elite Pool Covers Instruction Manual

elite Pool Covers

Product Information

Specifications

• Material: Durable polyethylene fabric
• Usage: Pool cover
• Features: Bubble design, roller system

Congratulations on your purchase of an Australian made Elite Pool Cover product. Elite prides itself on suppling the largest product range, best quality and service available in Australia to both the domestic and commercial markets. You can rest easy knowing you have invested wisely in the best product available. With proper care you will get many years of enjoyment and service from an Elite product. To ensure you understand how to protect your investment please read the following warrant and care instructions:

ALL CLAIMS AND ENQUIRIES MUST BE MADE DIRECTLY TO: ELITE POOL COVERS.

Installation

When preparing for the installation of your new pool cover, please ensure that the water level in your pool is maintained at approximately halfway up the skimmer opening. This level is essential to achieve proper installation and performance. Prior to our team’s arrival, the old cover should be removed and cleared from the pool area to provide unobstructed access for the new cover and roller system. It is important to note that we do not remove or dispose of the old cover.

Product Usage Instructions

• Bubble covers for pools are typically made from a durable polyethylene fabric that comes on a roll. During the manufacturing process, this material retains a certain “memory” of its rolled state.
• When the cover is unrolled and placed on the pool’s surface, the fabric may initially exhibit the characteristics of this memory, causing it not to lay perfectly flat.
• As the cover is exposed to sunlight, it begins to warm up. This warming process plays a crucial role in improving the cover’s ability to lay flat.
• The heat from the sun gradually softens the polyethylene fabric, allowing it to become more pliable. As a result, the material starts to lose its memory of the rolled state, & the trapped air within the bubbles begins to equalize and distribute more evenly across the cover.
• Over time, the cover adjusts to the contours of the pool and lays flatter as the polyethylene fabric relaxes and conforms to its new environment. This process is entirely natural and part of the cover’s adaptation to its intended purpose.
• It is important to note that proper initial placement of the cover, with care taken to evenly distribute it across the pool’s surface, can facilitate this process. Additionally, using cover accessories or weights along the edges can help ensure the cover stays in place and encourages it to lie flat more quickly.
• In conclusion, the polyethylene fabric used to make bubble covers retains a memory of its rolled state, which initially affects its ability to lay flat on the pool. However, exposure to sunlight and warmth allows the fabric to become more pliable, helping the cover to gradually relax and conform to the pool’s shape, resulting in improved flatness over time.

When a cover is fabricated, it is not uncommon for a cover to have wrinkles and not sit flat on the pool.

This is due to several factors:

1. fabric memory (it was rolled up)
2. Air pockets (trapped air pushes the cover up)
3. Fabric temperature
4. Joint welding (high temperature in concentrated area)

While the initial fit of your new cover may not be perfectly flat due to the manufacturing process, it will naturally improve with time as it adapts to the pool’s shape and with exposure to sunlight. Rest assured that the cover will gradually lay flat as it settles into its intended position, ensuring optimal functionality and appearance.

Getting the most out of your new cover

To prolong the life and effectiveness of your solar pool cover, it’s crucial to maintain proper water balance and consistently use the white over cover. Proper water balance not only ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming environment but also protects your pool cover. Imbalanced water chemistry particularly high chlorine levels will lead to deterioration of the cover material over time. Recommended basic water parameters (as per Australian Standards): To protect not only your pool blanket, but the lining of your pool and other pool equipment.

*It is recommended to run the pool pump during the hottest part of the day if the blanket is on the pool. This rotates the water to avoid the splitting of the cells.

Additionally, the over-cover serves as a shield against excessive UV exposure preventing roller burn to the cover, debris, and physical wear and tear, helping to extend the cover’s lifespan. By combining vigilant water maintenance with the use of the over cover, you’ll not only enhance the durability of your solar pool cover but also maximize its energy-saving and heat retention benefits, providing a more cost-effective and enjoyable swimming experience.

Caring for your new Elite Pool Cover

Without proper care ANY pool cover can be ruined in a fraction of its expected life span.
Most warranty claims are not caused by product failure, but by owner misuse such as: leaving a cover rolled up out in the direct sunlight while off the pool; and having excess chlorine in the pool – either a little too high over a prolonged period or a lot too high over a very short period, high or low pH levels. Owner misuse such as these may VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

To get the maximum lifespan out of your Elite Pool Cover:

1. Maintain correct chlorine & pH levels and test your water regularly.
   • Keep chlorine levels less than 2.5ppm. Your cover will deteriorate quicker when you have excessive chlorine as it is a corrosive agent and creates wear on the cover.
   • Keep pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6 to ensure your water is not corrosive.
   • Please do not assume that your salt-water chlorinator can control chlorine levels in your water.
2. When shocking your pool, ensure that you take the cover off.
   • It is important to leave the cover off for 48 hours to allow your chlorine level to return to recommended parameters.
3. Do not leave the cover folded or rolled up in the sun.
   • Store the pool cover in a completely covered environment, in full shade and not under shade cloth. The sun and heat will cause corrosive wear and will cause the cover to be damaged in strips across the cover resulting in delamination, and in extreme cases overheating on the roller can cause the material to become molten and weld onto itself.
4. Hose thoroughly before storing your cover for long periods of time.
   • Wash the pool cover on both sides with fresh water to remove any pool chemicals to eliminate the possibility of chlorine residue from burning the cover.
   • This is not necessary if you are replacing the cover within 24 hours.
5. Always use your Elite over-cover whenever your cover is on the roller.
   • Every roller is supplied with a complimentary white Elite over-cover.
   • Whenever your cover is rolled up on the roller, please ensure the over-cover is in place over your pool cover.
   • Protect the pool cover with only our recommended over-covers. You can store your cover on the roller with your white Elite over-cover in place in direct sunlight; serviceable Elite over-covers block the sun. Other products like tarps etc are not recommended.
6. Remove your solar pool cover in the winter months.
   • If you leave the cover on for extended periods of time, chemical gases can build up causing damage to the blanket along with the surface of your pool and pool equipment.
7. Never roll your blanket onto a hot roller that has been sitting in the sun. This will cause melting of your blanket. Simply cool roller down with cold water beforehand.
8. Pre-Installation Preparation
   Ensure the water level in your pool is maintained at approximately halfway up the skimmer opening before installation. Remove the old cover from the pool area to provide unobstructed access for the new cover and roller system.
9. Unrolling and Placing the Cover:
   Unroll the bubble cover and place it on the pool’s surface. Note that the fabric may not lay perfectly flat initially due to its rolled state memory.
10. Sunlight Exposure and Warming:
    Exposure to sunlight helps warm up the cover, making the polyethylene fabric more pliable. This process aids in the cover laying flat by distributing air evenly across the bubbles.
11. Cover Adjustment:
    Allow the cover time to adjust to the pool’s contours. Proper initial placement and using accessories or weights along the edges can help facilitate this process.

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR ELITE POOL BLANKET AND ROLLER

Winding your pool blanket off your pool

1. Position the Roller centrally at one end of your pool. If your Roller has pin brakes locate them in the holes provided (Fig 1 ).
2. If your pool has swim outs, or of a shape that needs to have a flap folded over before winding, fold them over first, (Fig 2 & Fig 3).
3. Detachable System – You will notice on the Blanket at the Roller end there are black clamps with ‘TEE” pieces through them. Uft the centre up and place it through the corresponding hole in the roller tube. Continue until all the “TEE” pieces are connected to the Roller tube.
   Note: If your pool has a free form shaped end you might have to start to connect at the longest part of your Blanket (Fig 4).
4. Fixed Cord Type System – Start to wind the handle, making sure the Blanket rolls on straight. Gently wind the blanket up onto the Roller, if your Blanket wonders off centre, align it as you go by pushing and pulling your Blanket from one side to the other.
5.  Once your Blanket is wound up, place on the protective white over cover. The stretchy straps lock into the cut outs on the frame (Deluxe or Platinum rollers only Fig 5). On the standard frames the stretchy strips go under the frame.
   Tip: When the Blanket end has just come out of the water onto the Roller, use your leaf scoop to scoop up the debris. Tip: If your skimmer box is at the roller end, you can also run your pump to skim off the fine dust and dirt.

ENJOY YOUR ELITE POOL BLANKET AND ROLLER

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR ELITE POOL BLANKET AND ROLLER

Putting your pool blanket onto your pool 

1. Remove your white reflective over cover.
2. Hold the end of the pull cord if supplied, and walk to the opposite end of the pool to the roller.
3. Gently pull the cord and the Blanket will glide onto the Pool. Note: As the Blanket is being pulled from the centre, both sides of the Blanket will fold under to keep the leading edge out of the water, aiding its movement.
4. Once the Blanket has wound out onto the Pool detach it from the Roller by lifting out the ?TEEH pieces.
   Note: Detachable Systems only.
5. By using your Pool broom, flatten out the blanket so each side and each end goes up the wall of the Pool.
   Note: Debris cuts only (Fig 8).
6. If your pool has inside curves the Blanket will be cut to the water line at those parts to enable the Blanket to lay flatter (Fig A).

Note: All Blankets will have slight lumps along the welds caused by the fabric shrinking due to the welding.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BLANKET

Winding your pool blanket off your pool
The following cautions must be adhered to otherwise the life of your Pool Blanket will be drastically reduced and the Manufacturer’s warranty will be voided.

1. STAY OFF BLANKET.
   1. THE POOL BLANKET IS NOT A SAFETY COVER.
      Don’t walk upon your Pool Blanket. Remove completely before entering your pool to avoid the risk of drowning. Don’t swim underneath the Pool Blanket.
2. DON’T ALLOW CHLORINE LEVELS TO EXCEED
   1. PARTS PER MILLION. If your pool is salt water chlorinated turn you chlorinator down and test your chemical levels regularly. Salt-water pools damage Blankets if chlorine levels are allowed to rise above light pink on your tester, eg keep chlorine levels between 2.0 to 2.5 parts per million or blow as per AS 3633-1989.
3. DON’T EXPOSE THE POOL BLANKET TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
   1. when rolled up off the pool, even for the shortest periods. Extreme heat is subsequently generated and magnified through the layers of air cells, causing delamination and blistering. Therefore, when not in use place Blanket in a permanently shaded area or if stored on the Elite Roller (or similar roller), the white over cover supplied MUST be used to protect the Pool Blanket from the sun’s rays.
4. RUN POOL PUMP IN THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY,
   1. eg 9am – 3pm to circulate water beneath the Blanket.
5. POINT POOL RETURN JETS away from the pool Blanket. downwards.
6. WHEN STORING the Pool Blanket off the pool for periods greater than one week, the Pool Blanket must be washed on both sides with fresh water as the Blanket is wound or folded to remove all traces of chemicals.
7. FLATTEN POOL BLANKET OUT with your pool broom to disperse air trapped beneath the Blanket.
8. REMOVE POOL BLANKET when adding chemicals or before Mshock – chlorination” takes place.
9. REMOVE Pool Blanket when water temperature is greater than 32°C.
10. DON’T drag Pool Blanket over rough coping or subject Blanket to extreme stress conditions which might result in tears, cuts or damage.
11. DON’T store Pool Blanket in heat above 4a:’c (even with over-cover in place)- place Pool Blanket in the shade.
12. REMOVE Pool Blanket in extreme winds.
13. TO EXTEND THE LIFE of your Pool Blanket, remove, wash, dry and store under cover in winter months.
14. YOUR POOL BLANKET is manufactured from a plastic material and in common with all plastics that are exposed to the elements, they are expected to deteriorate with age.
15. The Elite Pool Blanket will give you many more enjoyable hours in your pool than ever before. It is designed principally to act as a Solar Heater, at the same time serving the purpose of a pool cover. It will reduce you chemical maintenance costs as well as your water evaporation. IT DOES MANY THINGS FOR YOU, THEREFORE IT MUST BE TREATED WITH CARE. The Pool Blanket is made from polyethylene material containing thousands of unique air cells, which cannot be expected to withstand abuse or rough treatment.
16. USE: For most effective results the Solar Pool Blanket must be replaced on the pool at night or in tight wind conditions, otherwise substantial heat loss will result. Depending on your particular pool, you will soon develop the easiest method of removing the Pool Blanket.

… DAMAGE caused by excessive heat or chemical exposure will void any warranty.

WARRANTY

ALL CLAIMS & ENQUIRIES MUST BE MADE DIRECTLY TO: ELITE POOL COVERS

BLANKETS: the Manufacturer warrants for the period of 5, 8, 1 O or 12 years (to the original customer) from date of purchase of original Pool Blanket and 6 months for a Spa Blanket. The Pool Blanket must be returned to the Manufacture within warranty period by original customer (at his sole expense). Manufacture will, in the event that after Manufacture’s examination should disclose the Pool Blanket to be defective in workmanship or material, at its option ether repair or alternatively replace the Pool Blanket. In the case of replacement, no charge will be made within the first 12 months of ownership. (12-year blanket starts after the 24th month) For replacement between the beginning of the 13th month and the end of the 24th month from date of purchase the customer shall pay 50% of the then current list price of the new Pool Blanket. For replacement between the beginning of the 25th month and the end of the 48th month from date of purchase, the customer shall pay 75% of the then current list price of the new Pool Blanket. For replacement between the beginning of the 61st month and the end of the 144th month from date of purchase the customer shall pay 90% of the then current list price of a new Pool Blanket. Since the Spa Blanket warranty is only 6 months, the customer will be entitle to 1 /6th off for each full remaining month of warranty.

BLANKETS

TICK APPLICABLE BOX: (Elite Pool Covers offers:) Date

• 5 Year Blanket: 1st year 100%, 2nd year 50%, 3rd year 25%, 4th year 25%, 5th year 10%
• 8 Year Blanket: 1st year 100%, 2nd year 50%, 3rd year 25%, 4th year 25%.
  • 5th year 15%, 6th, 7th, 8th year 10%
• Year Blanket: 1 s1 year 100%, 2nd year 100%, 3rd year 50%, 4th year 25%,
  • 5th year 20%, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th year 10%
• 12 year Triple Cell Blanket: 1g year 100%, 2nd year 100%, 3rd year 100%, 4th year 50%, 5th year 25%, 6th, 7th, 8th 20%, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th year 10%

ROLLERS:

• 6 year prorated: manufacturer defects warrants 1172nd per month
• 8 year prorated: manufacturer defects warrants 1196th per month
• 10 year prorated: manufacturer defects warrants 11120th per month
• 12 year prorated: manufacturer defects warrants 11144th per month

Ordinary wear and tear is not a defect in workmanship or material and the manufacture is not liable for same.

Subject to any statutory rights the original customer may have. Manufacturer will not be liable for any incidental or consequential losses or damage resulting from any defect in workmanship or material. The purchaser shall install, maintain and us in accordance with Manufacturer’s instructions.

FAQ

Q: Why is my Pool Cover up one side more than the other? 
A: When your Pool Blanket is cut 50 – 75mm lager than your pool and your pool has inside curves (fig A). The Blanket has to be cut to the water line, at the inside curve to allow  ,———–,the blanket to lie flatter. Often the pressure from one side to another makes the blanket move side• ways, away from the inside curve, thus making gaps between the blanket and the wall on the inside curve which in turn makes the ….._ __________ .,. blanket seem larger on the other side. WHAT CAN I DO?
Simply move the blanket back against the inside curve and fold a 50mm or 2 inch flap in the fabric, like folding up a letter {Fig B) to give the fabric a flap to help it stay in place, or trim the Blanket to the water line.

Q: Do Blankets shrink?
A: Yes, over the life span of all solar Blankets shrinkage will occur, up to 2% on length and width.

Q: Does a smaller Blanket work less efficiently?
A: Blankets that are slightly smaller than the pool or water line cuts are easier to get on and off the pool. As Blankets are primarily for heating and stopping evaporation, there is little or no difference in performance.

Q: Will more debris get in?
A: Solar blanket will keep out about 70% to 80% of debris which is far better than without one. As they shrink slightly, more debris can get in. TIP: lf you have a major debris problem, a Debris Cover that comes up over the edge could be the answer for the leaf falling month (contact your ELITE distributor for details).

Q: How do I get the debris off the Solar Blanket?
A: If you have a roller simply wind the Solar Blanket off, allow the debris to drop into the water and with your leaf scoop, scoop across the end of your pool. TIP: Turing your surface skimmer on will pick up some of the smaller dirt. For Blankets without a roller, the debris can be swept, blown or vacuumed off before removing Blanket.

Q: How do I stop the Blanket from moving in the wind?
A: Lower your water level or lay the garden hose around the edge of the Blanket, or trim the Blanket to the water line. TIP: Lay a weight such as a strip of wood on the edge facing the windy side.
You have paid the installer to trim your blanket to the shape of the pool and to the water line on inside curves. If your require us to re-trim the blanket in the future we will be happy to do that for you (charges apply). All call outs are charged at current installation rates. It is very easy to trim any access blanket yourself with a standard pair of scissors.

Q: What can I do about the creases in the Blanket?
A: Creases caused by packaging usually flattens out in a matter of days. When all solar blankets are welded, the welded seams shrink causing the Blanket to have creases, very time and constant rolling, these creased will decrease.

WHAT CAN I DO?
On a warm day, with one person at one end and one on the other, stretch the seam. Do this a few times can the blanket will lay flatter.
TIP: Use your pool broom to flatten the blanket out each time you put it onto the pool and wind the Blanket onto the roller a few times.
Note: Pool Blankets will not lay dead flat on any pool.

Q: My Blanket doesn’t wind straight onto the roller?
A: As most pools are not rectangular, curves in pools push the Blanket to one side or the other,

WHAT CAN I DO?
When the blanket starts to wind crooked, hold the tube to stop motion, and pull the Blanket straight. On some pool shapes you will need to do this more than once.

Q: My Blankets bubbles have gone flat.
A: This is because your pools water is starving of oxygen and drawing oxygen out of the bubbles, causing them to become inverted. This will no effect the heating, life span or operation of your Blanket in any way.

Enjoy your warm solar efficient pool!

10 Cressall Rd, Balcatta WA 6021 cg
(08) 9240 2262
sales@poolcovers.com.au
poolcovers.com.au