FAQ
<div>These mesh safety covers and solid safety covers meet or
exceed pool safety cover performance standards as set forth in
<a
href="http://www.propools.com/info/pool-safety-covers-safety-standard-astm-1346-912010/47">ASTM
F1346-91(2010)</a>.</div>
<div> </div>
<ol>
<li><strong>Why do I need a safety cover?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>SAFETY,
SAFETY, SAFETY!!! Safety Covers are a great solution to secure your
pool through the winter. They protect it from snow and debris, animal
intrusion, and keep "little" family members out of harm's way when in
the pool area. AESTHETICS, AESTHETICS, AESTHETICS!!! Safety Covers also
provide an attractive alternative to other cover types like water bag
style covers and can be used to protect more expensive automatic covers
during the winter. Depending on the environment in your backyard, we
offer different types of covers based on what you need. If you have a
lot of trees and pollen in your yard, our XLS Solid Cover might be
perfect for you. If you are tired of spending lots of money on chemicals
to turn around a green pool every spring, our SmartMesh cover is for
you. Other than being the final step in winterizing your pool, a safety
cover also allows for a worry-free winter. Typically installed and
removed by a pool professional, a safety cover will keep your pool not
only safe from the elements, but safe from unauthorized entry as
well.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>Can you make a cover for any shape and size pool?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Yes.
At Merlin, we offer many solutions to unique pool configurations such
as step-riser kits or cable systems to close the gaps at negative walls.
We offer different anchor types depending on your deck material, and
design solutions for practically any complicated pool.<br />
</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>My
dealer said the cover brand they sell is “just
like” a Merlin SmartMesh™ cover. Is that
true?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>No.
Merlin Industries invented and holds a patent on the revolutionary
SmartMesh™ material. It is the only cover in the industry to
provide 100% shade, and still let water through, filtering debris down
to 40 microns.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>I live at the beach. Should that affect which cover I buy?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>You
should discuss your options with your installer as your pool
requirements may be as unique as your geography.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>What is the difference between SmartMesh™ and Dura-Mesh covers?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Dura-Mesh
offers the industry’s highest abrasion resistance, tear
strength, burst strength and sunlight shading of any other
<strong>standard</strong> mesh cover. SmartMesh™
is in a league of its’ own. It is essentially a hybrid,
offering the benefits of solid and mesh covers rolled into one. With
SmartMesh™, you open a much cleaner pool like that of a solid
cover (Since it provides 100% shade from sunlight which inhibits algae
growth), but it is much lighter than a solid cover and still lets water
through as with mesh, filtering debris down to 40 microns. As with all
covers, SmartMesh™ covered pools need to be properly
winterized and chemicals added.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>Why is the warranty less on the solid than mesh covers? </strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>The
effects of the sun on solid material is much differerent on solid
safety cover material verses mesh safety cover material.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>How
can I confirm I’ve received the CORRECT mesh cover upon
delivery, since the SmartMesh™ is more expensive than
Dura-Mesh?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>There
is a noticible difference between the look of Dura-mesh and
SmartMesh™. Please refer to your dealer's material swatches if
you feel there may be a mix-up. </p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>How much do each of these covers weigh?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Cover
weights vary by material, pool size and hardware requirements. Most
residential covers can be handled by two people.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>If
I have a non-Merlin cover and want a replacement, could Merlin make the
same cover matching the anchor points?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>With
proper measurements from a pool professional or better yet, by using
the original cover as a template, yes, we can re-make almost any of our
competitor’s covers using Merlin materials.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>Should
I drain my pool when I am ready to put on my Merlin cover this
winter?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>NO.
Never drain your pool in preparation for winter. If properly
winterized, the water in the pool will be fine and it actually helps to
support the cover in the case of a large snow load. Please discuss
proper water levels with your installer. Your cover warranty
specifically states that water levels lower than 18" from the top of the
pool may void your warranty and can result in damage to the
cover.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>I have rock surrounding my pool. Can that damage my cover?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>In
the case of rough coping around your pool (Be it rock, brick, etc.) we
recommend an option called perimeter padding. This padding is attached
with either clips or Velcro to the perimeter of the pool cover. This
will provide extra protection from the edge of the pool. In some
instances, it may be nessecary to pad the edge of the pool or certain
areas of the pool like raised spas or water features with some type of
padding that we do not provide. Just because a cover is ordered with
perimeter padding, it does not mean that the cover is
indestructible.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>Can you install a Merlin cover on an above-ground pool?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Above
ground swimming pools are designed to support the outward pressure of
the water in the pool. A safety cover can put pressure in the opposite
direction which could lead to a collapse of the pool wall. Unless the
deck around the pool is completely independant of the pool then a safety
cover should not be installed</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>How and where should I store my cover while it is not in use?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Storage
of your cover should include a sealed container like a large storage
tub or trash can or the storage location should be free of the threat of
any rodents or insects. Rodents and insects can do substantial damage
to the cover if they nest inside its folds.</p>
</blockquote>
<li><strong>How can I fix a small rip or tear in my cover?</strong></li>
<blockquote>
<p>Your
dealer sells patches to repair smaller rips in any of our covers. For
larger damages, we recommend having your dealer send it in to our repair
department for review.</p>
</blockquote>
<br />
</ol>