Propools only offers the best swimming pool safety covers on the market today are from manufacturer's like Merlin Industries, Loop-Loc, Pacific Performance Pool Products and Arctic Armor. Offered at prices which are more affordable in today’s economy, so don't give up on quality while saving money. One of the safest and worthy investments made for your pool is choosing one of our Certified-Safe Swimming Pool Safety Covers.
We have swimming pool safety covers are available in Mesh or Solid Construction. Mesh winter pool safety covers allow water to pass through the cover, leaving only larger dirt and debris to be easily removed. Solid winter pool safety covers will keep virtually all dirt out of your pool and allows for a much easier and less costly spring pool opening. Certified-Safe Swimming Pool Safety Covers are also available in different grades and each have varying warranty periods. All Safety Pool Covers are available in Mesh & Solid material for both concrete and wood decksThe Questions & Answers are formatted almost verbatim as to how our customers have asked and we’ve answered for over the past twenty plus years. Note that during the construction and assembly process there may be other viable and correct methods for doing the steps.
- The pool size of the safety cover on your site is the same as mine. Will it have the same number of straps and fit the anchors already in my deck?
Swimming Pool Safety Covers from two different manufactures which have the same number of straps does not mean the covers are made with the same 'grid spacing'. As such, additional anchors would have to be placed in the deck.
If the manufacture of the swimming pool safety cover you have is the same as what’s on the site, then it would likely have the same number of straps. Otherwise it more than likely will not have same number of straps.
- What does UV block have to do with a safety cover?
UV block or SunShade amounts have to do with the amount of sunlight/UV rays which the cover allows through the cover and into the pool. Algae is activated and grows extremely fast when sunlight shines onto or near it. By reducing the amount of sunlight/UV rays into the pool it creates an environment which greatly reduces the likelihood of algae growth.
Solid covers have 100% sun-block and don’t allow any sunlight through which virtually eliminates any new algae growth.
Many of today’s mesh safety covers contain a UV block or SunShade rating. In years past many mesh safety covers only had a rating of between 80% - 85% block. The higher the percentage the greater the inhibition of algae growth. Mesh safety covers like the Merlin SmartMesh with 100% SunShade and the Pool Tux King99 with 99% SunShade; are the best mesh covers to use for maximum protection against algae growth. Specifically the Merlin SmartMesh safety cover with its 100% block is 'just like' having a solid cover on the pool but with about half the weight. The King99 is also like having a solid cover on your pool to inhibit algae growth. The King99 certified safe safety covers with a lower price and longer warranty makes them our Preferred Safety Cover.
Separate and apart from cover types; a responsible preventative pool closing and timely pool opening will also allow for a much cleaner, clearer pool opening.
- What are the benefits of a Mesh cover versus a Solid cover?
- Lighter Weight – A lighter cover is easier to put on and take off the pool each year
- Better Price – Mesh covers are generally less expensive than solid covers
- Water Passage – Rain water and snow melt just pass through the cover, rather than stay on top of it
- Will a safety cover keep me out of the water if I walk onto it?
A safety cover is not designed to keep you out of the water. It is designed to allow for someone to not pass through the cover but to be supported until someone can assist in getting someone off the cover or for that person to be able to remove themselves from the cover.
Mesh covers would have some give in which the person on the cover would sink down into the water and get wet but the amount that said person would go into the water is directly related to their weight and the amount of available tension on the safety cover springs. There is a maximum point at which the cover will go down into the water and that is the point at which the springs fully compress as they did on this Merlin SmartMesh safety cover as a tree from Hurricane Sandy fell onto it. (See Below)
- I have an existing safety cover. Can I have a new cover made from a different manufacture and have the straps fit onto my existing deck anchors?
Yes you can. If you've an existing safety cover which you'd like to have replaced with matching strap placement then you may be able to send back your existing cover so the manufacture can use it as a template or you will have to fill-out the custom safety cover measurement form.
Safety Pool Cover Measurement Form - Method
This process will require 2 people, a 100’ tape measure and some chalk to mark the deck and pool edge. The instructions on page 3 of the measurement form provide a detailed explanation of this process and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
The safety pool cover measurement form can be used for both pools that are getting a safety cover for the first time and for replacement covers. The detailed instructions on page 3 of the form are for new installations. This process requires A-B dimensions to points around the pool.
To match anchor locations for replacement covers the process above should be repeated, then measurements to each of the existing deck anchors should be done. Existing deck anchors should also be numbered and use the same A-B line as used for the measurements around the pool perimeter.
Merlin Installation and Measurement Video Though this is Merlin’s video the process used is an industry standard.
Return of Safety Cover – Template Use
This process will require an RGA from the manufacture prior to returning. The cover must be clean, dry and all buckles, springs and hardware removed from the cover. Some manufactures will pre-pay the return shipping on the cover, others will not.
Safety Cover Measurement Form
- What are the deck requirements for me to best use a safety cover?
For ease of installation and optimum use a 3’ deck all the way around the pool perimeter is best. This type of clearance meets the absolute minimum space required for installation of any safety cover.
- How would you rate the cover manufactures you have on Propools.com?
There are several safety cover manufacturers, the most popular being:
Merlin – Platinum - 15-Year Warranty
Merlin lasts longer, resists tearing, rotting and stretching. UV inhibited bonded thread and box tack reinforced stitching at all perimeter strap attachment points for strength and durability you can depend on.Loop-Loc – Platinum - 15-Year Warranty
Since 1978 Loop-Loc has only known to make the best covers possible by sticking to one consistent statement… " The quality of the cover you make today can save a life tomorrow. " The production process and commitment to safety and quality has brought peace of mind to tens of thousands of swimming pool owner’s around the globe. Loop-Loc covers are the only covers to be Underwriter's Laboratory tested and approved!PoolTux – Gold
PoolTux Pool Safety Covers are renowned for their strength, durability and ease of installation, which also means they're easy-to-install, no maintenance safety covers which give the pool owner total peace of mind during the off-season. This makes these swimming pool covers the one to have to cover your pool and increase safety.Arctic Armor – Silver
The user friendly design and superior strength make the Arctic Armor the perfect purchase for any home-owner.A safety cover should never be chosen on how much it costs, but rather on the years of safety it will provide. Loop-Loc and Merlin safety pool covers last much longer than most other covers, and will surely save you money in the long run!
- Do I have to have at least 3’ of deck space all round my pool?
No. 3’ is best for installation but certainly not an absolute requirement.
It is very possible and quite regular that we quote and sell covers to homeowners who have varying deck widths around their pool. We take each of those on a case by case basis and get independent confirmation from the manufacture when quoting covers with a reduced deck space.
Typically with a shallow amount of deck space either shorter springs or RD (Reduced Deck) or D rings can be used for mounting the covers. There are times a lawn tube works better than a RD ring. For this reason we’ll always yield to the manufacture for their recommendation on how best to have their product installed.
- What is a certified-safe safety cover?
A certified-safe safety cover is a true swimming pool safety cover. It is a cover manufactured by a company whom cares enough to have their products independently tested and verified to meet the most current ASTM standard. As of September 2017 the most current standard is ASTM F1346 - 91(2010).
- Do I need a certified-safe safety cover for my pool?
No but if you don’t have one and something happens, you may wish you had.
A safety cover may not be mandatory as per Federal, State or the Local governing bodies; a certified-safe safety cover will bring the ultimate in peace of mind concerning your pool when it is closed down for the “off season”.
If you cover your pool you’ll have the choice of basically only two cover types. Certified-Safe In Ground Swimming Pool Safety Covers & Traditional In Ground Pool (Water Bag) Winter Covers.
Certified-Safe In Ground Swimming Pool Safety Covers
Certified-safe safety covers are designed to support the weight of a median 5 year old child plus 450 pounds which is the combined average weight of a male and female. (Mom and Dad, if you will.) These covers are anchored (secured) to the deck using high tension springs which are designed to only come off the anchor with a cover installation rod.
Traditional In Ground Pool (Water Bag) Winter Covers – These are NOT Safety Covers
These in ground pool covers are traditionally held in place using a “water-bag” or "water tube" system. Water tubes are placed around the perimeter of the in ground pool covers, to hold them in place. These covers keep most dirt and debris from getting directly into the swimming pool with the use of water tubes around the pools' perimeter. Water tubes for winter pool covers are available multiple lengths and quantity packages. Additionally, there is a corner water tube available to hold the winter pool covers corners.
If someone were to fall onto the cover, the cover could quite possibly envelope the person making it virtually impossible to get out of causing risk of harm, personal injury or even death.
- Are there different color options for safety pool covers?
Yes. Below are the varying color options available by manufacture. Some manufactures only offer green as a standard stocking color and any other color besides green will be a custom cover which may result in a higher price.
Merlin Safety Cover Colors by Cover Type
Mesh Cover Color Options: Gray, Tan, Blue & Green
Solid Cover Color Options: Blue & Green
Loop-Loc Safety Cover Colors by Cover Type
Mesh Cover Color Options: Green, Tan, Black, Blue & Gray
Solid Cover Color Options: Green, Tan, Blue & Gray
PoolTux Safety Cover Colors by Cover Type
Mesh Cover Color Options: Green, Tan, Blue & Grey
Solid Cover Color Options: Blue & Green
- Why do some manufactures have more than one mesh cover? Wouldn’t they all be the same?
The different mesh safety covers are not necessarily due to a change in cover strength or integrity but rather a difference in thread material and thread spacing used in the cover, which allows varying amounts of UV rays to pass through or the percentage of sun shade produced by the cover. The higher the percentage of sun shade the more likely it is to prevent algae growth in the pool.
- I ordered a safety cover online. I tried to put it on my pool but it didn’t fit. I think I ordered the wrong size. Can I return it?
No. Once a cover is taken out of the carton and placed on the pool it is considered used and is not resalable as a new cover with warranties and certifications.
- Can a safety cover be put on a pool that has a vertical wall on one side of the pool, such as a waterfall wall?
Yes. Safety covers are secured to the pool around the perimeter. For decking, this is done using a type of deck anchor. For concrete decks a concrete deck anchor is used and for wood decks a wood deck anchor is used. For vertical walls and other elevation changes around a pool perimeter edge either a wall anchor or cable system can be used which would then still be attached to the perimeter of the cover.
Brass Concrete Deck Anchor
Brass Wood Deck Anchor (Counter Sink Top Flange of Anchor.)- I have an in ground spa beside my pool. Can I get a safety cover that covers both pool and spa?
- Can I get a safety cover that covers both pool and spa?
Yes, as long as there is not an extreme difference in elevation of the pool and spa. These are addressed on a case by case basis by each of the manufactures.- Can I get a safety cover for each?
As long as there is sufficient decking with ample access for securing the safety cover along its perimeter, yes separate safety covers can be used.- Do I have to put a safety cover on both?
No. A pool may use a safety cover and the spa may use its own separate cover or not have one at all.- I have a slide and a diving board on my pool, can I get a safety cover for the pool with “notches” or cut-outs to go around them?
Yes. In order to have a safety cover made to fit around deck obstructions such as slide legs an AB dimension form should be filled out. Instructions on how to fill out the form are within the document.
The AB measurement form can be used for both pools that are getting a safety cover for the first time and for replacement covers. The detailed instructions on page 3 of the form are for new installations. This process requires A-B dimensions to points around the pool and for obstructions, those will also have to have points located at them.
- My pool uses deck pavers all the way around it. Will a safety cover work on this pool? How will the safety cover be secured?
Pools that use deck pavers for around the pool will have to use something called a ‘paver tube’ or ‘deck tube’. A ¾” hole will have to be drilled through the paver and substrate if there is one. Then a paver tube ranging from 12” to 18” in length which will have to be drove into the ground. From that point a standard concrete deck anchor is put into the end of the tube and the cover is secured in its standard fashion.
When the cover is taken off the pool for the swim season, the anchors can put pushed down inside the anchor cavity and sit flush with the paver deck surface.
- I have concrete deck on three sides of my pool a 12” brick edge that backs up to grass on the 4th side. Can I a safety cover be put on my pool?
Yes. On the three sides with concrete decking a standard deck anchor will be used. For the ‘grassy side’, a lawn tube will be used.
A lawn tube ranging from 12” to 18” in length which will have to be drove into the ground. From that point a standard concrete deck anchor is put into the end of the tube and the cover is secured in its standard fashion.
When the cover is taken off the pool for the swim season, the anchors can put pushed down inside the anchor cavity and sit flush with the ground surface or the tubes can be pulled up and re-installed when the cover is to be put back on the pool.
- What is a solid cover with a drain panel?
A solid cover with a drain panel, actually is just what it sounds like. It is a solid safety cover with a fine sane mesh drain panel in the middle of the cover which filters out the finest dirt and debris but allows rain water and snow melt to pass through the cover. This totally eliminates the need for a cover pump on this type of solid cover.
These types of solid covers are quickly replacing the solid cove with pump in the market place due to the fact that they do not require a pump.
- Do I have to get the pump which is included with the solid covers with no drain panel?
Yes and No. Some manufactures will sell a completely solid safety cover without a pump provided you sign their product liability waiver. Other manufactures will not sell the solid safety cover without a drain panel without a pump, period!
Why? These types of covers hold water. The weight of a lot of water on these covers will cause the cover to greatly sag in the middle which may cause the springs to become weakened and possibly break due to the additional weight constantly on the cover.
- I want to get a solid cover with no drain panel. I already have a pump, do I have to get the pump that comes with this cover?
Usually in these situations you’ll still have to sign the manufacture’s product liability waiver. This varies by manufacture and are generally handled on a one by one basis.
- If I get a solid cover with no drain panel, do I have to use a cover pump?
Yes. These types of covers hold water. The weight of a lot of water on these covers will cause the cover to greatly sag in the middle which may cause the springs to become weakened and possibly break due to the additional weight constantly on the cover.
- Do the covers come with installation instructions?
Yes. As per the ASTM standards all certified-safe safety covers should come with installation instructions. If you get a cover that may not have instructions please contact us or the manufacture for a set of installation instructions.
- Is there a video for safety cover installation?
Yes. Merlin has a great installation video. Click Here.
- Is there a video showing me how to fill out a customer cover measurement form?
Yes. Merlin has a great measurement video. Click Here.
- Do the anchors that are installed in the deck have to be removed when the cover is not on the pool?
No. The anchors are designed to recess back allowing for a flush finish across the deck, whether it be a wood deck or concrete deck. Likewise if a lawn tube or paver tube is placed in the ground properly those anchors will also recess enough to become flush with the ground or paver deck.
- What types of covers are best to use to have the cleanest, most algae free pool when I open it for the swim season?
Any safety cover that gives 100% sun shade or 100% UV block will be best for having a trouble-free algae free pool when opening it. This would be any of the solid safety covers and the Merlin SmartMesh safety covers.
- What is perimeter padding and why might I need it?
Perimeter padding is a padding which goes under the cover and rests on top of any sort of abrasive surface that might wear down the cover over time. Most manufactures require perimeter padding if the cover runs across an area that is not flat and smooth. Situations which might require perimeter padding may include things such as certain types of flared coping stones, wood decking or a rough perimeter edge from something like a flagstone edge.
Perimeter padding is either held in place with Velcro or can be sewn into place. The Velcro option is generally less expensive than the perimeter padding being sewn into place.
- How do they determine whether it should be a 3’ x 3’ or 5’ x 5’ strap grid spacing?
Strap grid spacing is the typical distance between the securing straps on a safety cover. 3’ x 3’ or 5’ x 5’ strap grid spacing is more of a general term and does not refer to specific and exact spacing between the straps.
If a safety cover has a total square footage over a certain amount then 3’ x 3’ grid spacing is used to ensure the cover is secure enough across the entire cover area. Otherwise a 5’ x 5’ grid spacing is used. Each manufacture has their own set of standards for when a pool needs to have either 3’ x 3’ or 5’ x 5’ grid spacing.
- How do I measure for a custom swimming pool safety cover?
Measuring for the installation of a new custom safety cover will take two people approximately 20 minutes to do. The video in this link gives a detailed explanation of how to do it. The form with instructions on measuring for a new swimming pool safety cover is here.
- How do I install a safety cover?
Installation of a new custom safety cover will take two people approximately 2 hours to do. The video in this link gives a detailed explanation of how to do it.
- How do I put the springs on the cover straps?
- Insert the strap, from the bottom, into the first section of the buckle.
- Weave the strap into the middle section of the buckle.
- Slide on the triangle end of the spring. Make sure the hooks of the spring are facing up, so they don't scrape on the concrete.
- What is the safety cover measurement form?
The swimming pool safety cover measurement form is what the manufactures will use to create the computer template for manufacturing the cover. It is a vitally important set of information to ensure the cover fits properly and as designed on the pool to provide its maximum amount of safety cover protection.
- What information is needed for a "standard" or non-custom safety cover quote?
Below is a basic list of pool related questions asked of customers interested in a "standard" or non-custom Certified Safe Safety Cover.
- What is the shape of the pool?
- Rectangle - What is the Longest Length, Width & Corner Radius Dimensions?
- Oval – What is the Longest Length & Width? (This will require AB Dims to mfg.)
- Kidney – What is the longest length down the center of the pool & the two widest points at each of the end sections?
- L-Shape – What are each of the linear dimension going around the pool perimeter and dimension each of the radius corners?
- Grecian – What is the Longest Length & Width?
- Round – What is the diameter across the pool?
- Other – Explain with Details
- Are there any features such as a waterfall or wall along the pool side that would block the cover from going across the deck at least 18”?
If yes, define this further.
- Does the pool have steps (outside steps) which protrude outward from the perimeter of the pool or do the steps sit within the pool perimeter?
- If outside steps:
- What are the dimensions?
- If not centered on end, (to the nearest inch) how far from the pool side to they begin?
- How far from the corner do they sit?
- Where on the pool are the steps located?
When standing on the shallow end of the pool, looking toward the deep end, are the steps located on the right, left or centered?- Are there any ladders or hand rails in/around the pool?
- If so, are they removable from the pool?
- If not, please explain what they are and how many of each
- Are there any perimeter obstructions within 18” of the pool edge around the entire pool perimeter that would not allow the cover to lay flat on the deck? (Example: Fill Spout at deep end of pool, volleyball pole, etc.)
- If yes, please define each of them
- Is there a slide or diving board on the pool?
- Diving Board -
- Is the board removable?
- What type of Stand is used? (Solid base or "U" shaped dive stand legs?)
- How far back from the pool edge does the dive stand begin?
- Slide -
- What type of slide base/support is used at the pool edge? (Solid base or tubular legs?)
- How far back from the pool edge does the slide base or support legs begin?
- If there is decking around the pool, what type of deck is it? (Wood, Concrete, Pavers, Etc.)
- If no deck, explain what is around the pool.
- Is there at least 3' of level decking around the entire pools?
- If not, explain how far back from the pool edge, the decking is at all points around the pool
- If deck, does the deck run flat across and into the pool or is there a raised edge just before going into the pool? (A lot of coping pieces have a raised edge)
- A raised coping edge and some stone decks will require perimeter padding to prevent wear on the cover, extending the covers life expectancy.
- If at all possible please provide us with an overall picture of your pool and deck area along with your complete contact information.
- What information is needed for a custom safety cover quote?
Below is a list of pool related questions asked of customers interested in a custom Certified Safe Safety Cover.
- What is the shape of the pool?
- Rectangle - What is the Longest Length, Width & Corner Radius Dimensions?
- Oval – What is the Longest Length & Width? (This will require AB Dims to mfg.)
- Kidney – What is the longest length down the center of the pool & the two widest points at each of the end sections?
- L-Shape – What are each of the linear dimension going around the pool perimeter and dimension each of the radius corners?
- Grecian – What is the Longest Length & Width?
- Round – What is the diameter across the pool?
- Other – Explain with Details
- Are there any features such as a waterfall or wall along the pool side that would block the cover from going across the deck at least 18”?
If yes, define this further.
- Does the pool have steps (outside steps) which protrude outward from the perimeter of the pool or do the steps sit within the pool perimeter?
- If outside steps:
- What are the dimensions?
- If not centered on end, (to the nearest inch) how far from the pool side to they begin?
- How far from the corner do they sit?
- Where on the pool are the steps located?
When standing on the shallow end of the pool, looking toward the deep end, are the steps located on the right, left or centered?- Are there any ladders or hand rails in/around the pool?
- If so, are they removable from the pool?
- If not, please explain what they are and how many of each
- Are there any perimeter obstructions within 18” of the pool edge around the entire pool perimeter that would not allow the cover to lay flat on the deck? (Example: Fill Spout at deep end of pool, volleyball pole, etc.)
- If yes, please define each of them
- Is there a slide or diving board on the pool?
- Diving Board -
- Is the board removable?
- What type of Stand is used? (Solid base or "U" shaped dive stand legs?)
- How far back from the pool edge does the dive stand begin?
- Slide -
- What type of slide base/support is used at the pool edge? (Solid base or tubular legs?)
- How far back from the pool edge does the slide base or support legs begin?
- If there is decking around the pool, what type of deck is it? (Wood, Concrete, Pavers, Etc.)
- If no deck, explain what is around the pool.
- Is there at least 3' of level decking around the entire pools?
- If not, explain how far back from the pool edge, the decking is at all points around the pool
- If deck, does the deck run flat across and into the pool or is there a raised edge just before going into the pool? (A lot of coping pieces have a raised edge)
- A raised coping edge and some stone decks will require perimeter padding to prevent wear on the cover, extending the covers life expectancy.
- If at all possible please provide us with an overall picture of your pool and deck area along with your complete contact information.
For basic quoting the manufacture will need to know the smallest true rectangle the swimming pool will fit in to get.
Example: The drawing on the left was recently received from a customer as the smallest rectangle for their pool. The drawing on the right is most realistic of smallest rectangle.
The drawing area on the left side of the image above, is not the smallest rectangle for the pool. The drawing on the right with the red lines shows an approximation of the smallest rectangle which is roughly 22’ x 44’ which is a big price/cost difference. So, with a drawing like this one would ask this dimensional information about the pool:</p>
- The longest point running down the center of the pool from end to end.
- The two widest sections across the pool at each end of the “kidney” (If that’s what this is).
- What information is needed for a replacement safety cover quote?
If you've an existing safety cover which you'd like to have replaced with matching strap placement then you may be able to send back your existing cover so the manufacture can use it as a template or you will have to fill-out the custom safety cover measurement form.
Safety Pool Cover Measurement Form - Method
- This process will require 2 people, a 100’ tape measure and some chalk to mark the deck and pool edge. The instructions on page 3 of the measurement form provide a detailed explanation of this process and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
- The safety pool cover measurement form can be used for both pools that are getting a safety cover for the first time and for replacement covers. The detailed instructions on page 3 of the form are for new installations. This process requires A-B dimensions to points around the pool.
- To match anchor locations for replacement covers the process above should be repeated, then measurements to each of the existing deck anchors should be done. Existing deck anchors should also be numbered and use the same A-B line as used for the measurements around the pool perimeter.
- Merlin Installation and Measurement Video - https://youtu.be/ZRSU8Wg6uWQ. Though this is Merlin’s video the process used is an industry standard.
Return of Safety Cover – Template Use
This process will require an RGA from the manufacture prior to returning. The cover must be clean, dry and all buckles, springs and hardware removed from the cover. Some manufactures will pre-pay the return shipping on the cover, others will not.
Safety Cover Measurement Form
As a company Propools makes it a standard practice to have the manufacture send us a dimensional drawing of the cover which is to be made. We then send this drawing to our customer’s for review. If it is correct, we require the drawing to be signed and returned to us. Then and only then will the safety cover be manufactured. This will assure all parties involved the cover being manufactured is dimensionally correct.
