Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about our automatic pool covers?
We have answers.

General Questions

The Auto Pool Reel or an Automatic Pool Roller can be used indoors or outdoors as required.

If you’ve ever used a conventional solar blanket or cover roller, you may know how burdensome they can be to operate. Automatic cover rollers are considered a “step-up” from manual rollers, but these varieties are never completely automatic. They’re actually semi-automatic. This means they require you to pull the cover to unwind it and guide the cover back onto the reel when it’s winding back up. We set out to change this. Designed for convenient one-person operation, APR’s patented cover systems require minimal to no effort, depending on the model you choose. Both of our models are far simpler and much easier to operate than traditional “automatic” cover rollers. Our cover systems don’t use ropes, tracks, or cables, nor do they require costly or permanent installation that might alter your pool deck. Our premium model features the same fully automatic unwinding and retracting capabilities as a built-in cover, but in a compact and convenient roller-style concept. It’s the first of its kind.

Customarily, these terms can be used interchangeably when referring to pool cover systems. At APR however, they help to distinguish the difference between the two automatic cover systems that we offer.

The Auto Pool Reel is fully automatic. It unwinds and rolls up the pool cover completely in its own. No manual assistance is ever needed- not even to adjust the cover. The reel will adjust the cover on its own.

The Auto Pool Roller is a semi-automatic or retractable pool cover. It requires gentle pulling to unwind, and minor adjusting as it rolls up the cover. While it’s a little more hands-on, it’s perfect for smaller budgets.

Neither of our cover systems ever require any strings or ropes.

No, they don’t. We wanted our products to allow for as much flexibility and freedom as possible. The Auto Pool Reel and Auto Pool Roller were designed to be compatible with almost any type of swimming pool cover, so that our customers can choose a cover that best suits their needs or use their existing pool cover.

The Auto Pool Reel and the Auto Pool Roller are completely customizable. You can select the length of your cover system, so that it’s just the right size for your pool/pool cover. Our products are suited for solar covers and blankets between 12 and 16 mils in thickness.

No need. Once you’re armed with all the information you need, head to our “shop” page on our primary navigation menu. You can customize and purchase your cover system from there.

You don’t have to be a pro to set up our cover systems. APR automatic covers are non-invasive so that you don’t have to stress about permanent components or how they’ll be fixed to your pool deck. Just imagine a manual cover roller with a button in place of a cranking device. Our automatic cover systems are about as simple as that!

Our products come partially assembled. They include an instruction manual and access to step-by-step videos that will help walk you through the process of putting your Auto Pool Reel or Auto Pool Roller together. Most of our customers find this process relatively uncomplicated and straight-forward. It shouldn’t be long before you’re enjoying the benefits of your cover system.

A simple silhouette and a compact, lightweight design enable our cover systems to be easily moved on and off your pool deck. This also allows our customers to store them away during winter months. If you live in an area with high-winds or unpredictable/inclement weather, we recommend securing your pool cover reel or pool cover roller to your pool deck when in use for added security.

We’re always eager to work alongside our clients to solve problems, supply misplaced parts, or find creative solutions to specific challenges that are unique to their pool or pool environment. Go to our shopping page and scroll all the way down to “miscellaneous parts” to learn how to replace anything specific. Contact us via email for all other inquiries.

Technical Questions

Our cover systems accommodate covers between 12 and 16 mils (0.012" and 0.016") in thickness. Pool covers thinner than 12 mils should not be used with our cover systems.

Please note that pool covers that are too stiff will not roll up properly on the roller. Pool covers with a top layer made from woven polyethylene and insulating foam should be used. Pool covers with both top and bottom layers made from woven polyethylene tend to be too stiff and are not compatible with our cover systems.

The Auto Pool Reel and the Auto Pool Roller are completely customizable. You can select the length of your cover system, so that it’s just the right size for your pool/pool cover. Keep in mind that your cover must be 5 ft longer than the length of your pool for our cover systems to operate properly.

The pool cover should be the width of the pool and can be trimmed to size once installed on the Auto Pool Reel or the Auto Pool Roller.

Our covers systems are compatible with thermal blankets and solar covers.

The pool cover is secured to the top side of the tube assembly with the supplied phillips self drilling screws and washers. Our products come with detailed installation manual for easy assembly.

Although, the sides of the pool cover must be cut straight, the end of the cover can be cut to fit the contour(s) of the end of your pool.

Our cover systems accommodate covers between 12 and 16 mils (0.012" and 0.016") in thickness. Pool covers thinner than 12 mils should not be used with our cover systems.

Please note that pool covers that are too stiff will not roll up properly on the roller. Pool covers with a top layer made from woven polyethylene and insulating foam should be used. Pool covers with both top and bottom layers made from woven polyethylene tend to be too stiff and are not compatible with our cover systems.

In order to use your existing cover with our pool cover systems, your cover should be no more than 1 year old with no visible holes, rips, or frayed edges. If your cover ages or becomes damaged with use, you can easily swap your cover without purchasing a new Auto Pool Roller. However, for the Auto Pool Reel you will need to purchase new tractor feed strips for your new pool cover.

It is important to note that our cover systems do not come with a pool cover. This must be purchased separately. Instructions for attaching your cover to the Auto Pool Reel or the Auto Pool Roller, as well as any hardware necessary are included with the unit.

Although optional, we recommend securing your automatic cover system to the pool deck to prevent the unit from being accidentally pushed in the pool. Hardware necessary the unit to your pool deck must be purchased independently.

Our motorized pool covers are electrically powered. They plug into your nearest 115 VAC GFCI outlet and stepped down to a low voltage transformer to power the unit. So you don’t have to wait for batteries to charge or for the sun to appear, for your automatic cover to operate flawlessly.

Our cover systems can be made with your plug type of choice, so if you’re from outside North America, you won’t need to go hunting for an adapter. Upon purchase, click on “Plug Types Outside North America” to upgrade to an international plug type.

The cord for the Auto Pool Reel or the Auto Pool Roller is 22.5' in length in total.

The Auto Pool Reel or Automatic Pool Roller doesn't need to be secured to the deck but it is recommended. The unit comes with Rubber Mounts on each end supports that can be easily installed into the deck.

No. Cover requirements do not differ between the Auto Pool Reel and the Auto Pool Roller.