Firmly Anchored: Experts Weigh In
By Katie Beamer
What are the different types of pool covers?
Safety swimming pool covers help prevent children from falling into the pool. They may be solid, mesh or solid with mesh drain panels. Some are designed for seasonal use when closing the pool for the winter and are far superior at averting accidents than a vinyl tarp held in place with water or sand bags.
"A safety swimming pool cover acts like a barrier," explains LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta, president and CEO of LOOP-LOC, Ltd. "Once the cover is securely anchored into the deck, it lays flat like a trampoline with no gaps between the pool and the cover. Non-safety covers can potentially allow children to get under the cover and into the water."
"A good cover can enhance the enjoyment of a pool," says John Ciniglio, president of Meyco Products, Inc. "It makes opening the pool a lot easier and less expensive. When your pool is closed you can still appreciate the environment that the pool has helped to create. And you have assurances that when you do leave your pool unattended for a significant amount of time, it is secured.
"Safety net covers create a taut grid between the water and a curious child. They allow parents clear visibility of the pool, while keeping children out of the water. Additionally, they easily adapt to freeform pools. "Safety nets are left in place during the swim season and are removed easily by one person in fewer than 10 minutes each time someone wants to use the pool," says Blair Esson, president of Katchakid®, Inc. "The pool is completely closed off."
Automatic swimming pool covers attaches to a track that runs alongside the pool and then the cover rolls into a box at the pool's end.
How does a safety cover work?
All safety covers must meet or exceed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International F1346-91 standards.
"A safety cover must be able to avoid a possible drowning under the most common scenarios," explains Ciniglio. "To meet the standard, a cover needs to withstand a minimal weight load, have no spaces on the cover large enough for a child to fall through, have a minimum water drainage capacity and meet specific label requirements that can easily be read on the cover. A safety cover must have a significant anchoring system and be properly installed to pass ASTM standards."
Managing Potential Dangers
Are there potential dangers with covers and how can homeowners manage them?
"Water can accumulate on top of a vinyl-sheeting-and-sandbag cover and have no where to go. Swimming pool covers become slimy and filled with water. If a child or pet wanders onto this type of cover, it is virtually impossible to get out of, causing a potential drowning hazard," says Donaton-Pesta.
"Homeowners can manage these dangers by doing their homework and making sure that the cover they buy is a true safety cover that meets all of the ASTM standards."
Water can pool on top of any solid cover and present the same problem. For this reason, solid vinyl safety swimming pool covers come with an automatic cover pump to remove standing water. However, owners must regularly check that the pump is working.
"When dealing with a manual safety cover, you need to make sure the water level in the pool does not get to be too high. Otherwise, the cover may not be able to drain properly," Ciniglio says.
Another cause for concern is a hole in the cover. Deer are the most common cause of damage, but dog claws, falling trees and mice can also puncture it. Depending on the size, a hole can be patched with material and glue, or the entire cover can be sent to the manufacturer for repair.
"It takes something sharp to make a hole," Ciniglio explains. "For example, a flat elephant hoof may not damage a cover, but its tusks certainly will." He advises consumers to inquire whether or not the manufacturer uses a material that will not run if torn. If so, it prevents a hole from automatically growing in size.
Cover Installation
What is the installation process like?
The process varies with the type of cover. Many products require professional installation, although some can be do-it-yourself projects. But once the hardware is installed and the cover is delivered, putting it on and removing it takes only a few minutes.
Winter safety covers and net swimming pool covers follow the shape of the pool, Esson explains. The cover attaches to anchors placed in the deck.
Selecting Your Cover
What should homeowners consider when selecting a cover?
"Give some thought as to who is going to be using the cover on a daily basis and make sure that he or she can operate the chosen cover alone," Esson says.
Talk to a pool professional about your needs. Visit pool cover manufacturers' websites. Study how the cover works, see if it meets ASTM safety cover standards and find out its life expectancy. Think about how it will alter or enhance your backyard ambiance.
"The pool cover has become an integral part of the pool and should be thought of as such when deciding which type to get and what brand to buy," Ciniglio says.
Consider whether to select a mesh or solid cover. Mesh has a 40-year track record and is light and durable. Keep in mind that mesh allows water to flow through. Homeowners must use a winterizing kit when closing the pool seasonally and should add more chemicals when air temperatures start reaching 60 degrees.
A solid cover blocks sunlight and prevents rain or snowmelt from entering the pool, so the water stays cleaner. Some are available with a drain system that blocks the sun's rays and filters the water as it passes through.
Find out if there is a dealer near you, whether you can install the product yourself, or if the manufacturer will send a professional. Check the dealer's skill at measuring and servicing swimming pool covers. Esson adds, "Don't be afraid to ask for references and talk to past clients about their experiences with a product. Check how long the company has been in business, how many installations it has completed, proof of insurance and affiliations with professional organizations.
"But more than anything else, safety swimming pool covers provide homeowners with peace of mind."
The most important thing that a consumer should consider when selecting a pool cover is how to keep the swimming pool environment as safe as possible in order to protect his or her family, pets and the neighbors' children," Donaton-Pesta concludes. "Securing your swimming pool area with multiple layers of protections is the best advice I can give."
Meet the Experts
LEEANN DONATON-PESTA, President and CEO
LOOP-LOC, Ltd.
From the director of purchasing to customer service manager to president and CEO, LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta has fulfilled multiple roles in her 11 years at LOOP-LOC, Ltd. Ms. Donaton-Pesta is a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute and received her degree in business management.
JOHN CINIGLIO, President
Meyco Products, Inc.
John Ciniglio used his B.A. in economics to work as a credit risk analyst and as a financial research analyst. He owned and operated a company that installed safety covers before he started his career at Meyco Products, Inc., six years ago.
BLAIR ESSON, CEO
Katchakid®, Inc.
Blair Esson is the creator of his company's pool safety net, and he has been with Katchakid®, Inc., for the past 31 years. Mr. Esson shepherded the product's growth and acceptance in four continents.