Can an under-track automatic cover be installed later?

[greenhousedc]

I've been quoted $15k for a Coverstar Automatic Pool Cover. I'd like to put off this expense for a couple of seasons, but I don't want tracks on the pool deck. Could the pool be built with tracks under the cantilevered concrete and a well poured for the cover, but not install the actual cover? Or is the track and well installation a majority of the $15k cost, so I really wouldn't be saving anything?

 

[HermanTX]

While you could have the track installed while pool is being constructed, you will most likely lose any benefit or warranty if they come back 18-24 months later to install the cover. You want it all working at time of installation and you would not know that the track is set properly until the cover is installed and operated. I have a friend that had a cover installed (it was Cover Pools by Jandy), they had some minor start up issues which got resolved without much debate, but not sure they would have found that out unless the cover was installed. It is a complete system and you could ask for a breakdown and seek their advice on separating the installation of the track from the installation of the cover.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

There's not much point to pre-installing the tracks. Rails are the easy part and can be fastened under the coping later but they might have to be removed anyway to thread the ropes.

The part to do in advance is digging and provisioning the cover vault (and its own cover) and running electric cable in conduit to power the motor.