Advice Needed on Electric Cover

[bbroglio]

Our 20 x 40 inground vinyl pool is 7 years old. In that time, we've replaced both the solar and winter covers and are once again looking at purchasing a new solar cover. Our pool patio is not solid concrete, but stones set in a concrete slurry with sand on top acting as grout. We are interested in maybe getting an electric cover to replace both solar and winter covers. We live in Virginia and swim through the end of October. If anyone has experience with electric covers and can share any useful info, we'd appreciate it. Also, no one around here has a dome over their pool, but my husband is interested in exploring that avenue as well. Any comments about domes?

Thanks for any and all help you give! We love the PoolForum!

[chem geek]

I have a recessed undertrack pool cover from Pool Covers, Inc. (http://www.poolcoversinc.com/index.shtml) and am very happy with it. However, it does seem that they can develop leaks early in their life, though they are under warranty (parts free for first 3 years, pro-rated after that to 7 years; labor free for 2 years). I don't live in a freezing climate, however, so can't comment on the winter cover aspect.

As for domes, we took a look at this link (http://rontimco.com/poolpg.htm) and decided it wasn't for us -- mostly because of how tall the dome is and would be visible by our neighbors. It does seem to be a reasonable (though not inexpensive) solution for those who live in more rural areas or with lots of tall trees obscuring visibility from the neighbors.

Richard

[bbroglio]

Thanks, Richard, especially for the links. I agree about the size of the dome. Need to check neighborhood covenants to see if we'd be in violation of something.

[Deuce2]

We have an electric auto cover by 'Cover Star' on a 20 x 44 inground pool. We have had it 5 years, and absolutely love it. They save on heating and chemical costs, and also make it easier to maintain correct chemical levels since nothing really ever gets into the pool water(including rain water). Word of caution though, make sure the contractor who installs it has had years of experience with them. If installed correctly, these covers are hassle free. If not installed correctly, they can be a nightmare.