The fabric is the part of an auto cover you see. The automatic pool cover mechanism is the part that does the work. It’s the motor, drive train, and pulleys that roll the cover out and back in every time you open or close the pool. Choosing the right one depends on your pool’s size, how much room you have for the housing, and how much corrosion resistance you need.
Coverstar offers four mechanism models. Here’s how they compare.
Quick Comparison
| Mechanism | Key material | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse | Fully stainless steel | Largest and strongest | Maximum strength and rope life |
| CS3000 | Marine-grade anodized aluminum with stainless pulleys | Standard | Dependable all-around choice, 10-year limited warranty |
| CS300HD | Stainless steel brackets and drive train | One of the most compact | Small pools and spas |
| Atom | Stainless steel with tuck-under motor | Compact | Larger pools in tight spaces |
The Four Coverstar Automatic Pool Cover Mechanism Models
Eclipse
The Eclipse is Coverstar’s fully stainless steel automatic pool cover mechanism. Coverstar describes it as the only fully stainless steel mechanism on the market and twice the size and strength of the competition. It’s built with Coverstar’s strongest drive train and large pulleys that extend rope life.
Rope wear is one of the normal maintenance items on any auto cover. Larger pulleys bend the rope less sharply, which is why the Eclipse is the pick when you want the most durable setup.
CS3000
The CS3000 is built from heavy-duty, marine-grade anodized aluminum components. It uses stainless steel double-row bearing pulleys, which Coverstar rates as stronger than competing pulleys.
It’s backed by a 10-year limited mechanism warranty. For many pools, the CS3000 is the balanced choice: proven construction, smooth operation, and long-term coverage.
CS300HD
The CS300HD is one of the most compact automatic cover mechanisms available. When space is tight, especially on a small pool or a spa, it’s the model Coverstar recommends. Its brackets and drive train are stainless steel for strong corrosion resistance.
One detail to know before you choose switches: on the CS300HD Spa, the standard toggle switch and the rocker switch are not available. Our guide to switch location and control options covers the alternatives.
Atom
The Atom pairs a stainless steel mechanism with a tuck-under motor. Tucking the motor under the mechanism shortens the overall footprint. The result is a compact unit that can still handle larger pools, which allows a smaller housing and a cleaner pool design.
If you want a big pool without a big cover box, the Atom is worth a close look.
How to Choose a Mechanism
Start With Pool Size
A small pool or spa with limited room points to the CS300HD. A larger pool where you want to keep the housing small points to the Atom. For large pools where strength is the priority, look at the Eclipse.
Think About Corrosion
Pool water, chemicals, and Northeast humidity all work on metal parts. Stainless steel appears throughout the lineup, with the Eclipse being fully stainless. If you run a salt chlorine generator, also consider the extruded anodized roll-up tube, which Coverstar recommends for salt pools. See our post on automatic pool cover upgrades.
Consider the Housing Space
The mechanism sits in the cover housing at one end of the pool. On the motor side, the housing extends 36 inches from the water’s edge, compared to 12 inches on the other side. A compact mechanism makes it easier to fit the housing into a tight deck layout.
Very Large or Heavy Covers
Some large, heavy covers or special designs need a hydraulic pump and motor to drive the mechanism instead of a standard electric motor. Your installer will flag this during design if your pool calls for it.
A Note for Northeast Pool Owners
Across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, auto covers are used heavily from spring opening through fall. A cover that’s opened and closed daily puts real wear on the drive train, pulleys, and rope. Choosing an automatic pool cover mechanism sized for your pool, rather than the smallest one that fits, pays off in fewer repairs and longer rope life. If an older mechanism is struggling, our pool cover repair page explains what we look at.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest Coverstar mechanism?
The Eclipse. Coverstar describes it as the only fully stainless steel mechanism on the market, with its strongest drive train and large pulleys for longer rope life.
What warranty comes with the CS3000?
The CS3000 is backed by a 10-year limited mechanism warranty.
Which automatic cover mechanism is best for a spa?
The CS300HD. It’s one of the most compact mechanisms available and is recommended for small pools and spas where space is tight.
What is a tuck-under motor?
It’s a motor tucked under the mechanism instead of sticking out to the side. The Atom uses this design to stay compact while still handling larger pools.
Do some automatic covers use hydraulic power?
Yes. Large heavy covers or other design considerations may require a hydraulic pump and motor to drive the mechanism.
