Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Roll-A-Cover pool enclosure?
- Why would I want to invest into a pool
enclosure?
- Why would I go with a retractable aluminum
enclosure vs. a conventionally built fixed wood structure?
- Is a Roll-A-Cover enclosure a thin tubular
designed product that is cheap looking?
- If we considered a Roll-A-Cover enclosure, what
color options are available and can you match my existent
building that it would be attached to?
- How easy is it to roll not being with a track?
- Why is a trackless enclosure better than an
enclosure with a track and why should we see one of your
enclosures before we buy anyone else’s?
- Is it hot in a Roll-a-Cover enclosure?
- Does the heat gain benefit the pool water?
- Is a product manufactured in the U.S. better
than any product built out of the U.S.?
- What is the average cost for the product only?
- I have an existing pool; will it work on my
pool?
- Can I install my own enclosure?
- If I do not want to install my own enclosure,
can you do it from Roll-A-Cover?
- Does your Roll-A-Cover enclosure have to be
fastened down?
- We are very skilled and I have a lot of
friends that could help so, can I get some supervision when we
start installing the enclosure to save money?
- What do you recommend for a site condition?
- Does the site have to be perfectly level,
square, etc?
- What other benefits would I gain from having a
Roll-A-Cover enclosure?
- Are you a local Connecticut company only or do
you ship world-wide?
- What is the guarantee on our future purchase
of a new Roll-A-Cover enclosure?
- Have you ever earned any awards for your
product that are recognized world-wide?
- What experience do you have in the enclosure
industry?
- What options do I have with the glazing on the
roof and walls?
- Is there any grounding issue with an enclosure
of any makeup that is built with aluminum?
- Does our Roll-A-Cover require local
permitting?
- Do you have various shapes and custom options
of your enclosures?
- If I want to have my enclosure attach to my
house, is that possible?
- How can we discuss my design interests and
application when you are located in Connecticut?
- What maintenance issues will I have in the
future?
- Do you finance?
- What is a Roll-A-Cover pool enclosure?
Roll-A-Cover has developed a telescopic/retractable enclosure
product that allows you to enjoy your pool, entertain your
friends, protect your pool from inclement elements and weather
and most of all “enjoy your swimming pool when others can’t” due
to changes of temperature or weather. If you remember those
telescopic single tube pirate binoculars that we use to play
with, well that’s the same general concept. Each 7’ section is
larger or smaller than the previous so each section rolls over
or under the previous which allows it to telescope. It’s a cover
that rolls, but in fact, we call it a “house on wheels” because
you could walk in and be as comfortable with the head height as
you are in your own home. The other benefit is that you can
simply roll your enclosure open and be outside whenever you want
in matter of minutes if not seconds…
- Why would I want to invest into a pool
enclosure?
Why not! You have made or are going to make a significant
investment into a swimming pool that will not only be used
intermittently when the weather is in your favor but you will
have to maintain the temperature, cleanliness of the water and
in most areas of the world have to close it down for the winter
and re-open it in the spring which is NOT free! Imagine living
like you never thought that you would for the price a nice car.
Yes, like a BMW but not a Ferrari. Wouldn’t you like to enjoy
that annual pool party when the rain just comes tumbling down on
your guests? How about having the cost benefits of having your
pool water be maintained and also increase with the ambient
greenhouse effect of the air that is contained within the system
when it is closed. Wow, your neighbor’s pool just lost 10-15
degrees because the rain just came coming and coming. Not yours!
- Why would I go with a retractable aluminum
enclosure vs. a conventionally built fixed wood structure?
We, we can tell you from experience, maintenance, maintenance,
maintenance. Or how about cost, cost, cost. Yes, there also is
the cost to heat/cool/dehumidification/build due to major
foundation requirements vs. our Roll on Slab concept. Our
enclosures also are normally installed in a matter of a few days
with minimal customization. A Roll-a-cover enclosure is built
with air craft extruded aluminum with a high density powder
coated paint or anodized for long term protection and a ease of
cleaning. With the polycarbonate material or tempered glass that
we also offer under certain site conditions, the product will
make your investment a long term benefit versus a high
maintenance fixed wood structure with sheetrock walls…
- Is a Roll-A-Cover enclosure a thin tubular
designed product that is cheap looking?
Roll-A-Cover enclosures are designed to withstand wind speeds in
excess of 140 MPH and a snow load in excess of 60 per square
foot based upon site conditions and engineering requirements.
The system has been designed with strength, longevity, and
safety in mind. It's an addition over your pool/spa with wheels!
We are at least twice the structural design over any other form
of trackless enclosures in the industry. We are a custom
fabrication manufacturer which means that, we build to your
design if need be which gives you added comfort in knowing that
there is someone out there that isn’t just supplying a cookie
cutter product. Plus, our enclosures not only have architectural
enhancements designed within the system it also has custom
components that can only be appreciated by seeing one of our
many enclosures in the marketplace today.
- If we considered a Roll-A-Cover enclosure, what
color options are available and can you match my existent
building that it would be attached to?
Roll-A-Cover, unlike any Sunroom, Pool Enclosure Company whether
retractable or fixed and also window company in the world has
decided to offer more stock colors than anyone else and with
that we have over 150 +- custom colors available. The custom
colors do have a 10-15% up charge based upon the size of the
enclosure and quantity of material that has to be custom
painted. But, the chances that our Powder coated White, sand
tone or Hunter-green colors or our Anodized clear or dark
bronze/black colors would work is often 99 out of 100 customers.
We decided to offer more stock colors, which obviously with our
45-50 aluminum shapes makes stocking far more difficult but the
benefits to you are giving you more options with the chances of
leasing your total investment. It’s another way of trying to
maintain our industry leader title.
- How easy is it to roll not being with a track?
Very! Usually 2 people would push or pull the system and in
seconds the enclosure is open or closed. If it's a bigger system
it may take a couple of minutes by moving each section
separately until the entire system is opened or closed. The
retractable sunroom models often require just one person to open
it and close it. It depends on the depth and rear wall height so
when your system is being designed please don’t forget to ask on
how well your systems going to roll with one person or two. As a
design note, the wider the bays the better it rolls, as well,
that is one of the reasons that we developed a 7’ wide bay so
that you get easier opening process than a narrower bay.
Remember that we designed our enclosures to NOT be tracked which
were far easier, but we chose to not have an unsightly track
that harbors dirt, water mold and offer dangerous tracks that
could harm someone that wasn’t paying attention.
- Why is a trackless enclosure better than an
enclosure with a track and why should we see one of your
enclosures before we buy anyone else’s?
Well, this question is asked more than ever... Yes, we do have
companies in the world that have tried to win over our inquired
clients and yes, we have lost a few of these potential clients
to these “other companies”, but in fact, we have earned probably
9 out of 10 of these customers once they realize the benefits
and quality of our enclosure products. We try not to sell
you, but if you are un-able to physically see or talk to our
clients than the chances that some “hot shot “ salesman wins
your love is definitely possible versus our low key sales and
support concept. It’s all in the eyes of the beholder and if you
do not “hold and touch our structure” you will never understand
why we have earned over 13 Global awards for our products. Now,
getting back to the tracked vs. trackless concept…Yes, we do
offer a track, but the main reason for a track for our so-called
competitors is because their enclosures structurally require it!
Fact! It’s like an egg, it’s tough to deflect or squeeze an egg
because of its shape so when you lock down the sill area with a
track the roof system would be less apt. to deflect. That
actually would be considered a poorly designed product versus
our trackless enclosure products. Yes, you may need 2 people to
open our enclosures versus any others but that shouldn’t be the
reason why you would also accept the excessive dirt and debris
as with left over grime and water mold and residue that is
contained with a tracked system. How about the ugliness of a
track on your ground “forever”! Now, let’s give a final
reason... Ever stub your toe? Yes, it doesn’t feel very
comfortable does it...? Well, plan on it with a tracked system.
Okay, you want to stub your toe, have a dirty high-maintenance
concrete surface with ugly tracks that you want to stare at. Oh,
you also want to pay for a product that is sub-level in
structural integrity. Well, we can offer you an ugly track that
contains dirt and water mold on the concrete which would make
you have to do a lot of scrubbing on a monthly basis and if you
want pain when you stub your toe then ask us for a track. We
have them. But whether you have a track or not our product is
still far more structurally sound and airtight than any other
retractable enclosure in the industry. I will have to say,
if your site condition is not level, smooth or structurally
acceptable a track may be required, but for those reasons only.
But, remember, we are designed as a “trackless enclosure
company”
- Is it hot in a Roll-a-Cover enclosure?
Our enclosures have a UV protective coating on the ¼” inch
polycarbonate (non-acrylic) and a 10-mil twin wall roof system.
We do have the option of sliding doors with screens around all
perimeter side walls for added air flow. We also offer ¼”
tempered glass as option which, as long as it meets the local
codes for your application is what we recommend doing. Now, is
it hot in our enclosures? We often compare an enclosures space
that is made up of walls, roof and a floor as a heat gain tunnel
which is like a car in a parking lot in august with the windows
closed and the air off. Yes, burn time when you open the space.
That’s the beauty of our products, even though you would acquire
the greenhouse effect which would grant you added heating
comfort during those colder days and evenings, when the sun is
out and the weather is fine just roll our enclosure open and let
the excessive heat roll out. Why air-condition the space like a
permanent glass enclosure or conventionally framed room would
require. GO RETRACTABLE!!!! It’s the word of the day and for all
seasons.
- Does the heat gain benefit the pool water?
Of course! It has the ability of protecting the heating of your
pool water from your heating system plus raises the water
temperature by 10-40% and also increase the ambient air
temperature by 15-25 degrees. Don't forget about the protection
from leaves dirt and other falling debris. We have projects in
Canada that have shown 70-80 degrees inside the enclosure when
the sun is out and the outside is less than 40 degrees. There
are a lot of environmental conditions that can change this
projection however.
- Is a product manufactured in the U.S. better
than any product built out of the U.S.?
That is very argumentative by whom you ask. In our opinion, for
what we have seen in the market-place, and as our clients who
have just not listened to a high-pressured sales person but have
investigated or physically seen the differences, they the have
chosen our enclosures as the “top dog”. Remember, we earned 13
Global awards including the most prestigious award. Or the grand
daddy of them all, “The Forbes Award” for quality, innovative
products and customer support in the industry. Go ahead, just
ask them…We have evaluated several companies that are embattled
in a “who’s the best” war. We not only feel that our product is
the best but we have been told by our “so-called competitors”
that their products are like Buicks and the Roll-A-Cover is like
a Mercedes…So, to the Buick lovers of this world. There is no
issue that we see with a Buick, but a Mercedes does have top
components, features and success stories to boot. That is what
they mean...
- What is the average cost for the product only?
Our enclosures have ranged from $45 per ground square foot to
$150+ per square foot. The rule of thumb in all trades is the
larger you go the less it costs unless you have a custom
application with a higher system, custom colors or glazing or
features that are not consider “the norm”. There will be
shipping, installation, site work if applicable and any
applicable taxes and permit fees if associate with the
enclosures final resting ground. There may be engineering costs
and other costs that we have no idea about until we start
understanding your project. Most normal size swimming pools are
between $50,000-$80,000 for product only. That often a 1200-1500
square foot enclosure which is the average. Image having a house
on wheels in your backyard… Just amazing! But, if you decide to
build a conventionally built enclosure versus one of our
Roll-A-Cover products than you might as well double if not
triple those figures. Even a fixed glass enclosure would be
exorbitantly more due to the required excessive sight demands.
- I have an existing pool; will it work on my
pool?
The chances are, yes. There may have to be a few modifications
to your site in regards to the size of your existent surface and
or quality of its level and flat surface. We always require the
site to be evaluated by you, an architect, and local contractor
or by our Roll A Cover team. So send us digitals of your
existent site and a sketch of your design interests then we will
tell you what we can do for you.
- Can I install my own enclosure?
Absolutely! We have more customers install their own once we
explain that it’s really about man-power and a few skilled
carpenters. We pre-build our enclosures then ship them out. Just
re-connect the sections, align the components and bolt them
together. 99% of our enclosures are 100% pre-built. We actually
do the majority of the work in a facility before it goes out. An
average enclosure would take about 2-4 days to install based
upon what equipment you may have, manpower and your site issues.
That is a great way of saving money. Just think, if we charge
you 6+ plus to install a normal enclosure then why not take a
paid vacation week off from work and ask your buddies for some
help and save enough money for a cruise through the Caribbean
with your family.
- If I do not want to install my own enclosure,
can you do it from Roll-A-Cover?
The answer is yes! We can have our in-house corporate trained
team come to you or a just a supervisor to oversee your
installation team. We do charge per day per person plus expenses
based upon location from Connecticut but a lot of customers
choose to be separated from this process because they want to
rest assured that the enclosure will work as designed.
- Does your Roll-A-Cover enclosure have to be
fastened down?
There is a different tie down requirement for each application.
Most applications have only the fixed section fastened with an
anchoring system and all temporary anchors set for each
additional 7" rolling section. The internal locking system
provides the protection from intruders but for storms, we
recommend having your enclosure secured to a satisfactory
structural concrete surface. It is up to the customer to adhere
to any hold-down design requirements if a trackless enclosure is
purchased. We also have a tracked hold down system that can be
applied to parapet walls and for our retractable skylight
systems.
- We are very skilled and I have a lot of friends
that could help so, can I get some supervision when we start
installing the enclosure to save money?
That’s a great question and the answer is yes…We have flown our
supervisor’s world-wide for this reason alone. Yes, you would
have to pay a daily rate and all related expenses but the total
savings could be huge if your project is over 1000 square feet.
But, please remember, we are there to supervise. You will need
tools, trained carpenters and a staff that can lift the sections
into place.
- What do you recommend for a site condition?
Our product is designed to go over a smooth, level, square and
sound concrete slab. Unless your local building inspector asks
for more than that, our design only asks for the above. But, if
it is not smooth, level, square then the enclosure may not
operate as designed because our products are built square and
designed to operate on a level and smooth surface. The example
that we use is that you wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and drive it
through the Mexican Baja, would you? We do recommend radiant
heat in the concrete so that you could extend your swimming
season to possibly year round if Mother Nature doesn’t pound
tons of cold and snow on you.
- Does the site have to be perfectly level,
square, etc?
Absolutely or we would have to adjust the system with one of
those tracks that would assist your site in becoming acceptable
enough for our precision built product. If you place pavers on
the ground or use a stamped concrete surface then we may have
other issues so please discuss your final floor finish with our
design team so that we can make recommendations before the
system is delivered and installed.
- What other benefits would I gain from having a
Roll-A-Cover enclosure?
Benefits are that you may NOT have to pay property taxes on the
enclosure if your tax department understands that the system is
considered portable and retractable. That’s up to them but this
could be a tremendous benefit. You could also plan a pool party
and NOT worry about the weather. Not a bad deal I would say.
Save money on heating fuel with the enclosure covering the water
surface when it rains. Cleaning the pool water when those nasty
leaves start falling, now that’s a great benefit. Why spend your
Friday afternoon cleaning your pool when the enclosure did it
for you. It’s like having a permanent pool maintenance person
living in your backyard. How about the reduction of chemical
usage because the chemicals are not being burnt up by the
sunlight pounding on the water’s surface. Safety, now that’s a
winner…Protecting your pool from anyone or animals that may
decide to take an un-authorized swim when you are traveling.
Just roll the enclosure closed and it’s now protected from
everyone and everything. Hey, isn’t that like having a full time
security guard on your premise? That’s 2 full time employees
without compensation.
- Are you a local Connecticut company only or do
you ship world-wide?
We have shipped and installed in Australia, Norway, Canada and
many, many more areas of this world. Yes, we can design,
supplied and ship anyway. Well except to the moon but who can.
We only have our existent facility in Connecticut but as we grow
we will be advancing to other global locations for even better
service and support. Yes, that would mean more awards for us in
the future, wouldn’t it…?
- What is the guarantee on our future purchase of
a new Roll-A-Cover enclosure?
Your enclosure has a 10 year product warranty on all glazing
from normal wear and tear and a lifetime on the aluminum parts,
wheels and 10 years on the painted surfaces. Yes, these are all
under normal wear and tear. It matter on the labor warrant based
upon each projects installation agreement. Whether one of our
dealers or corporate staff installs the enclosure or if you are,
the labor warranty often refers to that installation team. I
would say this; we are not looking to upset the apple-cart,
ever, so we will be there for you because we need you as a
referral. We cannot grow our company without you so in essence,
a warranty is based upon who warranties it…We have won industry
awards because of our business integrity.
- Have you ever earned any awards for your
product that are recognized world-wide?
We love that question, why yes…13 awards so far in the past 2
years and we have just received another Major industry award
that we will publish in September when the industry leading
magazine allows us to. Yes, that will be now 14 awards. Most
awards are for product/company innovative products and
manufacturing. We are highly recognized as a leader and we plan
to stay that way.
- What experience do you have in the enclosure
industry?
The industry is in term considered the, “Glazing/sunroom
industry”. Our experiences stems from being associated with one
of the older leaders in the industry, Fourseasons Sunrooms as a
franchisee and also a representative of companies such as \Open-aire,
Sunbilt, Sussman, Brady, Joyce-manufacturing, Janco, Vegatable
factory, Lord and Bernum, and Eureka Swimming Pool enclosures
out of Europe which were found to be extremely sub-level in the
industry and many others. The owners and management staff alone
have over 60 years plus experience in the sloped glazing and
sunroom industry and that doesn’t include the decades of
experience in the swimming pool, hot tub and construction
businesses. If experience is what you are looking for, we have
it. If support and design assistance is a project requirement,
we have hundreds and hundreds + of various projects globally
that have provided us with a true understanding of the industry
and what it takes to have more award winning projects.
- What options do I have with the glazing on the
roof and walls?
The roof glazing options are of three color choices,
semi-transparent clear tri-wall 10 Mil polycarbonate, a bronze
tin and a NEW color which is a grey also in a semi-transparent
color. We can offer a solid aluminum material for areas that
require 100% sun block or added structural protection from
falling debris or excessive wind areas.
Our front walls and gable materials can be clear or bronze
tinted polycarbonate or clear, bronze tint or a gray tinted ¼”
tempered glass. Glass is recommended in areas that are at least
5’ from pool water. You must ask your local building departments
for their requirements prior to ordering. Each community has
their own regulations.
Benefits of Poly are that it is almost indestructible where as
bullet proof glass at 1” thick is used in banks so our ¼” thick
poly would help in damaging areas. It also has a UV inhibitor
which helps control excessive sunlight absorption within the
enclosure space. Look on our technical link for added glazing
specifications. One concern that we always have is that the
polycarbonate does have the ability to scratch and scuff so
proper maintenance and cleaning is required. We do always
recommend glass on the walls for this reason. Glass does have an
up charge cost but we have decided that it is worth it for us to
also absorb this added charge so you can have it either way.
Polycarbonate or glass for the same cost so please do not forget
to ask about these options.
BE AWARE!!! Be aware of companies that offer competitive quotes
with sub-level components such as ACRYLIC glazing panels. That’s
an industry norm and acrylic is incredibly inexpensive and cheap
and has close to no protective elements and structural benefits,
so if we are more in cost that is definitely one of the reasons
besides Roll-A-Cover components being extremely high grade. Stay
away from Acrylic. Please don’t make us remind you after…
- Is there any grounding issue with an enclosure
of any makeup that is built with aluminum?
The answer is, we don’t have an answer. The National building
code states that any fixed aluminum/metal that is within 5’ of
the pool water surface must be grounded. Now, we have rolling
sections and these sections based upon the National code are
exempt if they roll and are not permanently affixed like a gable
end wall and bay area but interpretation by any inspector with
this code is up to them. Every project should go through a
permit process so that any local issues or interpretations can
be addressed before the system is installed. That is the
customer’s responsibility.
- Does our Roll-A-Cover require local permitting?
That’s always the million dollar question... We have built
products for homes and businesses for years and as always, the
customer is responsible for finding out what the local/state
requirements are for their new enclosures. The process is
usually submitting plans to verify zoning/sideline approvals
then with the sanitarian for septic approvals. The process would
also go through the town/municipality electrical inspector and
building inspector for their approvals. We always recommend
following the code requirements but this is your call. An
inconsiderate supplier of any enclosure would probably say that
it’s a temporary structure so why worry about it... We just want
everything to run smoothly and any responsibility regarding this
process will only rest with you.
- Do you have various shapes and custom options
of your enclosures?
We manufacture our products with a 1 pitch as a stock... 2-3
pitch angels are a up charge and may not be designable based
upon your application. But, we will try... We are always hear to
be flexible to our customers but to develop a new die and supply
the necessary parts for your custom application may be at cost
figures which would alter your decision to purchase so can we
build anything? Pretty much, but does your project budget call
for it? Well, we will ask before we put efforts into the
designing. We do manufacture 2 stock front wall shapes. One is
called a straight eve model which has a straight front wall then
the roof. Then we have our angled eve model which has a shorter
front wall than an angled eve than the roof. We build self
standing enclosures, walkways, skylights fixed or retractable
and lean-too enclosures that rest against your residential or
commercial structure. We also can build our enclosures higher
than our stock enclosures which are normally at 7’ on the front
wall with the smallest section. Our skylights start at 1’6” on
the side walls and can go up to 5’ before they become a full
height enclosure. We have built our enclosure with rear wall
heights at 14’ tall but we prefer to stay no more than 10’-12’
in rear wall height. We have additional charges for our
enclosures over standard front wall height so please ask your
designer for these %’s over cost for each foot in added height.
We also manufacture fixed and retractable walkways from your
building to your new enclosure so let it be said that we are a
custom fabrication house which is why we are so special in the
sunroom industry.
- If I want to have my enclosure attach to my
house, is that possible?
Absolutely yes, we have attached self standing enclosures to
houses and commercial buildings with one end being deleted. We
also have our retractable lean-too sunroom models for
applications that allow our products to project out from a
building and still maintain acceptable snow load and wind load
allowances.
- How can we discuss my design interests and
application when you are located in Connecticut?
It’s very easy; when you e-mail us at
sales@rollacover.com,
call our toll free number at 866-292-7292 or our main number at
203-393-7292. If you are trying to communicate with us locally
or overseas we will assign a designer to your project whether it
is a local representative or a dealer or even from corporate,
rest assured, as we grow we are putting the proper people in
place so that you are fully supported and your project gets the
attention that it needs from the onset to the completion and
thereafter.
- What maintenance issues will I have in the
future?
You should always discuss with your Roll-A-Cover representative
what maintenance your particular project. We always recommend
having at least one person review the enclosures cleanliness of
the aluminum, upper header tracks if the system is a lean-too
sunroom model or the ground cleanliness on a routine basis.
Whether the system has glass or poly, each application has its
own cleaning process and the aluminum should be always sparkly
clean so that it maintains its new image for years and years.
- Do you finance?
We do not finance but based upon your application and needs,
whether you are a commercial or residential application we will
provide you with some alternatives which you will have to
research and accept. Outside financing is never as economically
efficient as using savings or a credit line but these options do
exist and for our restaurant clients that earn money from our
enclosures their investment would warrant even outside funding
as long as they keep they have a thriving business with room to
grow which is what our enclosures provide.
