Category: Safety

Safety

Q+A: What to Look for in a Safety Pool Cover

Posted on 5/1/2013 2:00 PM By Kimberlee Courtney

Safety Pool Covers: Types, Materials, and Installation

The month of May marks the start of pool season for many homeowners across the country. It also marks National Water Safety Month, a joint effort by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), the American Red Cross, the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) and the World Waterpark Association (WWA) to educate the public on safe water practices in all types of swimming environments.

In honor of National Water Safety Month, we spoke with LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, President and CEO of Loop-Loc, Ltd., to learn what to look for in a safety pool cover to ensure ultimate protection.

PoolSpaOutdoor.com: How long have you been working in the pool industry and how did you get started?

LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, Loop-Loc, Ltd.: I’ve been working in the swimming pool industry for 20 years. My father, Bill Donaton, was the co-inventor of the safety swimming pool cover and started Loop-Loc in 1978 with five employees. He was instrumental in bringing safety to the forefront for consumers and dedicated his entire career to making the highest quality safety cover on the market. In 1993 my father asked me to join the Loop-Loc team, and I have been proudly serving as President and C.E.O. since 2001.

PSO: What makes a pool cover a safety cover?

LDP: There is a big difference between a standard pool cover and a safety pool cover. A typical solid vinyl pool cover is little more than a tarp to put over your pool—it does not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the pool. For a pool cover to be a safety cover, it must conform to the Standard Performance Specification [F1346 – 91] set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). According to the ASTM, a safety cover must be able to support 485 pounds, not permit gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through, and remove standing water.

PSO: What types of safety covers are available?

LDP: Safety covers are available in mesh material and in solid material. It is important to note that different manufacturers use different grades and types of mesh and solid material in their manufacturing. LOOP-LOC utilizes a superior super dense mesh fabric which allows water to drain through while blocking virtually all sunlight. Our mesh fabric also has 87 percent black yarns for better U.V. stability. Our exclusive solid material is proprietary to Loop-Loc and is made of 100 percent polypropylene solid material; this fabric allows for ease of use, is recyclable, and ultra-sturdy. Other types of solid covers available in the market are manufactured using a vinyl type fabric which tends to stretch out and become brittle over time.

See photos and learn more about Loop-Loc safety swimming pool covers >>

PSO: What should pool owners consider when deciding between a mesh cover and a solid cover?

LDP: Mesh covers do have one safety advantage: they do not permit water to collect. In order to meet safety cover performance standards, solid covers must provide for the elimination of standing water.

Solid safety covers are usually available in two versions: one with mesh panels that allow water to drain through, and an all-solid version that should always be sold with an automatic cover pump. The pump must be used at all times in order to maintain the safety of the cover and meet the ASTM standards. Ultimately, though, the choice between a mesh or solid safety cover is up to the preference of the user.

PSO: There are a variety of pool safety covers on the market. How can a homeowner be sure they’re buying a quality safety cover?

LDP: The safety of the cover entirely depends on the quality of its manufacturing and materials, which include the threading on the cover as well as the straps and springs. At Loop-Loc, we live by and are motivated by the banners my dad hung in the building the day Loop-Loc opened, which read, “The quality of the cover you make today can save a life tomorrow.”

We pride ourselves on using some of the highest quality materials available to ensure safe, long-lasting covers. We use double perimeter webbing and double-thick straps, along with extremely high-strength 302/304 stainless steel springs.

Loop-Loc also uses a multi-passed white bonded polyester sewing thread that is 30 percent stronger than what is typically used throughout the industry. This thread produces a higher margin of safety in all seams and ensures durability. As we hand inspect ever pool cover, the contrasting white thread also allows our inspectors to instantly see if a single stitch was missed in the manufacturing process.

It’s also important that safety cover manufacturers not only meet the ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers, but also follow up with the outside testing agencies that perform all of the actual tests listed in the ASTM guideline, such as Underwriters Laboratories (known as U.L.).

At Loop-Loc, we are so proud of the safe, high-quality cover that we manufacture that we went the extra step to confirm that we not only meet, but also exceed the guidelines set forth for safety swimming pool covers, earning Loop-Loc the U.L. seal of approval.

PSO: What are the installation requirements for safety pool covers?

LDP: Safety covers must be measured to exact specifications in order to ensure proper fit. Rectangular pools are usually measured by overall width and length, while formfit [freeform] pools and pools with raised wall areas and special treatments need to be AB measured, which is a form of triangulation.

Swimming pool professionals are trained to take exact measurements of your swimming pool to ensure that the cover you receive meets all of the ASTM safety standards. For example, you would never put a rectangle safety cover over a formfit type swimming pool. This scenario would create too much material lying directly on the deck around the swimming pool which can cause excess and extreme wear over a matter of months. A rectangle cover over a formfit pool will also not get the proper tensioning required to maintain safety standards.

Once the pool is measured properly, the second most important requirement for safety covers is the actual installation of the cover. Swimming pool professionals are trained as to how far back and between the anchors must be placed in order to ensure proper tensioning.

PSO: How can a pool owner tell if their safety cover is properly installed?

LDP: When a cover is installed properly it should lie flat across the swimming pool, like a trampoline. It is important for the safety cover to have proper overlap, which is the distance the cover extends past the swimming pool coping and onto the deck. The general rule for overlap is 12 inches to 15 inches, but that can vary on larger or commercial type swimming pools. Too little overlap will not give the cover the proper stability, and excessive overlap can cause premature wear. Also, when a cover is reinstalled after the summer it is important to remember to re-adjust all springs so that there is proper tensioning during the winter months.

PSO: Are there any steps or precautions homeowners should take to ensure the quality and longevity of their safety cover?

LDP: It’s important to do a lot of research. Not all safety covers are the same, and the safety of the cover entirely depends on the quality of its materials and manufacturing. It is also important to remember that proper tensioning of the cover, along with keeping your water levels at the manufacturer’s recommended level at all times will ensure a longer lasting cover. When storing the cover in the summer, be sure to use the storage bag provided and to hang it high up and off of the ground, in a shed or other storage area. (Leaving the cover on the ground can allow for small rodents to crawl inside the cover and start eating away at the material of the cover.)

PSO: How long should a safety pool cover last?

LDP: In general, a safety cover will last an average of 10 to 15 years.

View more photos and watch videos of Loop-Loc safety covers >>

Click here for more Swimming Pool Safety Tips >>

Photos courtesy of Loop-Loc, Ltd.

About the Expert: LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta has held management positions at LOOP-LOC, Ltd., since 1993 and has proudly served as president/CEO since 2001. Over this time, she has continued her company’s leadership in pool safety, overseeing major product line expansions, including Loop-Loc Luxury in-ground liners, and the introduction of new, patented technology. Under her leadership, LOOP-LOC has sold safety pool covers on every continent except Antarctica.Today Loop-Loc has close to 300 employees who are dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality safety swimming pool covers and in-ground luxury liners. All of Loop-Loc's products are made in the U.S.A. at the company's headquarters in Hauppauge, New York.

Summer Safety – Tips for Pool, Sun, Heat & Bug Protection

Posted on 7/12/2012 9:53 AM By Kimberlee Courtney

Summer Safety Tips

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, swimming in the pool, or exploring the great outdoors, keep yourself and your family safe this summer by following these tips for pool, sun, heat, and bug safety.

Pool Safety

Nothing is more synonymous with summertime than swimming pools. While pools are one of the most fun ways to beat the summer heat, they do pose danger if used without proper caution. Here are some pool safety tips to keep swimmers safe and sound.

Summer Safety_Pool Safety Fence

Always maintain constant adult supervision. Never leave children alone in or near the swimming pool or hot tub, even for a minute. During social gatherings, have adults take turns being the designated “water watcher” to supervise children and prevent accidents around the pool area. Keep a telephone and emergency numbers by the pool.
Block access to the pool. Install a four-sided safety pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent children and pets from accessing the pool. Remove steps to aboveground swimming pools when not in use.
Establish pool rules to prevent injuries. Discuss the pool rules with children and pool guests, such as no running around the swimming pool, no diving into the shallow end or from the side of the pool, and no sliding down a waterslide head-first.
Teach your children to swim. The National Safety Council suggests enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as age three, and the American Red Cross says most children are ready by age four.
Learn CPR. Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn what to do in the event of an emergency. Ensure that babysitters, grandparents and others who care for your children know these lifesaving skills as well. Find a Swimming and Water Safety course in your area by contacting your local Red Cross Chapter at www.redcross.org.

See Swimming Pool Safety Tips for more pool precautions every parent and pool owner should know.

Photo courtesy of Pool Guard Safety Fences & Nets; Pool Guard of Long Island

Sun Safety

We all enjoy a little fun in the sun during the summer, but too much sun exposure can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer. In addition, sunburn is not only painful but reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat. Shield your skin and reduce your risk of harmful sun damage with these sun safety tips.

Summer Sun Safety_Shade Tree Canopies

Protect your skin. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater every day, rain or shine—the sun’s blazing rays go right through clouds. Be sure to check the product label for “broad spectrum” to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply often. Apply about one ounce of sunscreen to exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget the five commonly missed areas. These spots are often overlooked when applying sunscreen: The head (scalp and hairline), ears, feet (tops and sides), back of the hands, and lips.
Cover up. Wear a hat with at least a 3-inch brim and wear loose fitting, full-length cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Seek shade. Stay in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during peak intensity hours (between 10 a.m. and 4p.m).
Keep babies out of the sun as much as possible. Dress children under 1 year old in lightweight, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants and always cover their head. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents also apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 to small areas like the face and back of the hands if protective clothing and shade are not available.
Protect your eyes. Ultraviolet radiation causes cataracts, macular degeneration, and melanoma of the eye. When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection (which includes both UVA and UVB).
Check the UV index. Visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html to check the UV index forecast for your area. The UV Index, developed by the National Weather Service and EPA, indicates the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). Use this index as a guide when planning your outdoor activities for the day to prevent overexposure to the sun.
Be extra careful near water and sand. Water and sand reflect the sun’s rays, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Photo courtesy of ShadeTree Retractable Deck & Patio Canopies

Heat Safety

High temperatures increase the risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Stay cool this summer by following these precautions.

Summer Heat Safety_Patio Pools of Tucson

Summer Heat Safety_Patio Pools of Tucson

Drink water. Your body needs liquids to help regulate temperature. Drink water and other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. (Waiting until you’re thirsty could be a sign that you’re already dehydrated.) Also remember to drink plenty of water or sports drinks containing electrolytes before, during, and after exercising to keep your body cool.
Monitor outdoor activities. Limit exercise or strenuous physical activity to early mornings and evenings when the temperature outside is cooler. Reduce, stop, or reschedule outdoor activities during periods of excessive heat.
Dress “lightly.” Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing; avoid dark colors as they absorb heat and sunlight.
Rest often. If you need to be outdoors during high temperatures, be sure to take frequent breaks in shady areas. Drinking sports drinks with electrolytes will replace the minerals and salt you lose through your sweat and help maintain your energy level throughout the day, as well as prevent muscle cramps.
Stay cool. Spend more time in air-conditioned places during excessive heat. If you do not have an air conditioner, go to a library, mall, or other location with air conditioning to reduce your risk of heat illnesses.
Check on family, friends, neighbors, and the elderly. Check on loved ones who do not have air conditioning, or who live alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat, such as children, seniors and anyone with health problems.
Keep an eye on pets. Check on your animals frequently to ensure they have plenty of water and shade and are not suffering from the heat. Never leave pets—or children—alone in enclosed vehicles.

Read the Red Cross’ Heat Wave Safety Checklist for more tips on staying safe in the heat.

Photo courtesy of Patio Pools of Tucson, Inc.

Insect and Bug Safety

Bug bites and stings are one of the biggest nuisances of summertime. Follow these bug safety tips to prevent mosquitoes, ticks, bees, and wasps from imposing on your outdoor fun.

Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, and hair spray. Fragrance can attract insects like mosquitos and bees and increase your chances of getting bitten or stung.
Use insect repellents. Insect repellents with DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes, which can transmit Lyme disease (ticks) and West Nile Virus (mosquitoes). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using repellents with 10% – 30% DEET on children over 2 months of age; DEET should not be used on children under 2 months. Note: Avoid using combination sunscreen/insect repellent products as sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours; insect repellent should not be reapplied. Apply sunscreen before repellent to ensure effectiveness of both products.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as pools of stagnant water, flower gardens, wooded areas, and uncovered food. Mosquitoes are prevalent from dusk to dawn, so try to stay indoors during these times if you can. Also keep away from bee hives and wasp nests and do not try to knock them down as this will agitate the insects and prompt them to attack.
Inspect yourself and your children. At the end of the day, check your body and your children for ticks. Pay close attention to the back of the neck and ears, the groin, the scalp, and the armpits. If you find a tick, follow these instructions for tick removal from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Wear light-colored clothing. Bright colors and floral patterns will attract bugs. Wearing light colors also makes it easier to spot ticks. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants when going on hikes or in wooded areas. Tuck shirts into pants and pant legs into socks or boots for extra protection.
Protect your pets. Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and can transfer ticks into your home. Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick control programs for your pets.

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Posted on 6/6/2012 10:00 AM By Kimberlee Courtney

While swimming pool safety products offer a source of protection, it’s important that all parents and pool owners follow some basic precautions.

Safety pool fence Loop Loc kids protect

• Set the rules. Talk to your children about basic swimming pool rules, including no running and never entering the pool without an adult. Place a “Pool Rules” sign on the fence as a visual reminder.

• Create non-slip surfaces. Apply a non-slip safety coating to the pool ladder and steps (and diving board, if your pool has one). Make sure walkways and decks are slip-resistant.

• Keep chemicals locked up. Make sure all swimming pool chemicals are sealed tightly and stored in a locked area that children cannot access.

• Learn CPR. The American Red Cross encourages at least one member of every family to learn first aid and CPR. It is a good idea for babysitters, relatives, and others who care for your children to know these skills as well. Local Red Cross chapters offer courses that can have you trained and certified in CPR in just a few hours.

• Sign kids up for swimming lessons. Along with constant adult supervision, teaching kids to swim helps to prevent childhood drowning. Swim classes are available through local community pools, private swim instructors, and the YMCA.

• Have an emergency plan. Whenever anyone is in or around the pool, keep a phone nearby. Post emergency numbers and information by the pool, including your address and directions to your home, so that anyone calling 911 can easily read it off to an emergency dispatcher.

In addition to these tips, be sure to add layers of protection around your pool including swimming pool safety covers, fences, and alarms. Note that there is no substitute for constant adult supervision. Children should always be under the close supervision of a responsible adult when they are in or around a swimming pool.

Photo courtesy of LOOP-LOC, Ltd.

Aqua Alert: Keep Children Safe by the Pool

Posted on 5/27/2011 2:25 PM By Debra Maurer

Aqua Alert wristband pool alarm As the well-established annual kick-off to summer, Memorial Day weekend is also the start of pool season for many regions across the U.S. Pool owners will be entertaining guests invited over their first dip of the season, while many non-pool owners will happily pack up the kids and head over to their friends’ or neighbors’ houses for a poolside barbecue.

While there is much fun to be had, safety should always be a primary concern when there is a pool nearby. Children, especially young children and non-swimmers, should be supervised at all times. However, pool accidents and near drowning incidents can occur during parties, even when many adults are present because of momentary distractions. In many of these cases, the immersion is silent, and there are no audible screams or splashing.

By adding a layer of protection—such as a water-activated alarm device—you can help to prevent accidents and keep your children safe. Aqua Alert is an electronic wristband that emits a loud sound when it gets wet. The wristband is designed to fit toddlers to teens and has a locking attachment making it very difficult for a child to remove. If a child should fall into any body of water, the water triggers an alarm similar to the piercing sound of a smoke detector and can be heard up to 100 feet away. The alarm is deactivated by the drying the wristband off.

Aqua Alert wristband pool alarm The major benefit to this system is that you can take it wherever you go. No installation is required, so its use is not limited to any one location. Whether you are at a public community pool, a neighbor’s house, on vacation, or at home, the Aqua Alert wristband can be worn by your child and used as a safety alert.

Note: Aqua Alert’s sole function is as an alarm alert that provides an audible warning to help parents protect their children from a drowning or near drowning accident. Aqua Alert is NOT a flotation device; when any child is near water, parental vigilance and supervision is always required.

A portion of Aqua Alert's sales are donated to Justin's Club, a non-profit (501C3) corporation established to help prevent childhood drowning and near-drowning incidents, providing treatment for children whose families cannot afford treatment costs, and for research through non-profit fundraising.

To learn more about Justin’s Club, visit www.justinsclub.com.

For more information about Aqua Alert and how to order, visit www.aquaalerts.com.

Safety Turtle Now on Facebook

Posted on 9/29/2010 10:26 AM By Debra Maurer

Safet Turtle wrist alarm mfg. by Terrapin Communications, Inc. Safety Turtle®, manufactured by Terrapin Communications, Inc., is a family of Wireless Alert products designed to enhance security around water, especially swimming pools. To increase awareness about water safety for children, Safety Turtle has launched a social media campaign. You can now visit them on facebook to stay up to date on news from the company and information about water safety.

Originally introduced in 1998 as a “last layer of protection” for young children near swimming pools and other bodies of water, the Safety Turtle personal immersion alarm has been adapted for pets, patients doing water physiotherapy, workers near water hazards, and to automatically alert lifeguard rescues. The Safety Turtle wireless gate/door alarm models introduced in 2006 allow homeowners to remotely monitor pool and property fences and door accesses.

Here’s how a Safety Turtle Wireless Alert system works: It consists of one or more Base Station receivers and an unlimited number of radio sensors. The sensors may be of different types--immersion, gate, panic button--but must be the same color to work with the same Base Station. Any sensor type can initiate alarming at the Base Station.

Photo courtesy of Terrapin Communications, Inc.