Anchor 5-STAR User Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

5 STAR

S•A•F•E•T•Y

POOL COVERS

EC-4570

1-800-255-5552

1100 Burch Dr. • P.O. Box 3477 • Evansville, IN 47733 U.S.A.

Ph. [phone] • Fax. [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail] • www.anchorinc.com

5ST 0712

R1

Contents

Warranty.....................................................................................................................3

Introduction, Tools & Parts, Safety Notes, and Warnings ..............................................4

Step 1-Position Cover....................................................................................................4

Attaching Springs..........................................................................................................5

Step 2-Locate Center Anchors....................................................................................5

Step 3-Set Anchors......................................................................................................6

Step 4-Locate and Set Remaining Anchors................................................................6

Step 5-Use of Spring Tool On Cover............................................................................7

Step 5a-Adjust Straps...................................................................................................7

Step 6-Inspection and Clean-up....................................................................................7

Step 7-Step Wedges.....................................................................................................7

Step 7-Step Wedges Continued...................................................................................8

Important Note Regarding Pool Covers with Complicated Areas..................................9

Optional Cable Assembly Installation.........................................................................10

Optional Cable Assembly Installation Continued........................................................11

2

ANCHOR SAFETY POOL COVER

WARRANTY

To whom does the Limited Warranty apply? This Limited Warranty is extended to the original consumer purchaser only,

and IS NOT transferable or assignable to any subsequent user of the pool cover.

What is covered by the Limited Warranty? Anchor warrants that the pool cover fabric will be free from defects in materials

and workmanship during the Limited Warranty coverage period.

What will Anchor Industries, Inc. do in the event of a product defect? Anchor will repair or replace, at Anchor’s sole
discretion, the pool cover at no charge at any time during the first twelve (12) months of the Limited Warranty coverage period.
After the first twelve (12) months of the Limited Warranty coverage period, Anchor will either, at Anchor’s sole discretion,
repair the pool cover, or give an allowance towards the replacement of the pool cover. The amount of the allowance will be
determined by dividing the number of months remaining in the Limited Warranty coverage period by the total warranty period,
and multiplying that percentage times the current dealer price.

How long is the Limited Warranty coverage period? For Mesh pool covers, the warranty period is one hundred and forty
four (144) months, beginning on the date of purchase. For Solid and Five-Star covers, the warranty period is one hundred
and twenty (120) months, beginning on the date of purchase.

What is not covered by the Limited Warranty? This Limited Warranty DOES NOT cover: (1) replacement of rubber ties,
stainless steel springs, or other hardware, (2) damage caused by wear or abrasion at the coping edge, (3) incidental damages
to the deck or surrounding surfaces of the pool [see additional limitations on incidental and consequential damages below], (4)
damage caused by fire, vandalism, animals or insects, abuse and neglect, improper installation, acts of God, or use for any
purpose other than covering a swimming pool, (5) premature deterioration from sun or chemical over-exposure, (6) damage
caused by water levels that drop more than 1’-3” below the coping, and/or (7) adjustments to the pool cover not made by the
dealer.

What you must do to receive service under the Limited Warranty: Contact your pool cover dealer if you believe there is
failure covered by this warranty. The dealer may arrange for inspection of the cover and assist in determining the nature of
the problem. You may contact Anchor directly for further instruction regarding the problem and possible resolution. During the
first twelve months of the warranty period, Anchor will reimburse for freight charges returning the cover to the factory. You, or
your dealer, must obtain Return Goods Authorization (RGA) prior to returning the cover to the factory. Covers returned without
prior authorization will be refused and returned at your expense. Anchor will not reimburse freight charges for warranty claims
after the first twelve (12) months of the Limited Warranty coverage period. Questions regarding warranty service should be
directed to 1-800-255-5552.

LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE SALE OR FURNISHING OF GOODS,
THEIR DESIGN, SUITABILITY FOR USE, INSTALLATION AND/OR OPERATION SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THE COVERAGE PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY DESCRIBED ABOVE.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AGAINST ANCHOR FOR DEFECTIVE OR NONCONFORMING GOODS IS FOR
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS OR, AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF ANCHOR, FOR AN ALLOWANCE
TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT PRODUCT. THIS EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL NOT FAIL FOR ITS
ESSENTIAL PURPOSE SO LONG AS ANCHOR IS WILLING AND ABLE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS OR, IN
THE SOLE DISCRETION OF ANCHOR, TO GIVE AN ALLOWANCE TOWARDS A REPLACEMENT PRODUCT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THESE TERMS. BUYER AGREES THAT NO OTHER REMEDY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE RIGHT TO
REJECT OR REVOKE ACCEPTANCE OF GOODS, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS,
LOST SALES, LOSS OF PRODUCTION, INJURY TO PERSON, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO IT AND ANCHOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SUCH INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST SALES, LOSS OF PRODUCTION, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL
INJURY, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO
USE THE GOODS.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL
RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

1100 Burch Dr. - P.O. Box 3477

Evansville, IN 47733 [phone]

CP29.2 REV 6/11

3

INTRODUCTION:

Thank you for your recent purchase of an Anchor Industries Inc. quality
crafted 5 Star Safety pool cover. With proper installation and care, your
pool cover will provide protection for years to come.

Every precaution has been taken to ensure that the product has arrived at
its destination in good shape. Thoroughly inspect the condition of the con­tainers and note any damage to the shipper’s representative at the time of
delivery.

TOOLS REQUIRED:

HAMMER DRILL TAPE MEASURE
3/4” MASONRY BIT LARGE FLAT HEAD SCREWDRIVER
HAMMER

NOTE:

Due to the weight of the cover, we suggest making the initial

installation with the water at operating level.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Installation of pool cover must begin at any areas with cut-outs or zero tolerance areas (such as at cable-construction).
When there are several areas like this, start at most complicated of these areas. See pages 9 to 11.

PARTS

COVER

BRASS

ANCHOR

STAINLESS STEEL SPRING & SKID

STEEL SPRING TOOL

3/16” ALLEN WRENCH

WARNING

AVOID DROWNING RISK

1. Remove cover(s) completely before entering the pool - entrapment possible.

2. Use the pool cover in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Remove standing water on solid covers - child can drown on top of cover.

4. Pool covers are not play areas - supervise children at all times.

5. Keep all fasteners in good condition - Inspect regularly - repair or replace any fastener showing wear.

6. Do not walk on cover except in emergency, life-saving rescue situation.

7. Visually inspect condition of fabric for sun or chemical over-exposure resulting in discoloration, brittleness of fabric or
broken hardware. This is an indication that cover is no longer a safety cover.

8. Non-secured or improperly secured covers are a hazard.

9. Covers should be stored in an environment that prevents sun, chemical exposure, or access by insects and rodents, and
protects cover from tearing or physical damage.

SHOULD WARNING LABEL(S) ON POOL COVER BECOME UNCLEAR, PLEASE CONTACT ANCHOR
INDUSTRIES FOR REPLACEMENT(S).

POSITION COVER

1. POSITION COVER:

Remove the cover (and attaching hardware) from the ship­ping containers. Use caution when maneuvering the cover
around the pool. Pool decks are abrasive and holes will
develop if the cover is dragged over concrete or sharp
objects.

Position the cover (web side down) over the pool making the
overlap consistent around the entire perimeter. Line up cut­outs & cable areas. Be certain the cover aligns properly with
these objects first. When all appears satisfactory, proceed
by attaching the stainless steel springs to the cover’s web
ends.

4

ATTACHING SPRINGS

ATTACHING SPRINGS

STEP A: Slide spring skids over the standard steel springs

to protect the deck. (See “PARTS” on previous page.)

STEP B: Feed the web flat up through the spring end and

then up through the sliding square “keeper buckle” from
the bottom side.

STEP C: Loop the web around the “keeper buckle” and

back down through the spring end as shown.

STEP D: Bring the end out on top of the web that leads

back to the pool cover. Pull the loose end of the web to
tighten.

STEP B

STEP C

STEP D

SLIDING SQUARE

“KEEPER BUCKLE”

SPRING

SLIDING SQUARE

“KEEPER BUCKLE”

SLIDING SQUARE

“KEEPER BUCKLE”

SPRING

SPRING END

POOL COVER

POOL COVER

POOL COVER

2. LOCATE CENTER ANCHORS:

Before setting ANY anchors, check to see if there is a CENTER
WEB to be located at the center of the pool’s length. Sometimes,
diving boards or other obstructions prevent the use of a CENTER
WEB at the exact center of the length of the pool cover. In these
cases, there are TWO CENTER WEBS that run parallel and on
either side of the exact center of the pool’s length. Together, they
will provide what you need to correctly position the cover so that
there is approximately 15” of consistent overlap.

Having located the CENTERED WEBS, you will now begin drilling
and setting anchors at opposite ends of the pool, directly in line with
the CENTERED WEBS.

PLEASE NOTE: This cover is meant to be tensioned and
SUSPENDED ABOVE the water level.
It is not designed to rest on the water.

Special consideration should be given to covers suspended above
the water in geographic areas where snow and ice can build up. It
is recommended that the “winterized” pool water be no lower than
15” below the deck itself (just below the skimmers). In the event
of excessive snow/ice accumulation, the water will act as a support
until such time as the snow/ice has been removed. Cover and/or
coping damage can result if the water level is lower than what is
recommended above, thus voiding the cover’s warranty.

LOCATE CENTER ANCHORS

CENTERED WEBS

5

3. SET ANCHORS

The anchors are set approximately 14” beyond the
edge of the cover in line with the webs.

FIGURE 3A

IN-GROUND
BRASS ANCHOR
SCREW (OPEN)

1/2”
Max.

Using a 3/4” Masonry Drill Bit and a Rotary Hammer
Drill, drill the hole into the deck NO MORE THAN
THE DEPTH of the brass anchor (1 5/8”) taking care
not to over-ream the diameter of the hole. If this
does happen, simply apply some adhesive to the
anchor before setting the brass anchor into the hole.

With the screw of the brass anchor removed, use
the setting tool and a regular hammer to “tap” in the
brass anchor until it is flush with the pool deck. (see
Figure 3B) Due to the nature of poured concrete,
some chipping is normal. This chipping can be
reduced by using a SHARP Masonry Drill Bit and a
HIGH SPEED Rotary Hammer Drill.

Once the brass anchor has been correctly positioned
and “seated” into the pool deck, replace screw into
brass anchor NO MORE THAN 1/2” above level of
deck to its OPEN POSITION (see Figure 3A). Slide
the round end of the stainless steel spring over the
head of the open-positioned brass anchor screw so
that it comes to rest just above the threads (or wind­ings) of the insert. “Flattening” of the threads could
result if too much of the screw is above deck level.

POOL DECK

1 5/8”

SET ANCHORS

REQUIRED

DIMENSIONS

See direction #5 regarding the use of a spring tool when sliding
springs over the brass anchor screws in the “open” position.

LOCATE THE MIDDLE STRAP

MIDDLE WEBS

SETTING
TOOL

BRASS
ANCHOR
(WITHOUT
SCREW)

DRILLED
HOLE

FIGURE 3B

POOL
DECK

Locate the MIDDLE WEB that runs perpendicular to the CENTERED
WEB mentioned in directions #2 and #3. Set, fasten and secure
these two middle web straps and anchors following directions #2 and
#3. At this point, a “cross” should have been formed by the place­ment of the first four deck anchors.

4. LOCATE & SET REMAINING ANCHORS

Working from the middle webs and moving out towards the ends
(of each side of the pool), set, fasten and secure the remaining
anchors and web straps ONE AT A TIME (alternating sides every
other anchor until you reach the corners). DO NOT INSTALL
CORNER ANCHORS YET.

When the SIDE anchors and springs have been installed, fastened
and secured, follow the same procedure to install the anchors and
springs on the SHALLOW AND DEEP ENDS.

To AVOID having a loose perimeter locate anchors at a slight angle
toward each end of the pool.

When all 4 sides have had anchors and web straps set, fastened
and secured, it is then TIME TO INSTALL CORNER ANCHORS
and secure webs and springs. THE STRAP WILL BE AT A 45
DEGREE ANGLE.

6

5. USE OF SPRING TOOL ON COVER

When installing stainless steel springs
over brass anchor screws, screws
should be in the open position (See
Figure 3a). Care should be taken to
place the spring tool over the screw
so that the square “tongue” cut-out
(located at one end of the spring tool)
will not gouge the deck surface.

Simply slide the spring onto the end
of the spring tool until it is about 6” up
the length of the spring tool. This will
allow leveraging of the spring tool onto
the brass anchor screw and allow you
to “push” the spring down into position
with your shoe.

USE OF SPRING TOOL ON COVER

SPRING

5A. ADJUST STRAPS ON COVER

BRASS
ANCHOR

If there is too much tensioning on the
web and spring, which does not allow
you to slide the spring onto the brass
anchor screw, simply loosen the web

You may re-adjust the overlap around the entire pool by re-adjusting web strap ten­sion where necessary. When the cover is properly installed, you should have 6” to
8” of drop to the center. Springs should not be depressed more than 1” to 1 1/2”, or
roughly halfway.

strap slightly. (Go back to step #4,
then to 5-A below.)

6. INSPECTION & CLEAN UP

After the cover has been installed, look for any area that may need padding in addition to reinforcement that was attached
to the cover during manufacturing. On site padding may consist of carpeting, vinyl liner remnants, etc.

Complete the installation by sweeping up any concrete dust and tucking the straps under the cover and through the web
loops.

Leave the warranty card and information packet with the pool owner.

WARNING: This cover must be installed with either a factory installed center draining panel (as illustrated), or an automatic
pump (not shown). Failure to install either the pump or the drain will result in damage to your deck and pool cover.

7 STEP WEDGES

CENTER
DRAINING
PANEL

POOL COVER w/
OVERLAP

POOL COVER SPRING
SNUGGED CLOSE
TO BOTTOM STEP
WEDGE.

WEDGES FOR
DESCENDING
SIDE.

SPRINGS LOOSENED UNTIL
STEP WEDGES ARE IN
PLACE

STEP WEDGES TUCKED UNDER EDGE
OF POOL COVER OVERLAP AND
CLIPPED AT OUTER FLAP.

7

7B

CLIP FOR

STEP

WEDGES

COMPLETE STEP COVERING,
WITH WEDGES IN PLACE
AND SPRINGS INSTALLED TO
SECURE THE COVER.

CLIPS

TYE CLIP

SPRINGS
ATTACHED

WEDGES

TO BRASS
ANCHORS.

INSTALLING STEP WEDGES

1. Before tightening the pool cover anchors near the steps,
tuck step wedges under the overlap edge of the cover,
as needed.

7C

FLAPS FOR
CLIPPING TO
COVER

STEP WEDGE

TYE CLIP INSTALLATION

RUBBER TIE
ATTACHED
TO BRASS
ANCHOR

ZIPPER FOR
STUFFING
WITH
DUNNAGE

STEP
WEDGE CLIP

2. Pull the outer edge of the cover to the outside flap of the
wedges and clip the flap to edge of the cover using the
step wedge clips provided.

3. Install the springs and anchors to tighten the cover.

4. Be sure that the last tie-downs near the top and bottom
steps are snugged up close to the wedge to secure it
firmly in place.

5. Step Wedges come in standard sizes of 14” and 28”
(measured on the horizontal dimension along the step).
Custom sized wedges can be made upon request.

• Determine best
placement for Tye Clip
Assembly.

STEP
WEDGE

TYE CLIP

BRASS POOL
COVER ANCHOR

POOL
COVER

• Install Brass Anchor
butted up next to edge of
pool cover.

• Assemble the Tye Clip
as shown in drawing to
the left.

• Catch pool cover
beneath the black or
white Poly Strip. (See
drawing to the left)

8

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Installation of pool cover must begin at any areas with cut-outs or zero tolerance
areas (such as at cable-construction). When there are several areas like this, start
at most complicated of these areas.

Start installation at
cable area

Start installation at
laced cutout

9

OPTIONAL CABLE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION

NOTE: This application of cable is for a standard straight wall installation. A custom cable area may require special

installation and hardware. If you have any questions call your Anchor Representative to assist you.
Install cable hardware at the same level as the rest of the cover!

HARDWARE

3/16” STAINLESS

STEEL CABLE

CABLE CLAMP

1) Install 3/8” drop-in anchor with 3/8” eyebolt on one end of cable area. Install 3/8” drop in anchors at the opposite end of
the cable area and approximately 18” apart for the 3/8” cable anchor bolts. See FIG.11A.

SETTING TOOL

3/8” MACHINE THREADED

EYEBOLT AND DROP-IN ANCHOR

TURNBUCKLE

3/8” SLOTTED CABLE ANCHOR

BOLT AND DROP-IN ANCHOR

2) When installing the cable anchor bolt to the cable area, align the hole in the anchor bolt in the direction of the cable.
See FIG. 11B. Run the cable through the in-line holes. see FIG. 11C. Run one end of the cable through the cable anchor
at one end of cable area and loop. Attach (2) cable clamps and tightly secure cable, see FIG. 11B. Run other end of
cable through eyebolt on turnbuckle, make loop and attach (1) cable clamp for now. With turnbuckle fully extended out,
attach hook end of turnbuckle to the eyebolt at the end of the cable area. Loosen the (1) cable clamp and pull cable as
taut as possible. Tighten (1) cable clamp and add second cable clamp now. Be sure all cable clamps are tight to secure
the cable. Rotate mid-section of turnbuckle to tighten cable further, see FIG. 11D.

3) Attach the snaps located under pool cover in cable area onto cable. See FIG. 11E.

10

FIG. 11A

Drilling/Setting of 3/8” Drop-in Anchors

EMBEDMENT
3/8” Drop-in Anchor
Drill Diameter - 1/2”

Minimum Depth - 1 7/8”

1) Drill a hole into base material to the depth of embedment (see information above) required. Do not over drill hole. Blow the
hole clean of dust and other material. Insert the drop-in anchor into the hole and tap flush with surface. Using setting tool, set
drop-in anchor by driving the tool into the drop-in anchor until the shoulder of the tool is seated against the drop-in anchor.

FIG. 11B

RAISED WALL

CABLE
ANCHOR
BOLT

SLOTTED
CABLE
ANCHOR
BOLT

CABLE
CLAMPS

CABLE

ANCHOR BOLT

APPROX. 18”

CABLE

CABLE
CLAMPS

TURNBUCKLE

EYEBOLT

CABLE

FIG. 11D

ATTACH CABLE TO EYEBOLT ON TURNBUCKLE

COVER

EYEBOLT
END

TURNBUCKLE
EXTENDED

HOOK
END

WEATHER FLAP

FIG. 11C

RUNNING CABLE THROUGH

IN-LINE HOLES ON SLOTTED

CABLE ANCHOR BOLTS

CABLE

SNAP

FIG. 11E

ATTACHING SNAP TO CABLE

11

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

Thank you for purchasing an Anchor product. In return, we pledge Quality, Service and Craftsmanship and are
available for any questions you may have or assistance you may need.

PHONE NUMBER

812-867-2421

FAX NUMBER

812-867-1429

Anchor products are of superior design and operate best within the parameters of these instructions. It is
IMPERATIVE that the instructions be carefully read and COMPLETELY FOLLOWED. Please read instal­lation instructions before the installation or removal of this product. Installation instructions are also available at:

www.anchorinc.com.

CAUTION

1. Anchor Products are of superior design and operate best within the parameters of these instructions. It is
imperative that the instructions be carefully read and completely followed.

2. For each installation, the installer is solely responsible for evaluating the site for the proper securing methods
and fasteners to be used. Standard fasteners furnished may be inadequate, site unseen by Anchor, thus
requiring additional or alternate method of fastening.

3. Inasmuch as the weather is unpredictable, good judgment and common sense must be incorporated within
installation guidelines. Proper safety equipment should be used at all times to insure a safe installation and
removal. We suggest a careful evaluation be made to determine safety equipment needed, such as hard hats,
steel-toe shoes, safety glasses and other as required.

4. Anchor stands behind its products in accordance with its standard Terms and Conditions of sale. A copy of
our Terms and Conditions of Sale can be obtained by contacting Anchor at the telephone number and/or address
on this document.

1-800-255-5552

1100 Burch Dr. • P.O. Box 3477 • Evansville, IN 47733 U.S.A. • Ph. [phone] • Fax. [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail] • www.anchorinc.com

29.0 7-31-02