My instruction/warranty CD Rom does not work.

Are you running it in a computer? (The CD does not work in a CD player or in a DVD player). If the CD is faulty for some reason, you can find the majority of the information contained on our website. Warranty registrations can be completed on line, or you can do it over the phone (Freecall 1800 077 533).

Warranty CD doesn't playback video on Windows Vista.

You need a minimum of Media Player 11 to run the Video playback on Vista, please use Windows Update or browse to the following site and download the latest version of Media Player:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/download/download.aspx

How do I get my business listed in ABGAL's referral system?

Our IVR system is a free service which we provide to some of our regular customers. Generally, inclusion is based on a minimum dollar spend. If you would like to be involved, give us a call and we'll see what we can do for you.

How do I measure my tank?

For a round tank, measure the (internal) height and diameter. For square or rectangular tanks, measure the (internal) depth, width and length. The correct measurements are important, as each liner is custom made to fit.

Can I use a liner in my old galvanised or concrete tank?

If the tank is structurally sound and can still hold its full volume of water, a liner is ideal.
For more details about water tank liners, visit our tank liners page.

What silicone sealant can I use on my PVC liner?

Any non-acetic neutral cure silicone from hardware stores.

Can you put a vinyl liner into an inground pool?

Yes, in fact we think this is the best pool finish for you and your family, as it is smooth to touch and easy to keep clean (no scrubbing). Learn more about vinyl liners as an inground pool finish by visiting our inground liners page.

Which way up does my solar blanket go on the water?

The blanket should float evenly on the pool, bubble side down. The bubbles help the blanket to 'stick' to the water.

What are the main benefits to using a pool blanket?

Using a pool blanket has many benefits. 1. They can prevent more than 99% of evaporation, saving thousands of litres of water every year. 2. Solar (bubble) blankets will heat pool water by up to 8 degrees, extending your swimming season. 3. A blanket will reduce chemical consumption by around 50%. 4. A well fitted blanket will keep leaves and debris out of the pool. 5. Less leaves and less chemicals means less maintenance.

Can I run my vacuum with the solar blanket on?

Absolutely. An automated pool cleaner can work underneath a cover, with no problems at all. You may find that the reduced debris in the pool will result in the vacuum working more efficiently - some people notice a reduction in their electricity bills.

My solar blanket does not sit flat on the water.

When first installed, a solar blanket is very likely to have creases and wrinkles all over the surface. These are caused by the packaging, and will flatten out after a few days in the sun. This is why we recommend that you allow your blanket to sit for a few days to flatten out prior to trimming to final shape.

My pool goes green whenever I put the cover on.

Because solar covers heat the water, they can also help to accelerate algae growth if chemical levels are not maintained. Check your chlorine levels daily, and bear in mind that the hotter the water, the more chlorine the pool will use. If you live in a tropical climate (such as Qld, where we are), a green pool is more likely to happen during December/January, when a combination of hot temperatures and high rainfall can make balancing your pool a bit of a nightmare. Talk to your pool shop about the best way to achieve correct levels to prevent algae growth, as methods will vary depending on your pool finish. It is important to remember, if you are shock chlorinating, you must remove your solar blanket completely, and leave it off until chlorine levels come back down to within normal range.

My solar blanket makes the water too hot to swim, but if I take it off, I lose too much water with evaporation.

Because most evaporation occurs at night and in the early morning, you can overcome both issues by only covering the pool at night. Make sure the cover is on before you go to bed, and take it off again first thing in the morning, before the sun gets hot. If leaves are a problem, and you don't want to take the cover off, you can purchase a 'Koolcover'. Koolcover blocks the sun's rays from penetrating the water, so you get all the benefits of a solar cover, without the temperature increase.

Do ABGAL pool covers carry the Smart Approved WaterMark and what does this mean?

The Smart Approved WaterMark is an independent outdoor water saving labelling program for products and services that help to reduce water use around the home. Many rebate schemes require a blanket to carry the Mark before it is eligible for water saving rebates.

The following ABGAL solar pool covers carry this stamp of approval:

Oasis 400
Oasis 500
Oasis Silverback 500
Oasis Solarcover
Oasis Koolcover
Aquacover

What is the main difference between each type of blanket?

All solar blankets do pretty much the same thing. The main difference is the weight (micron), and warranty period. The lower the micron the lighter the blanket is to handle , Please refer to the product menu for a detailed explanation of each blanket.

How should I maintain my pool water be to get the maximum life from my pool cover?

When maintaining your domestic pool, you should always follow The Australian Standard. Regular checking of your chemical levels to ensure they fit within the standard (AS 3633-1989) will not only benefit your pool cover, but also the health and well being of your family.

What chlorine level is recommended when using a pool cover?

We suggest keeping your chlorine for an outdoor pool in the range between 1.5 PPM and 3.0 PPM (lower of the range for cooler regions and higher of the range for warmer climates). If you are unsure, you should always check with your pool shop.

What sort of blanket problems are covered by warranty?

ABGAL solar pool blankets are warranted against faulty workmanship and materials. Refer to the warranty supplied with your cover for more details about the warranty conditions. If you believe you have a warranty claim, your first point of contact should be at the original place of purchase. They will liaise with us on your behalf.

Your pool store will provide us with a picture of your blanket (showing the damage), along with a brief description of the problem, the size and cover style (ie Oasis 500 or Solarcover 250 etc) and also the date and place of purchase, so its a good idea to have all this ready when you talk to them. If you experience difficulties, or if the shop you purchased the cover from is no longer trading, you can send the information direct to us@abgal.com.au If you would like to speak to someone, you can phone 07 3803 6000, or (freecall) 1800 077 533.

Splitting seam

If you have a seam on a cover that has not been welded correctly and the two layers come apart, this is covered by warranty. If this is going to happen, it will most likely happen the first time it is installed as this is when tension is placed on the seams for the first time. Dry the blanket, roll it up and put it back into the packaging and return it to your supplier to be re-welded.

Sometimes a blanket can tear along the edge of a seam if the blanket gets caught on the side of the pool when being put on or taken off. This is not covered by warranty and will not affect the performance of the blanket. It can be repaired yourself by hand stitching a patch using fishing line or a heavy synthetic thread. (don't use cotton as it will not last). Alternatively you can have this tear professionally repaired at your local canvas tarp or tent repairer.

Brittle and breaking apart

If the blanket material becomes BRITTLE and cracks into pieces, this is an indication of breakdown of the plastic. If it is on the top (side that faces the sun) then it is likely to be UV breakdown, and will be covered by warranty if your pool cover is still within its warranty period. If however, the breakdown of plastic is evident on both the top and bottom of the cover, then the breakdown is most likely caused by exposure to high levels of chemicals in the pool. Damage caused by high levels of chemicals can occur within less than a year, and are not covered by warranty. It is very important to keep a close check on your chlorine levels, and to ensure they remain within the Australian Standard at all times. We suggest a range between 1.5ppm and 3.0ppm (towards the lower end of the range for cooler regions, and higher for warmer climates).

WHITENING of bubbles on the under-side

of the blanket is caused by the cover being in contact with high chemical levels. This whitening is a form of bleaching and will actually degrade the strength of your blanket. It can cause the blanket to start to break down into small pieces which get trapped in your filtration system. When the blanket gets to this stage of deterioration, remove it from the pool to avoid damage to your filtration system. This is not a fault with the fabric and therefore is not covered by warranty.

Colour variation

in the blanket is not covered by warranty. Pool chemicals can easily bleach colour from clothing as well as pool covers and therefore colour variation is beyond our control. Please keep your chemical levels to within the Australian Standards to avoid bleaching your cover.

Punctured holes

in the pool blanket material are not covered by warranty, as this is what is called "mechanical damage". Usually accidental, this can be caused by broken cleaning equipment, dragging the cover over a rough pool coping and a variety of other causes. You will need to patch repair the puncture with an adhesive suitable for repairing blankets. Products like "all weather tape" can be used, as well as self-adhesive tape used for boat sail repair being suitable.

Collapsed bubbles

on the blanket material is a rare warranty condition that is a rare phenomenon caused by a chemical imbalance. On some heated pools, under certain climatic temperature conditions, the bubbles on the blanket can collapse. There are varying degrees of collapse, and most will still function as a normal blanket, and stop the same amount of evaporation. If the blanket no longer functions, cut a small sample of the cover showing the collapsed bubbles and post it along with a copy of your purchase receipt to: ABGAL P/L, PO BOX 1566, BROWNS PLAINS BC QLD 4118.

A TEAR alongside the seam

of the cover is not covered by warranty, as this indicates either too much tension on the cover, or the cover has been spiked at the edge of the seam. You will need to repair the cover with an adhesive tape, such as "All Weather Tape". It can be repaired yourself by hand stitching a patch using fishing line or a heavy synthetic thread (don't use cotton as it will not last). Alternatively you can have this tear professionally repaired at your local canvas tarp or tent repairer.

Water inside the bubbles

Occasionally, you may notice a small amount of water inside the bubbles. This is just condensation, (like on the outside of a water bottle) and is perfectly normal. Once the temperature inside and outside the bubble equalize, the water will evaporate. Condensation will not affect the performance or lifespan of a solar blanket in any way.

EXPANDED bubbles or weakened sections

across the width of the blanket indicate "roller burn". This occurs where the cover has been stored on a blanket storage reel without the use of an approved protective overcover to keep direct sunlight from it. The layers of blanket around the tube heat up when exposed directly to the sun and caused degradation of the cover in strips. All blankets should be stored away from direct sunlight when not on the pool, especially when you're using a storage reel. This is not a fault with the material and therefore is not covered by warranty.

Who can access Shade-Calc, and how much does it cost?

Shade-Calc is only available to ABGAL customers who register to use it. Registration and use is free for on-going orders.

What sort of fittings can you supply with my shade sail?

All fittings are stainless steel and hydraulic pressed, available in Triangle, D Ring or D Ring Ezy Slide.

How are pockets and seams sewn?

As a standard, all pockets and seams are folded facing up, and pockets are single folded. All stitching is twin sewn (with twin needles). Seams facing down and other variations are all available on request.

What colour thread is used for stitching?

All stitching is twin sewn, using either white or black thread.

I am using sliders. Can you give me a theoretical length for cable?

Yes, even with sliders, we can still give you a theoretical length for cable. It should be noted though, that we do not recommend the use of sliders, as they can cause fabric to be over-tensioned.