Method and apparatus for encapsulation and alignment of pool cover assembly

An encapsulation apparatus configured to connect about a perimeter of a pool for a pool cover, the encapsulation apparatus comprising:

• an elongated encapsulation extending along a longitudinal axis configured to engage a perimeter of the pool cover;
• a channel formed on a first side of the elongated encapsulation by opposing channel walls configured to receive a webbing of the pool cover;
• and
• a support structure forming a second side of the elongated encapsulation, wherein the support structure comprises opposing interior walls extending at a wall angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the opposing interior walls of the support structure are configured to receive a splice member disposed between adjacent segments of the elongated encapsulation.

A method of aligning adjacent segments of encapsulation structure for a retractable pool cover, the method comprising:

• positioning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure along a longitudinal axis aligned with a pool edge;
• providing an angled trough having opposing interior walls forming a wall angle across the angled trough extending along the longitudinal axis of the adjacent segments;
• inserting a splice member into the angled trough of the adjacent segments, the splice member comprising an elongated bar having at least one tapered sidewall converging at a base along a taper angle complementary to the wall angle;
• and
• orienting the adjacent segments such that the tapered sidewalls settle within the opposing interior walls of the adjacent segments formed by the angled trough, thereby longitudinally aligning the adjacent segments of the encapsulation structure.