Tips on Operating, Care, Installation & Maintenance of Swimming Pools
A few weeks ago on this blog, we gave you video instructions on how to install your pool safety cover, but what if you NEED a safety cover? Measuring can be tricky if you have a non-traditional shaped pool. Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to get the proper measurements to ensure that you get the perfect cover for your pool!
For years, we’ve emphasized the life-saving benefits of pool safety covers for in-ground pools, which prevent countless drowning accidents and can be a literal lifesaver. Now, with the increasing popularity of above-ground pools, many people are looking for similar safety solutions. While traditional safety covers were not always an option due to the usual lack of decking around the entire pool, we’ve seen innovative solutions like the Water Warden Above-Ground Pool Safety Net.
Keep in mind these do NOT qualify as a safety cover and do not satisfy many requirements of local codes or insurance requirements for a safety cover or fencing for your pool.
A safety net is a significant step toward making your pool safer, as it provides a tensioned barrier that prevents children and pets from submerging into the water. It installs quickly and is lightweight for easy removal, holding up to 485 lbs of weight without tearing. However, it’s crucial to understand a key difference: The picture above Pool Safety Netting is NOT a Safety Cover!
A true safety pool cover, as defined by ASTM standards, is a much different product. It not only provides an unparalleled safety barrier but also helps keep your pool clean. A safety cover is anchored to the deck and is designed to support the weight of a person, preventing them from coming into contact with the water. There are two main types of safety covers:
Mesh Safety Covers: These are lighter and allow rain and melted snow to pass through, preventing water from pooling on top.
Solid Safety Covers: These covers offer the ultimate protection by blocking all sunlight, debris, and rain from entering the pool. They require a cover pump to remove any standing water.
Beyond providing a safety barrier, these covers offer additional benefits, including preventing evaporation and reducing the need for chemicals and routine maintenance.
For ready-made rectangular safety covers for common-sized pools, visit our selection here: Pool Covers – Safety
For custom safety covers, such as when you are replacing a worn cover and want to match existing anchors, or if you have a non-rectangular pool, or a rectangular pool with non-removable objects within 18 inches of the pool’s lip, we can help! You can find more information and get a quote for a custom safety cover here: Custom Safety Pool Covers
Winter is finally over, and the winter pool cover will soon be stored away until next year. Continuing to cover your pool throughout the swimming season is important, though. Whether you use a solar pool cover or a safety cover, you can enjoy the following benefits from consistently covering your swimming pool when it is not in use:
In addition to these advantages, solar pool covers and safety covers offer additional, unique benefits that should be considered. Deciding which pool cover is best for your swimming pool will depend on your particular situation.
Solar pool covers are intended to draw the sun’s heat into the pool, keeping the water comfortably warm for longer periods of time. This type of pool cover is perfect for pools that are not frequented by small children and pets.
Safety covers, on the other hand, are ideal for family pools where children and pets could potentially wander too close to the water. Safety covers must be able to hold a minimum of 485 pounds per 5 square feet, according to standard F1346-91 set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Solar pool cover or safety cover — no matter which pool cover you choose, covering your pool regularly during the swimming season offers a number of time and money-saving benefits that should make the extra few minutes required to cover and uncover your pool worth the effort.
Are you planning on constructing a new pool in the upcoming year? If you live in Tennessee, you are legally required as of January 2011 to have a proper pool alarm installed before your pool can pass inspection. Even if you don’t live in Tennessee, having a pool alarm is just simply a good idea. There’s no doubt that children and pets benefit from an extra measure of safety around the backyard swimming pool.
Pool alarms alone will not prevent accidental drownings and submersion accidents, though. Responsible homeowners approach pool safety from a number of angles. Pool alarms, pool fences, safety covers, AND reliable adult supervision work together to maintain a safe and fun pool environment.
