Automated Pool Cover FAQ

Designer Pool Covers is South Africa's leading specialist in automatic and manual pool covers, founded in 2012 by Willem de Wet and Lorraine Webster. What started as a one-room home office in Germiston has grown into a national operation with branches in Johannesburg (Head Office), Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal. We've been industry leaders for over 14 years.

Most pool cover companies focus on one or two products. Designer Pool Covers is unique because we offer the widest range of pool cover products available from any single company in South Africa — from entry-level thermal blankets right through to fully automated hydraulic vinyl systems and slatted covers. As our founder says: "I'm not just there to put a safety net or blanket on a pool. I'm there to look at the lifestyle of the client and complement that."

Yes — we cover the entire country, with dedicated branches and technicians in Johannesburg (Head Office), Cape Town (covering Western Cape, Garden Route and Kimberley), KwaZulu-Natal, and Namibia. If you are in a region not listed, contact our Head Office — we will advise on the best way to serve you.

We offer six product categories: 1) Thermal Blankets (GeoBubble) for heat retention, 2) Child & Pet Safety Cover (PVC Canvas) supporting up to 150kg, 3) PoolLock Manual Vinyl (V5M Easy Glide) upgradeable to automatic, 4) PoolLock Hydraulic Automatic Vinyl - our ultimate safety cover with 250 kg/m² capacity, 5) Cover Pools Saf-T3 Electric Cover (button-operated), and 6) PoolDeck Slatted Cover - elegant polycarbonate or PVC interlocking slats.

This is one of the most important distinctions: A thermal blanket is NOT a safety cover. It only retains heat and reduces evaporation — it cannot support the weight of a child or pet. A safety cover (vinyl track system, PVC canvas cover, or slatted cover with safety ledge) is designed to support significant weight, prevent unsupervised access, and act as a "horizontal fence" across your pool. When the cover is closed — it is locked.

The PoolLock Hydraulic Vinyl cover is our flagship automated pool cover. Key features include: electric motor (Power Pack) located away from pool near the pump — no electrical components within 1 metre of water; supports up to 250 kg per m²; opens and closes in under 60 seconds via key switch; "Deadman" key operation for instant emergency control; works for pools from 5m×3m up to 25m×8m; and available in multiple vinyl colours.

Slatted covers (PoolDeck) consist of interlocking polycarbonate or PVC slats that float on the surface of your pool, operated by button or key. They roll up elegantly into a housing at one end. For slatted covers to function as a safety cover, a stainless steel handrail or safety ledge must be installed (50-70mm below water line). Colour options include Transparent Blue, Dark Blue, Grey Slats, Blue PVC, and Grey PVC.

Yes — and this upgrade path is built into the DPC product design from the start. The PoolLock V5M Manual system uses the same track infrastructure as the hydraulic automatic system. When you are ready to upgrade, only the mechanism is replaced — your track system, vinyl cover and all existing infrastructure remain in place. Your initial investment is completely protected.

Yes. South African legislation makes it compulsory for every pool to have a safety feature — such as a net, fence or pool cover. Building inspectors will not issue an occupancy certificate for a new build if there are no self-closing, lockable gates around the pool area. It is also worth noting that if an unsupervised person enters your property through an unsecured gate and drowns in your pool, you are legally liable.

A properly installed safety cover is one of the most effective layers of protection you can have. Our PVC canvas covers and vinyl track systems are specifically engineered to be tamper-proof — children cannot lift them from underneath. Our covers meet international ASTM F1346 safety standards — the globally recognised benchmark for pool cover safety.

Weight capacity varies by product: Child & Pet Safety Cover (PVC Canvas) supports up to 150 kg collectively; PoolLock Hydraulic Vinyl (Automatic) supports up to 250 kg per m²; PoolLock V5M Manual Vinyl supports up to 150 kg. These capacities are critical for emergency rescue scenarios.

Get at least one layer of security around your pool — even if you are not yet ready to invest in a full pool cover system. Install self-closing, lockable gates around your pool area as an absolute minimum. If the pool is close to the house, restrict access with additional fencing or barriers. Layer your security: fence + cover + supervision = maximum protection.

Every pool is unique, so pricing depends on the cover type, pool dimensions, and installation complexity. We offer solutions across every budget — from entry-level manual covers to premium automated systems. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific pool.

Absolutely — and the savings begin from day one: Evaporation reduced by up to 80% (lower water bill); Chemical usage reduced by up to 70% (less chlorine needed); Heating costs lowered considerably (heat retained under cover); Maintenance time reduced by ~80% (no debris, no algae growth). You save money with ANY cover. The more you keep it closed, the more you save.

We focus on German Fabric (7-year warranty vs 1-2 years from cheap alternatives), ASTM Safety Compliance (verified weight bearing), and Service/Parts availability. Store-bought covers are often disposable; ours are infrastructure designed to last. Think of it like buying a car — your budget determines the spec, but every product in our range delivers outstanding value.

We work with partners who offer financing. For the cover itself, we typically require a 50% deposit and the balance on completion. Contact us to discuss your options.

Installation time depends on the type of pool and product selected: Existing pools (retrofit) typically take approximately one week from consultation to completion. New builds (integrated) require a longer process with multiple site visits and coordination with contractors. Peak season (November–December) requires 4–5 weeks advance booking. We recommend booking early in spring (September–October) to avoid the rush.

Yes — almost all DPC products can be installed on existing pools. This is called a retrofit. We use surface-mount track systems where concealed tracks are not possible. Products that work especially well for retrofits include: PoolLock Top Track/Top Mechanism, Manual Vinyl V5M, PVC Canvas Safety Cover, Thermal Blankets, and Slatted Covers (Above Ground option). Free-form (irregular shape) pools can also be catered for.

If you are planning to build a new pool, the best time to plan your cover is BEFORE construction begins. Integrating a cover during the build phase allows for concealed track systems, built-in wet pits, and a seamless finished aesthetic that is not possible with a retrofit. Contact us as early as possible in your build process — ideally before your pool plans are finalised.

Yes, our formal quotes always include professional installation by our certified technicians unless specified otherwise (e.g., DIY kits for thermal blankets).

Pool covers are very low maintenance. General care involves keeping the cover clean and free of standing water. Vinyl covers have active water-removal pumps that prevent rainwater accumulation. Hydraulic systems are extremely low maintenance — not sensitive to water and designed to last as long as your pool. For servicing, repairs or technical assistance, contact us directly — all technicians are trained specialists.

Load shedding is a reality in South Africa, and we have specifically addressed this: Hydraulic systems remain locked under pressure during a power outage (technician required for manual override). Our 24V Low-Voltage Electric Motor option is designed to run from a car battery or backup power source. Manual Vinyl V5M is always operable by hand — completely unaffected by power outages.

This is one of the most underrated benefits: your pool maintenance decreases by a good 80% if your pool is kept closed. Algae requires light and nutrients to grow. By keeping your pool covered, you block sunlight (preventing photosynthesis and algae growth), keep debris and organic matter out, reduce pump run time, and cut chemical usage by up to 70%. A covered pool stays crystal clear and swim-ready year-round.

With proper care, vinyl covers last 7-9 years (German fabric comes with 7-year warranty). Slatted covers can last 10+ years, though hail is a risk — we advise insuring slatted covers against hail damage. Hardware typically has a 10-year warranty. The main cause of degradation is improper removal and storage, not UV or chemicals.

Yes, our electric and hydraulic systems can often be integrated with home automation relays, but this requires a custom electrical setup. Contact us to discuss your specific smart home integration requirements.

Warranty coverage varies by component: Fabric/Canvas ranges from 3-7 years (German fabric gets 7 years); Hardware: 10 years; Consumables: 2 years; Motor/Power Pack: 3 years. Thermal blankets have 3-year warranty. Slatted covers have 5 years (extended by DPC from supplier's 3 years). All warranties are backed by our national service network.

We recommend an annual service to keep your cover in peak condition. Costs vary depending on location, system type, and parts needed. Contact us for a service quote — regular servicing extends the life of your cover and ensures optimal safety performance.