How to Manually Open Automatic Pool Cover

If you own an automatic pool cover, you may experience a situation where the power goes out, and you need to open the pool manually. While it may seem like a daunting task, opening an automatic pool cover manually is relatively simple and can be done with a few tools and a little effort. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to manually open an automatic pool cover.

Understanding Your Automatic Pool Cover

Before attempting to manually open your automatic pool cover, it’s essential to understand how it works. An automatic pool cover consists of a long track mounted on one side of the pool, with a fabric cover that rolls onto a spool at the other end. The pool cover is powered by a motor that moves the cover back and forth along the track. When the cover is closed, it creates a seal around the pool, keeping debris and leaves out of the water.

Tools Required for Manual Opening

To manually open an automatic pool cover, you will need the following tools:

• A Hex key (Allen wrench)
• A socket wrench
• A drill with a socket attachment
• A cordless drill
• A pair of pliers

Precautions Before Attempting to Open Manually

Before attempting to manually open your automatic pool cover, make sure you take the necessary precautions to prevent injury or damage to the cover. Here are some precautions to follow:

• Turn off the power supply to the pool cover motor to prevent it from accidentally turning on.
• Ensure that the cover is not wet or slippery as it can cause you to slip and fall.
• Never attempt to open the cover manually if it’s frozen or covered in snow as it can cause damage to the cover or the mechanism.
• Be cautious of the cover’s weight as it can be heavy, and you may need another person to help you.

How to Manually Open Your Automatic Pool Cover

Now that you understand the precautions to take let’s go over the steps to manually open your automatic pool cover:

1. Locate the manual override system: Most automatic pool covers come with a manual override system that is usually located near the motor housing. The manual override system consists of a socket that fits onto the end of the motor shaft.
2. Remove the motor cover: Use a socket wrench to remove the motor cover to access the motor shaft. Once you have removed the cover, you will see the motor shaft and the socket that fits onto it.
3. Attach the drill to the socket: Insert the socket into the drill and attach it to the motor shaft. The drill will act as a power source to turn the motor shaft manually.
4. Turn the drill: Turn the drill counterclockwise to move the cover in the opening direction. Keep turning the drill until the cover is fully open.
5. Manually roll up the cover: Once the cover is fully open, manually roll up the cover onto the spool. Use a pair of pliers to keep the cover in place.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems you may encounter when manually opening your automatic pool cover and how to troubleshoot them:

• The manual override system doesn’t work: Check if the manual override system is in the correct position, and the socket is correctly attached to the motor shaft. If it’s still not working, you may need to replace the motor.
• The cover is difficult to roll up manually: Check if the cover is tangled or caught on something. You can also try lubricating the spool with silicone spray to make it easier to roll up.
• The cover is uneven when rolled up: Check if the cover is aligned correctly on the spool. If it’s not, you may need to adjust the tension of the cover by tightening or loosening the screws on the track.
• The cover gets stuck: Check if there are any obstructions on the track or spool. You can also try manually guiding the cover to prevent it from getting stuck.

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Issues

To prevent issues with your automatic pool cover, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips for maintaining your pool cover:

• Keep the track and spool clean: Regularly clean the track and spool to remove any debris or leaves that may get caught in the mechanism.
• Lubricate the spool: Lubricate the spool with silicone spray to prevent it from sticking.
• Inspect the cover: Regularly inspect the cover for any tears or holes that may need to be repaired.
• Check the tension of the cover: Check the tension of the cover by tightening or loosening the screws on the track.

Conclusion

Opening an automatic pool cover manually may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and precautions, it’s a relatively simple process. Remember to turn off the power supply, take caution of the cover’s weight, and follow the steps carefully to prevent injury or damage to the cover. Regular maintenance can also prevent issues and extend the life of your automatic pool cover.