Automatic Cover Installation

[OSUgirl]

I have an automatic cover and the box that the cover rolls into keeps flooding with water. I was told that this is why the motor keeps malfunctioning. I was also told that during the installation process there is supposed to be drainage run so that this does not happen. The builder did not run any drainage during initial installation and the entire property was under new construction at that time. They are refusing to claim any responsibilty and have told us that we will have to pay for these things to be done AND continue to replace the motors as they go bad, even though this is due to this water hole they built me as a nice acessory for our pool. They are saying that our ground is too high... it is at least an inch below the concrete line that surrounds the pool, not to mention we have tile running away from the patio/pool area and have two drain holes on the patio area itself. This is quite extreme considering we live in Ohio... not exactly rolling hills and moutain tops... this was to make sure our walkout basement did not flood. So, how could our ground be too high? If I drag it anymore like the pool company suggests, I'm going to have another water hole!

I have the feeling the company doesn't want to claim responsibilty and have to cover the costs themselves... But what do I- the consumer- do? Is it their resposibility to install drainage? If so, would it also be their resposibility to cover anything damaged from the stagnant water, including a new motor for the cover, which was also installed crooked? I'm sure this isn't helping the motor out at all... somehow that is also "my fault"...I'm not sure how, but...

I just want to know who's liable, me or the builder? Please HELP!!

[advanced pool design]

I have an automatic cover and the box that the cover rolls into keeps flooding with water. I was told that this is why the motor keeps malfunctioning. I was also told that during the installation process there is supposed to be drainage run so that this does not happen. The builder did not run any drainage during initial installation and the entire property was under new construction at that time. They are refusing to claim any responsibilty and have told us that we will have to pay for these things to be done AND continue to replace the motors as they go bad, even though this is due to this water hole they built me as a nice acessory for our pool. They are saying that our ground is too high... it is at least an inch below the concrete line that surrounds the pool, not to mention we have tile running away from the patio/pool area and have two drain holes on the patio area itself. This is quite extreme considering we live in Ohio... not exactly rolling hills and moutain tops... this was to make sure our walkout basement did not flood. So, how could our ground be too high? If I drag it anymore like the pool company suggests, I'm going to have another water hole!

I have the feeling the company doesn't want to claim responsibilty and have to cover the costs themselves... But what do I- the consumer- do? Is it their resposibility to install drainage? If so, would it also be their resposibility to cover anything damaged from the stagnant water, including a new motor for the cover, which was also installed crooked? I'm sure this isn't helping the motor out at all... somehow that is also "my fault"...I'm not sure how, but...

I just want to know who's liable, me or the builder? Please HELP!!

What brand name is the cover? Most cover mfg's have schematics for how the cover box needs to be built, and all the ones I have installed have shown drains on the schematics sheet. Common sense alone should have been enough, but If you are having a hard time with your pool company then you could easily show that the cover was not built to spec's, (with the schematic). A letter to the state building authority, along with a letter to your local building department might help, and make sure the contractor gets a certified copy too. If you have a motor in there that is getting submerged then there is not only an expense for you each time it gets wet, but if not properly bonded/grounded, it can also be dangerous.

I have gone to using only hydraulic motors but I have never built a box that didn't have 2 drains in the bottom. I also usually use a cover from Cover Pools and I can tell you for a fact that the schematics do show a drain in the bottom. The building department should have inspected that but good luck in trying to get them to accept any blame. I would point that out to them though as it might get them involved in trying to get the builder to do his job.

Good Luck....