In short
In a swimming pool environment, electric motors in underground pits are vulnerable to condensation and flood damage. Hydraulic pool cover drives relocate all high-voltage electrical components safely to the dry plant room, using a completely sealed, electricity-free motor at the pool edge that operates reliably even when fully submerged.
- Hydraulic drive systems eliminate 230V electricity from the poolside pit.
- Completely sealed hydraulic motors continue operating even if the pit floods.
- Hydraulic drive delivers superior torque to move heavy, water-laden covers smoothly.
The power struggle: why water and electricity do not mix
When an automated pool cover is installed, the mechanism is usually located in an underground chamber at the end of the pool. In conventional electric cover systems, the 24V or 230V electric motor sits right inside that damp, chlorinated pit.
Even with expensive IP-rated housings, seasonal temperature swings create heavy condensation inside motor enclosures. During heavy rainfall or ground saturation, cover pits can flood temporarily. When an electric motor is submerged, short circuits, corrosion, and catastrophic failure inevitably follow, leading to costly replacements and frustrated pool owners.
The hydraulic advantage: engineered for extreme environments
PoolLock solved this engineering vulnerability over 50 years ago by utilizing hydraulic fluid power. In a hydraulic system, the electric motor and pump pack are positioned safely inside the dry plant room alongside filtration equipment.
High-pressure flexible hoses transfer biodegradable hydraulic fluid to a completely sealed, stainless steel drive motor in the pool pit. Because there are zero electrical windings or circuits near the water, a PoolLock hydraulic motor can be completely submerged in water and continue to operate smoothly without damage.
Three pillars of hydraulic performance
100% Waterproof: The poolside drive contains no electrical parts. Flooding in the pit will not damage the mechanism or trip circuit breakers.
Massive Torque & Pulling Power: Hydraulics effortlessly haul heavy, rain-laden solid safety fabrics without motor strain or thermal cutouts.
Simplified Safety Sign-Off: Zero poolside high-voltage wiring simplifies electrical compliance and building regulations sign-offs.
Next step
Review technical specifications of PoolLock hydraulic drive systems and plant room requirements.
Compare mechanismsQuestions people ask
Can a hydraulic pool cover motor be damaged if the pit fills with water?
No. Hydraulic motors are sealed mechanical units containing fluid, not electricity. They operate flawlessly even when completely submerged under water.
Where is the hydraulic power pack located?
The electric hydraulic power pack sits in the dry pool plant room or garage, typically up to 25 to 30 meters away from the pool edge.
What type of hydraulic fluid is used?
PoolLock systems use food-grade, environmentally safe biodegradable hydraulic oil that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.