Building a vanishing edge pool with automatic covers requires specialized construction to avoid functional and aesthetic flaws. Here are some critical mistakes and solutions when integrating these systems:
- Lowered Bond Beam Mistake #1
Mistake: When the lowered bond beam between the pool and automatic pool cover box is built too high compared to the track installation, extra pool cover slack is required, making correct operation impossible.
Solution: The lowered bond beam should finish ½” below the track on the standard side of the pool, and the last 12” to 18” of the bond beam should slope down to the top of the vanishing edge wall.
- Lowered Bond Beam Mistake #2
Mistake: The corner of the vanishing edge wall where it enters the pool cover box is too sharp, guaranteeing the cover will wear out and tear prematurely due to rubbing on that corner.
Solution: The corner of the vanishing edge wall where it enters the pool cover box must be aggressively rounded, especially on vertical vanishing edge pools. This is less important on sloped vanishing edge pools but still helpful.
- Cover Box Mistake #1
Mistake: Failure to wrap the cover box wall around the side and front of the box, even on the vanishing edge side of the pool. Failure to build the wall on the front of the cover box makes installing the pool cover mechanism more difficult and leaves it open with the pool cover components visible. A second failure is not leaving a gap from the bottom to the top of the front pool cover box wall and the vanishing edge for the pool cover track and hardware to retract, which will keep the pool cover from opening squarely.
Solution: Always build the front of the pool cover box wall on the vanishing edge side, leaving a 3-4” gap between the outside face of the vanishing edge wall and the front wall of the pool cover box.
- Cover Box Mistake #2
Mistake: The pool cover box was not drained into the catch basin of the vanishing-edge pool. During water filtration cycles, water fills the pool cover track and flows into the pool cover box. The pool will lose excess water if the cover box is not drained to the catch basin.
Solution: Always build the drain between the cover box of any pool with a vanishing edge and an automatic pool cover to the catch basin.
- Vanishing Edge Slope Mistake
Mistake: There are two styles of vanishing edge. The vertical option is straight on the outside of the weir wall and then slopes into the pool. The sloped option is straight on the inside of the weir wall and then slopes away from the pool. Builders commonly make the slope too flat.
Solution: The solution is simple. The slope on both styles should be at a 45-degree angle. Made with a 45-degree angle, the vertical option slope will blend into the water better, and the sloped option will keep the pool cover track concealed better.
- Vanishing Edge Tile Mistake
Mistake: The tile’s top edge is sharp, which will prematurely wear and tear an automatic pool cover.
Solution: The solution is simple. The tile installer must either use a tile with a smooth edge or pumice stone or something similar to remove the sharp edge. The edge does not need to be rounded, just smoothed.
- Improper Track Installation
Mistake: Tracks placed too low or without spacers behind the spillway. A track installed too low increases the operational stress of the pool cover. A track installed too high may be visible from the standard side of the pool. A track installed without spacers will disrupt the water flow and appeal of the vanishing edge.
Solution: Install the pool cover track 1 inch below the top of a vertical vanishing edge (weir edge) and 3 inches down the face of a sloped vanishing edge. A spacer must be installed between the weir wall and pool cover track to allow water to flow behind it.
- Measurement Errors
Mistake: Inaccurate width measurements cause misalignment, preventing smooth cover operation.
Solution: Measure the pool’s width meticulously, as all components (drum, lead edge, track) depend on this dimension. Measure across the width of the pool from the standard track opening to the opening of the vanishing edge track. The objective is to take a “no slack” measurement, so the tape should be pulled tight, not drooping anywhere. You must bend your tape down to the track on the vanishing edge side; pulling the tape straight across to a vertical measurement that aligns with the track will not get the “no slack” measurement. Once the “no slack” measurement is obtained, you can discuss the slack they recommend with your pool cover supplier. We recommend between 3” to 4”. Anything over 4” will create pool cover operational problems.
- Poor Mechanism Positioning
Mistake: Installing the pool cover mechanism at the same height as usual.
Solution: The pool cover mechanism must be lowered so the rope on the standard side goes down the same amount as the rope on the vanishing edge side goes up. There may be pulleys on the vanishing edge side keeping the rope from routing from the track to the mechanism, but the rule still applies for installation to meet best practices.
- Collaboration Gaps
Mistake: Builders and cover installers working in isolation lead to structural incompatibilities.
Solution: The pool builder and the pool cover installer must agree on each part of construction that can affect the pool cover’s operation. Otherwise, failure to communicate effectively will cost the builder time and money to fix the issues.
Addressing these pitfalls can help builders ensure automatic covers enhance the aesthetics of vanishing edge pools while maintaining reliability. Following construction best practices, early collaboration, precision measurements, and tailored installation techniques are key to avoiding costly repairs and performance issues.