case of damaged slats, motor failure or the deterioration of equipment and accessories (grating, above-ground housing, shafts, guides, etc.), including the replacement of panels and certain technical elements, but be careful to analyse the existing system and environment (references, compatibility, power supply, load-bearing structures, etc.). It is essential to use compatible or equivalent components. In short, a call to the manufacturer is essential in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Providing solutions for renovating and/or replacing covers helps avoid heavier expenses (damage to the pool, loss of warranty, loss of temperature, etc.).
For example, improvement via solar panels provides a thermal gain of 4 to 8 °C depending on exposure (to reduce or eliminate the need for additional heating), and much higher thermal resistance (up to 120 °C, compared with 60 °C for conventional PVC). It also guarantees greater mechanical strength and high resistance not only to UV rays but also to impacts (the polycarbonate of solar slats is more resistant to the impacts of hail, differences between day/night temperatures, and expansion).
As a general rule, the warranties offered by manufacturers are also longer than those for PVC. The cost is certainly higher, but is largely offset by greater durability since, unlike PVC, it ages less quickly, is more resistant to yellowing and cracking, and does not deform in the sun. It should also be remembered that the smooth surface of polycarbonate retains less dirt. It is also less prone to lime deposits and biofilm. In short, polycarbonate solar panels are more expensive, but provide a return on investment in 3 to 5 years thanks to better thermal performance, durability and lower heating costs.
The Quadro Gold slat by T&A: an anti-algae slat, thanks to the film on the connecting chamber between the cover slats. Its heating potential is optimised through a profile layer with a heating action that comes in direct contact with the water. Its upper surface resists UV rays for an extended service life. A condensation-concealing layer ensures a more aesthetic look.
Another example is the installation of a low-voltage submersible motor that provides many advantages: increased electrical safety with no risk of electrocution, smooth and quiet operation, the possibility of coupling to a solar battery or control by home automation...
It should be noted that the demand for improvement in order to save energy thanks to solar power remains very marginal. Indeed, the power consumption of an electric motor (with an average power of 100 W) is not significant enough to justify replacement. Therefore, replacement with an identical model is the usual choice.
Tips for post-renovation preventive maintenance: regular cleaning, the use of compatible products (avoiding aggressive solvents on polycarbonate), the yearly inspection of fittings, motors, etc.
How to intervene?
While enclosure renovations are generally handled directly by the manufacturer and routine repairs by qualified pool installers, covers are usually installed, maintained and repaired by pool installers. Cover manufacturers are more generally involved in providing technical support or for complex renovations. They ensure the supply of spare parts (slats, end pieces, motors, etc.), technical advice or specific quotes, and the visits of their in-house teams for interventions under warranty or on specific products (non-standard covers, built-in motors, etc.).
