Owning a pool brings endless enjoyment, but it also comes with responsibilities – like keeping it clean, safe, and energy-efficient. One of the best ways to manage those responsibilities is with a pool cover. But when it comes to automatic pool covers vs. manual covers, which is the better choice for you?

Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Automatic Pool Covers

With just the turn of a key or push of a button, an automatic cover can open or close your pool in seconds. This level of convenience encourages consistent use, helping you protect your pool daily without the hassle

Manual Covers

Manual covers require physical effort to roll out and secure. While some come with hand cranks or reels, the process still takes more time and can be cumbersome – especially for larger pools or solo pool owners.

🏆 Winner: Automatic covers hands-down for ease and speed.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Automatic Pool Covers

Safety is a top reason pool owners invest in automatic systems. When properly installed, these covers can support the weight of pets, debris, and even children – acting as a protective barrier when the pool isn’t in use.

Manual Covers

Standard manual covers help with maintenance but aren’t designed as safety barriers. You’ll need additional fencing or alarms to ensure proper protection.

🏆 Winner: Automatic covers – superior safety and compliance with ASTM standards.

Energy and Cost Efficiency

Automatic Pool Covers

They may cost more upfront but pay off long-term. By reducing water evaporation and heat loss, automatic covers can cut heating and chemical costs by up to 70%. They also minimize debris, which means less cleaning and fewer maintenance expenses.

Manual Covers

More affordable initially, but since they’re used less frequently, they often deliver fewer ongoing savings.

🏆  Winner: Automatic covers – for long-term savings and energy efficiency.

Aesthetic and Customization Options

Automatic Pool Covers

Built-in tracks and custom-fit fabrics allow automatic systems to blend seamlessly with your pool’s design. They can even be color-matched to complement your deck or landscape.

Manual Covers

While functional, manual options are more utilitarian and visible when in use.

🏆 Winner: Automatic covers – for design flexibility and clean aesthetics.

Initial Investment

Automatic Pool Covers

The upfront cost is higher due to the motorized system and professional installation. However, when you factor in safety, convenience, and energy savings, it’s a long-term investment that adds value to your home.

Manual Covers

A good choice for smaller budgets or seasonal use, though they offer fewer benefits overall.

🏆  Winner: Depends on your budget and usage – manual for affordability, automatic for long-term value.

Final Verdict

If your priority is convenience, safety, and long-term savings, an automatic pool cover is the clear winner.

In the end, the right choice depends on how you use your pool – and how much convenience and safety are worth to you.

For more information on what an automatic safety pool cover has to offer, contact us. We are here to help you get the most out of your in-ground pool! More information about CoverSafe and services offered are available at coversafe.localhost.com/ or by calling 866-746-8444.

Contact Coversafe

When you invest in an automatic pool cover, you’re not just adding convenience – you’re protecting your pool, your family, and your investment. Like any piece of equipment, regular care is essential to keep it running smoothly year after year. That’s where Extended Service Plans (ESPs) come in. These plans go beyond standard warranties, offering ongoing coverage and professional maintenance to ensure your system operates at its best for the long haul.

Protecting Your Investment

An automatic pool cover is one of the most valuable features of your pool, often costing thousands of dollars to install. Over time, exposure to sun, water, and pool chemicals can cause wear on components like ropes, pulleys, and the motor. Without proper attention, small issues can turn into costly repairs.

An Extended Service Plan helps you avoid unexpected expenses by covering common service needs and replacing worn parts before they fail. This proactive care helps extend the lifespan of your system – protecting your investment for years to come.

Consistent, Professional Maintenance

Even the most reliable automatic pool covers need regular maintenance. With an ESP, you can count on scheduled service visits from certified technicians who know your system inside and out. These visits typically include inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and adjustments that keep your cover operating safely and efficiently.

By having professionals handle the maintenance, you eliminate the guesswork and ensure your cover continues to meet manufacturer standards for performance and safety.

Peace of Mind All Season Long

Owning a pool should be about enjoyment, not stress. Extended Service Plans take the worry out of maintenance, giving you confidence that your cover is always in good working order. Whether it’s the start of the season, mid-summer, or preparing for winter, you can rest easy knowing that your cover will open and close smoothly whenever you need it.

Plus, with priority scheduling and expert support, you’ll have faster service response times when you need them most.

Added Safety and Efficiency

A properly maintained automatic pool cover doesn’t just look better – it works better. Routine care ensures your system seals tightly, preventing debris and evaporation while maintaining water temperature. That means less cleaning, lower energy costs, and a safer environment for your family.

Over time, these benefits translate into real savings – not only on maintenance and energy bills but also by avoiding the expense of premature replacement.

A Smart Choice for Every Pool Owner

Whether your cover is brand new or a few years old, an Extended Service Plan offers unmatched long-term value. It keeps your system in peak condition, preserves your warranty, and saves you money and stress over time.

Your automatic pool cover works hard to protect your pool – make sure you’re protecting it in return.

For more information on what an automatic safety pool cover has to offer, contact us. We are here to help you get the most out of your in-ground pool! Please call 866-746-8444 for more information.

Safety Cover Systems is now a part of CoverSafe Inc.

Effective June 1, 2025, CoverSafe, Inc., a national leader in automatic pool cover distribution, maintenance, and installation, is proud to announce its merger with Safety Cover Systems. This strategic partnership expands CoverSafe’s presence on the West Coast, with fully stocked service facilities now operating in Brentwood and San Diego, California.   

Safety Cover Systems brings a well-established field team and decades of regional expertise, strengthening CoverSafe’s service capabilities in the San Diego and Bay Area markets. Monte Slavens, founder of Safety Cover Systems, will continue with the company as Business Development Leader for the West Coast region.  

“I will remain fully part of this new venture long term,” said Slavens, “I’m committed to making it a smooth transition as we move forward together. Our focus will continue to be providing excellent service and products to our customers.  Joining with CoverSafe will allow us to shorten our lead times and grow our business.”  Since founding Safety Cover Systems in 1991, Slavens has had the privilege of growing the business into a trusted provider of automatic pool cover installation and maintenance for pool builders and homeowners across California.

We look forward to this exciting new chapter and to continuing our mission of delivering safety, reliability, and outstanding customer service.

Current Safety Cover Systems automatic pool cover customers and pool building professionals are able to place orders for installations, maintenance,  and replacement fabric by calling their respective Safety Cover Systems office.  Additionally, online ordering and scheduling for annual automatic pool cover maintenance services are now available. 

About CoverSafe

CoverSafe Inc. is dedicated to delivering high-quality installation and maintenance services, ensuring customer satisfaction. CoverSafe now operates out of 20+ service centers on the East Coast, Midwest, West, and West Coast of the United States.

CoverSafe’s business model provides local customized support for homeowners and pool building professionals, with a focus on exceptional service and customer satisfaction. CoverSafe’s ability to develop its team members into leaders has allowed for the expansion of the company into new regions. By establishing service centers closer to customers, CoverSafe has reduced service response times and offers additional services such as Emergency Saturday Response.

When it comes to automatic pool covers, most people focus on convenience and safety – and for good reason. These covers make it easy to keep your pool clean, conserve energy, and, most importantly, protect your family and pets. But one factor that’s often overlooked is just as important as the cover itself: professional installation.

Installing an automatic pool cover is a precise and technical process. A properly installed system will operate smoothly and last for years, while an incorrect installation can lead to costly repairs, poor performance, and even safety hazards. Here’s why trusting the professionals is the right move.

Ensures Proper Fit and Function

Every pool is different – from shape and size to coping style and deck material. A professional installer takes exact measurements and ensures the cover fits your pool perfectly. This precision helps the system open and close smoothly, seals the pool effectively, and prevents unnecessary strain on the motor or cover fabric.

Even a small misalignment can cause the system to drag, bind, or wear unevenly. A trained installer knows how to avoid these issues from the start.

Protects Your Investment

An automatic pool cover is a significant investment, both in cost and in the protection it provides. Professional installation helps safeguard that investment by ensuring all components – the track system, motor, pulleys, and cover material – are installed correctly and securely.

A poorly installed cover can quickly lead to damage that voids warranties or requires expensive repairs. By contrast, a professional installation ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Prioritizes Safety

Automatic pool covers are designed to enhance safety, but only if they’re installed to meet proper standards. Professionals understand load requirements, safety switches, and code compliance. They’ll make sure the cover supports weight as intended and that all safety features are functional – critical for protecting children, pets, and anyone near the pool.

Optimizes Performance and Longevity

Like any mechanical system, performance depends on precision. Professional installers calibrate tension, alignment, and electrical connections so your cover operates smoothly day after day. Proper setup also minimizes wear and tear, extending the life of both the fabric and the motorized components.

A professionally installed cover not only works better but also requires fewer service calls over time.

Backed by Expert Support

When you choose a professional installer, you gain access to ongoing support from experts who know your system inside and out. Should you ever need adjustments, maintenance, or replacement parts, you have a trusted partner to call – not a guessing game of DIY fixes.

The Bottom Line

Your automatic pool cover is one of the best ways to protect your pool, your energy costs, and your loved ones. But its reliability begins with how it’s installed.

By choosing professional installation, you’re ensuring your cover works safely, efficiently, and for years to come. It’s a smart investment that pays off in performance, longevity, and peace of mind.

For more information on what an automatic safety pool cover has to offer, contact us. We are here to help you get the most out of your in-ground pool! Please call 866-746-8444 for more information.

Automatic pool covers enhance safety and cleanliness, but they require regular maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Follow these essential maintenance steps to keep your cover operating efficiently and avoid costly service calls:

Monitor Your Automatic Pool Cover Pump

Install and maintain a cover pump to prevent water accumulation. Position the pump on the cover during closure to remove collected water promptly because excess water can damage the cover material and strain the motor mechanism. Inspect the pump regularly to ensure it remains debris-free and functional.

Maintain Cover Cleanliness

Before pool season begins, thoroughly clean your cover. Remove accumulated leaves, twigs, and debris using a soft broom or leaf blower because this preventive measure keeps debris from entering your pool and the cover housing, where it could cause mechanical issues. Avoid using sharp tools that might damage the cover material. If there is any visible damage to any part of the pool cover system we recommend scheduling a service call with one of our professionally trained technicians as soon as possible.

Clean Track Systems

Regularly flush the cover tracks with water to prevent buildup of debris and pool chemicals. Use a garden hose to clear the tracks, ensuring smooth operation of the cover system. Clean tracks reduce wear on both the cover and operating mechanism.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Despite diligent DIY maintenance, professional inspections remain vital. As part of our 14 point inspection process, our technicians can identify potential issues before they become problems. Our Complete System Maintenance plan includes:

Features and Benefits

Essential Maintenance Tips:

– Winterize your cover in cold climates to protect against snow and ice damage

– Maintain proper pool water chemistry to preserve cover materials

– Train family members and guests in proper cover operation and safety procedures

Following these maintenance guidelines will help extend your automatic pool cover’s lifespan and minimize service interruptions. Please call 866-746-8444 for more information.

Automatic pool covers provide a multitude of benefits from drowning prevention to preventing dirt and debris from entering your pool water.  But did you know they are also considered an environmentally friendly pool addition? 

That’s right! Adding an automatic pool cover to your in-ground pool provides several lesser known eco-friendly benefits. Here is our comprehensive list of environmental benefits you can expect when adding an automatic pool cover to your pool area:

A rectangular outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas beside it, surrounded by trees and a stone wall, with a white house in the background.

Water Conservation

Automatic pool covers significantly reduce water evaporation, helping to conserve one of Earths most precious resources. By covering your pool when it’s not in use, you can save thousands of gallons of water annually, making it an eco-friendly choice for pool maintenance.

Energy Savings

Keeping your pool covered reduces heat loss, maintaining water temperature more efficiently. This means less energy is needed to heat the pool, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Pool owners can enjoy extended swimming seasons without the environmental cost of excessive energy use.

Chemical Use Reduction

A covered pool is protected from debris and pollutants, which decreases the need for chemical treatments. Fewer chemicals in the water mean a healthier environment for both the pool’s users and the surrounding ecosystem. Reducing chemical use also minimizes the runoff of harmful substances into local waterways.

Maintenance Efficiency

Less debris in the pool means reduced cleaning and maintenance efforts, saving energy and time. The filter and pump systems experience less strain, leading to a longer lifespan and fewer replacements, which further contributes to environmental conservation.

As you can see, automatic pool covers have so much to offer! But, don’t just take our word for it. More data about the environmental benefits of pool covers can be found by visiting the Department of Energy website:  Click here

For more information on what an automatic safety pool cover has to offer, contact us. We are here to help you get the most out of your in-ground pool! Please call 866-746-8444 for more information.

A National Automatic Pool Cover Distributor and Installation Team

Effective July 15, 2024, Arizona Pool Covers will be merged with CoverSafe, Inc., a national automatic pool cover distributor offering maintenance and installation services. The combined team will operate out of a new service facility in Chandler, AZ, fully equipped to ensure quicker response times for maintenance and installations.

CoverSafe offers a variety of specialty automatic cover services including:

Current AZ Pool Cover customers and pool building professionals are able to place orders for service and replacement fabric by calling: (866) 746-8444, using the current phone number or by using this contact form. Additionally, online ordering and scheduling for annual automatic pool cover maintenance services are now available.

Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines Shares the Benefits of Automatic Pool Covers with CoverSafe

CoverSafe recently had the pleasure of working with 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, Rowdy Gaines, to install a Cover-Pools T4 stainless steel cable automatic pool cover system on his pool! As a PHTA and Step into Swim partner, Rowdy is just as passionate about pool safety and drowning prevention as we are here at CoverSafe. 

Have you ever wondered, “Are automatic pool covers worth the investment?” or “What is so good about owning an automatic pool cover?”. Well, we have the answer and we think many pool owners around the country would agree with us, when we say there are so many benefits to owning an automatic pool cover.

The main benefit of an automatic pool cover is safety for you and your loved ones. They don’t call it an automatic safety pool cover for nothing! Here are some other benefits that prove automatic pool covers are worth the initial investment: 

A modern pool with a partially open cover sits on a large stone patio overlooking a scenic valley and snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Tools and bags are on the ground near the pool.
New Automatic Pool Cover Installation

The Benefits of an Automatic Pool Cover

Prevents Drowning Accidents

Create an impenetrable barrier over your pool to prevent drowning and other pool accidents.

Spend Less Time Cleaning and More Time Swimming

Keeping your cover closed while your pool is not in use will prevent leaves and other debris from entering the pool water.

Chemical and Water Conservation

Uncovered pools can lose multiple gallons of water a week to evaporation, taking expensive pool chemicals with it. Adding a pool cover to your in-ground pool can prevent up to 90% of evaporation per week.

Save Money on Pool Heating and Electrical Costs

Pool cover owners have reported seeing up to a 70% reduction in pool heating costs since the installation of their automatic pool cover.

ASTM Safety Standard Approved Cover Material

Our covers are tested to hold at minimum 485lbs. (The estimated weight to support two adults to rescue a child that had accidentally fallen onto the cover.)

Locking Switch or Keypad Secured Switch

No need to worry about unsafe access to your pool covers control panel – CoverSafe offers a choice of locking or keypad operated control switches.

UL Electrical & Pool Safety Cover Certified

Our automatic pool cover systems are UL listed and certified to meet the stringent standards for automatic safety covers

As you can see, automatic pool covers have so much to offer! But, don’t just take our word for it. For more information on what an automatic safety pool cover has to offer, contact us. We are here to help you get the most out of your in-ground pool! 

Beginning May 13, 2024, the automatic pool cover division of Don Marcum’s Pool Care will be merged with CoverSafe, Inc., a national automatic pool cover distributor offering maintenance and installation services. The combined team will operate out of a new service facility in Milford, Ohio; which will be fully stocked to allow for shorter maintenance and installation response times. 

CoverSafe offers a variety of specialty automatic cover services including:  

Current Don Marcum’s automatic pool cover customers and pool building professionals are able to place orders for service and replacement fabric by calling: (866) 746-8444, or by using this contact form.  Additionally, online ordering and scheduling for annual automatic pool cover maintenance services are now available.

Automatic safety pool covers offer a peace of mind for many pool owners around the country. However, there are things that can jeopardize that sense of peace when it comes to automatic safety pool covers that can be out of our control. Whether it’s an out of the blue accident, the weather, or time itself. These things can jeopardize the integrity of the cover fabric itself and take your peace of mind along with it. Replacing that fabric can be a solution to regaining that integrity and peace of mind. While there are some obvious signs that show the cover needs to be replaced, there are others that are not so apparent.

On average, an automatic pool cover’s fabric will last 7 years depending on pool water and chemical buildup, sunlight exposure, and other environmental elements. And over time your cover will begin to show some signs of wear as a result of being exposed to environmental elements. If you have started to notice that your cover’s fabric is getting stiff, brittle, or cracked in some areas, it is time to replace the fabric! For a more specific breakdown here are the four major things to look for:

Before and after photos of a backyard pool: the top shows a dirty, debris-covered pool with an old cover, while the bottom shows the same pool clean and neatly covered with a bright blue cover.
Before and After Fabric Replacement

Signs your Cover Fabric is Ready for Replacement

A sheet of dough is being rolled out on a flat surface, with traces of flour visible on the dough and countertop.

Look for signs of wear

Chemicals, temperature variations and ultra violet light can break down the pool cover fabric over time. Look for cracks, peeling and weak spots on the cover where water may be seeping through the surface. When a cover becomes too stiff and brittle, there’s a good chance the fabric may need to be replaced.

A close-up illustration of a hand with manicured nails pinching or gripping a piece of blue fabric, causing a visible crease.

Touch the cover fabric

Pool cover fabric should be pliable and supple. When a cover becomes too stiff and brittle, there’s a good chance the fabric may need to be replaced.

Close-up of a blue and white fabric with visible stitching and seams; the blue material appears to be vinyl or plastic, while the white section has a ribbed texture.

Inspect the webbing stitching

Traditional sewn webbing is a likely source of cover problems requiring pool maintenance. On standard pool covers, sewn threads can become frayed, cut or disintegrate over time, leading to cover failure.

A shiny blue fabric being pressed against a ridged metal surface, creating gathered folds where the fabric meets the metal edge.

Watch for bunching in the webbing

Covers with sewn webbing have a tendency to bunch up around the rope, which may cause the fabric to catch and tear on the fabric guides.

If you’ve noticed your automatic pool cover is ready to replaced, we are here to help! Whether it’s contacting us with questions, or even having an experienced technician come out and take a look at your pool cover, CoverSafe is here for you.  We have a team dedicated to making sure you always have that peace of mind when it comes to your automatic safety pool cover.

Rocky Mountain Pool Covers. is now a part of CoverSafe, Inc.

Logo for Rocky Mountain Pool Covers featuring a stylized, solid blue outline of mountain peaks above the company name in elegant, serif lettering.

Beginning September 1, 2023,  Rocky Mountain Pool Cover’s will merge with CoverSafe, Inc, a national automatic pool cover distributor offering maintenance and installation services.

RMPC’s current field team will join the CoverSafe team with Jacob Sowards managing field operations as the Regional Leader.  Both the existing CoverSafe team and RMPC’s team will work out of CoverSafe’s 10,000 sq. ft facility in Salt Lake City, which is fully stocked to allow for shorter maintenance and installation response times.  The existing RMPC location and team in St George, UT will also become part of Coversafe.

Current RMPC customers and pool building professionals may continue to schedule service appointments by using RMPC’s phone number: (801) 664-2090, or by using this contact form.  Additionally, online ordering and scheduling for annual automatic pool cover maintenance services are now available.

About CoverSafe Inc.

CoverSafe offers a variety of services including:

CoverSafe Service Center Locations

CoverSafe Inc. has a passion for providing high quality installation and maintenance services and happy customers. CoverSafe now operates out of 19 service centers on the East Coast, Midwest, and Western United States.

A map of the United States with certain northeastern and midwestern states shaded blue and marked with orange dots, highlighting specific locations in those regions, plus one each in Georgia and Colorado.

CoverSafe’s business model provides local customized support for homeowners and pool building professionals, with a focus on exceptional service and customer satisfaction. CoverSafe’s ability to develop its team members into leaders has allowed for the expansion of the company into new regions. By establishing service centers closer to customers, CoverSafe has cut service response times and offers additional services like Emergency Saturday Response.

More information about CoverSafe and services offered are available at coversafe.localhost.com/ or by calling 866-746-8444.


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Cover-Pools Tan automatic pool cover

Preparing your Automatic Pool Cover for Hurricane or Tropical Storm

When a hurricane or tropical storm is headed your way, you may wonder if any special precautions need to be taken with your automatic pool cover.  While automatic pool covers are extremely strong there is still the risk of damage from a strong storm. Here are some of our best tips on how to prepare your automatic pool cover for a hurricane or tropical storm:

1. Don’t Cover your Pool

Leave your pool uncovered!  Fully retract the pool cover into the cover housing to keep falling branches or trees, flash flooding, or strong winds from damaging the cover.  The cover pump will not be able to keep up with torrential rain during a hurricane, so it’s best to leave your pool fully uncovered until the storm has passed.

2. Clean the Pool Area

Clear the area. Clear your pool area of any chairs, tables, or other loose items. Wind speeds over 50 – 60 mph are considered dangerous, but even 30 – 40 mph winds can blow down patio umbrellas or small trees. Bring everything that you can indoors during a major storm, or make sure the item is securely tied down.

3. After Storm Cleanup

After the storm, clean up any debris in the pool and around the pool area. Check the automatic pool cover box for debris or visible damage too – if anything looks broken or out of place with your pool cover system,  schedule a Non-working cover service, or reach out to us by calling 866-746-8444.  Our professionally trained technicians will help to ensure that your pool cover is working properly and most importantly, safe.

For more information about Coversafe automatic pool covers, please visit coversafe.localhost.com/, or call us at 866-746-8444.

AquaSafe Pool Covers Inc. is now a part of CoverSafe,
a National Automatic Pool Cover Distributor and Installation Team

AquaSafe Pool Covers, Inc. logo featuring a bold blue A with waves inside a blue circle, and the company name in blue text to the right.

Beginning August 1, 2023, AquaSafe’s local service team will be merged with CoverSafe, Inc, a national automatic pool cover distributor offering maintenance and installation services. CoverSafe’s newest 4,000 sq ft facility in Doraville, Georgia will be fully stocked to allow for shorter maintenance and installation response times.

CoverSafe offers a variety of services including:

CoverSafe Inc. has a passion for providing high quality installation and maintenance services and happy customers. CoverSafe now operates out of 18 service centers on the East Coast, Midwest, and Western United States.

CoverSafe Service Center Locations

A map of the United States highlights several northeastern and midwestern states in light blue, with red dots marking specific locations in the Midwest, Northeast, Georgia, and Colorado.

CoverSafe’s business model provides local customized support for homeowners and pool building professionals, with a focus on exceptional service and customer satisfaction. CoverSafe’s ability to develop its team members into leaders has allowed for the expansion of the company into new regions. By establishing service centers closer to customers, CoverSafe has cut service response times and offers additional services like Emergency Saturday Response.

More information about CoverSafe and services offered are available at coversafe.localhost.com/ or by calling 866-746-8444.


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CoverSafe is now the Master Distributor and Service Center of CoverPools for Central and Northern Utah

Cover-Pools automatic pool covers logo

Beginning May 1st, CoverPool’s local service team will be merged with CoverSafe Inc, a national automatic cover distributor offering maintenance and installation services. CoverSafe’s new 10,000 square foot facility at 1440 South 700 West in Salt Lake City will be fully stocked to allow for shorter maintenance and installation response times.

CoverSafe offers a variety of services including:

 CoverSafe Inc. has a passion for providing high quality installation and maintenance services and happy customers. CoverSafe now operates out of 17 service centers on the East Coast, Midwest, and Western United States.

CoverSafe Service Center Locations

CoverSafe’s business model provides local customized support for homeowners and pool building professionals, with a focus on exceptional service and customer satisfaction. CoverSafe’s ability to develop its team members into leaders has allowed for the expansion of the company into new regions. By establishing service centers closer to customers, CoverSafe has cut service
response times and offers additional services like Emergency Saturday Response.

More information about CoverSafe and services offered are available at coversafe.localhost.com/ or by calling 866-746-8444.


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