Not necessarily. A conventional cover does need straight tracks, but that doesn’t mean an irregular pool is out of the question. In some cases the shape can be adjusted as part of a refurbishment to take a standard cover; in others, a top track system offers a workable alternative, with the tracks mounted above the surround rather than recessed within it. We’ll be straight with you about the trade-offs: a top track arrangement leaves the tracks more exposed to grit and dirt, and the cover bears against the copings as it travels, so it tends to need more maintenance and won’t match the longevity of a recessed system. For some pools, though, it’s the difference between having the convenience of an automatic cover and going without — and that’s a conversation worth having. Come and show us the pool, and we’ll talk you through what’s realistic.