Automatic pool covers are one of the most innovative items in the swimming pool industry, however they are not new inventions. The first known auto cover dates back to 1959. Although that automatic cover was very primitive, technology has since taken over. Every year we are seeing continuous improvements in the cover design, hardware, and installation process. With so many great manufacturers in the industry I expect this trend will continue.

One of the most crucial components of the automatic cover is also one of the most overlooked. The webbing, which is attached to the side of the coverfabric, is the piece that locks the cover into the track. Most automatic cover manufacturers use standard sewn-on webbing. Thus, making the stitches crucial to the safety and durability of the cover. Over the years, many covers have been replaced due to sewn threads fraying, being cut or disintegrating over time. All these issues with sewn threads can lead to cover failure. Another issue with sewn webbingis the tendency it has to bunch up around the rope which can damage the fabric itself.

In 2003, Coverstar introduced a new Heat-Sealed webbing which actually bonds the webbing to the fabric without the need of sewing. This provides a substantially longer webbing life and improved cover operation and reliability. They offer this option in white or it can be color matched to the fabric color. Color matching is a more aesthetically pleasing option and is also longer lasting than white webbing due to color pigments which reduce UV light exposure to the fabric.

When converting auto cover fabric from sewn-on to heat-sealed, you will need to make sure you have adequate housing space due to the added diameter of the cover with the thicker Heat-Sealed Webbing. When ordering replacment automatic cover fabric, make sure to note you are converting from sewn-on webbing to heat-sealed.

Here are the Heat-Sealed Webbing cover housing width and depth guidelines from Coverstar:

12?X12? box 36? Track Length 40? Cover
13?X13? box 40? Track Length 48? Cover
14?X14? box 51? Track Length 55? Cover
(Add one inch of box for each additional 8 ft of fabric from this point on)

What is a semi inground pool?
A semi inground pool is an above ground pool that can be put partially in the ground. They are sturdier than standard above ground pools so that they can withstand the pressure from backfill or dirt against the pool wall.

Are the pools made from metal or aluminum?
The most popular semi inground pools are made from aluminum because of being rust proof, and if the aluminum is coated with resin or other coatings it helps with the resistance of corrosion. However, there are metal wall pools that have resin rails, resin uprights, and protective coatings on the walls that can withstand the acidity in the soil.

Why would someone choose a semi inground pool over an inground swimming pool?
Uncontrollable factors such as a hillside, rocks, or live in an area that has an extremely high water table that prevents them from having a fully inground pool. There are also customers that prefer the easy installation of an above ground pool.

Is there only one size or shape available in the different models?
The semi inground swimming pools that we offer are available in either round or oval and are available in a variety of sizes.

Who manufactures the semi inground pools?
Wilbar manufactures the Oasis and the Bermuda semi inground pools. The Palm Shore is manufactured by Doughboy and has a lifetime warranty.

Where are the semi inground pools made?
The three semi inground pool models that we offer are made in the U.S.A.

Main drains and skimmers are used to help filter the water in your swimming pool. The two main drains, if you have them, should be located in the deepest section of your swimming pool about three feet apart. Skimmers are located on the swimming pool wall.

If you have a prevailing wind in your area, you will want at least one skimmer on a wall opposite from the prevailing wind.

Main drains are not required in an inground swimming pool, however, they are strongly recommended and can be extremely useful in some circumstances.

The advantages of main drains are to give you the ability to drain the water from your pool without the use of a sump pump. This is useful when replacing your pool liner. Main drains are also helpful in the filtering of water and dirt from the bottom of the pool.

If you choose not to put two main drains in your swimming pool, you are required to have two skimmers.

You might ask "Why am I required to have two?" The answer to this question is two-fold. First, there is the Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act which requires two suction points in your pool for safety vacuum release reasons.

The second reason is simply in order to provide your pump with plenty of water. In addition to providing the pump with more water, having two skimmers will help circulate and filtrate your swimming pool water. The baskets located in your skimmers will catch leaves, small twigs, bugs, and other debris.

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As the summer comes to a close and fall weather sets in, many people begin thinking about pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween costumes, and when the first snow flurry will appear. As you sit curled up in a blanket, watching the leaves fall, have you ever daydreamed about your ideal pool? It seems only natural to focus your thoughts on the impending cooler months, the latest jacket trends, or which store will offer the best deal on wrapping paper, but take a minute to lose yourself in paradise: what would your dream pool look like?

Don?t let the cold get you down! Visit www.royalswimmingpools.com, and start making plans for you and your children to enjoy the pool season right in your own backyard, with our new 3D swimming pools!