PoolDeck Slatted Pool Covers: The Complete Guide for South African Homeowners
PoolDeck slatted automatic covers are the visible-engineering choice — floating slats that deploy with one button, retract into a hidden mechanism, and turn the pool surface into an architectural feature. After 13 years and 4,500+ installations, we know exactly which slat material, colour and installation type fits each situation.
Willem de Wet · Managing Director
NSPI Accredited Member · SABS SANS 10134:2016 Certified
Executive Summary
- Best for: homes prioritising aesthetic integration, daily-use pools, families with young children.
- Slat materials: PVC (cost-effective) or Polycarbonate (premium, with solar heating).
- Colour options: Transparent Blue, Dark Blue, Grey, Blue PVC, Grey PVC.
- Installation types: Below Ground (wet pit), Above Ground bench, Rim Flow integration, Martini Bench Seat.
- Price range: Varies depending on slat material, pool size, and installation type. Contact us for a personalised quote.
How Slatted Automatic Covers Work
PoolDeck slats are extruded floating profiles, typically 75mm wide, that link together to form a continuous floating surface across the pool. A motorised roller (electric, low-voltage) winds them up or unrolls them across the water.
Operation is via key switch or wireless remote. Full deployment takes 60–90 seconds for a typical 8×4m pool. When fully deployed, the slats sit on the water surface, supported by their own buoyancy plus a small lip on the pool coping that prevents them sinking under load.
PVC vs Polycarbonate Slats
PVC slats: Solid colour, robust, cost-effective. Suitable for all pool sizes. Don't transmit heat from sun. Contact us for pricing based on your pool dimensions.
Polycarbonate slats: Translucent, allowing solar heat transfer to the pool water (up to 6–8°C heat gain). Premium aesthetic. Contact us for pricing based on your pool dimensions.
Our recommendation: If you swim 6+ months a year, the Polycarbonate premium pays back through reduced heating costs. For seasonal use, PVC is often the better value.
Colour Options and Their Properties
- Transparent Blue (Polycarbonate): Maximum solar heat gain. Most popular in cooler regions (Cape Town, Highveld winters).
- Dark Blue (Polycarbonate): Strong heat absorption, slightly less heat transfer to water. Premium aesthetic.
- Grey (Polycarbonate): Reduces algae growth (limits photosynthesis-driving light). Best for pools with algae history.
- Blue PVC: Solid colour, classic pool aesthetic. No solar heating.
- Grey PVC: Modern, minimal aesthetic. No solar heating but reduces algae.
Installation Types
Type 1 — Below Ground (Wet Pit)
The mechanism sits in a recessed concrete pit at one end of the pool, hidden by a flush lid. When retracted, the cover is invisible.
- Best for: new pool builds, premium aesthetic, properties visible from above.
- Cost premium: 30–40% over above-ground bench.
- Constraints: requires excavation; not ideal for retrofit on shallow-bottom pools.
Type 2 — Above Ground Bench
The mechanism is housed in a poolside bench (typically 600mm tall, doubles as seating). Most cost-effective installation.
- Best for: retrofit installations, family-use pools.
- Cost: baseline pricing.
Type 3 — Rim Flow Integration
For rim-flow / vanishing-edge pools where the cover must terminate on the wall opposite the rim flow.
- Best for: luxury rim-flow pools (Atlantic Seaboard, Sandton mansions).
- Cost premium: 25–35% over standard.
Type 4 — Martini Bench Seat
The cover retracts into a bench seat WITHIN the pool itself. Distinctive aesthetic.
- Best for: design-focused renovations, statement architecture.
- Cost premium: 15–25%.
- Constraints: reduces effective swimming length by ~600mm.
Ideal Use Cases by Home Type
- Young family home: PVC slats, Above Ground bench, Blue colour. Cost-effective, safe, easy to operate.
- Premium new build: Polycarbonate, Below Ground wet pit, Transparent Blue. Maximum aesthetic + heat gain.
- Heritage Constantia/Bishopscourt home: Polycarbonate, Below Ground wet pit, Dark Blue. Hidden when retracted.
- Atlantic Seaboard luxury home: Polycarbonate, Below Ground or Rim Flow, Transparent Blue, marine-grade hardware.
- Renovation/retrofit: PVC, Above Ground bench, Blue or Grey PVC. Easiest retrofit, lowest disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PoolDeck a real safety cover?
When fully deployed and properly installed, yes — slats supported by the pool ledge can support a child's weight. However, hydraulic vinyl (PoolLock) has a higher absolute load rating.
How long do slats last?
Polycarbonate slats: 10–15 years. PVC slats: 8–12 years. Both with annual professional service.
Can I add a Martini Bench later?
Generally no — Martini Bench requires installation as part of pool construction or major renovation.
What's the lead time?
2–3 weeks for standard installations; 4–6 weeks for custom shapes or rim-flow integration.
Are PoolDeck covers SANS 10134 compliant?
When properly installed with appropriate ledge support — yes.
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Designer Pool Covers is South Africa's authorised PoolDeck installer with 13 years of regional experience.