6Jun
Your Guide To Safe Installation
Except for birth defects, more children from the ages of 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. For older kids, drowning is the second leading cause of death. Only motor vehicle crashes cause more deaths for kids.
Tragically, most of these deaths occur in residential pools during summer. While constant attention would prevent backyard drownings, no human being can be present all the time. You can prevent and greatly reduce a backyard tragedy by using swimming pool safety covers.
By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will understand how to install a safety cover for a pool.
How to Install Swimming Pool Safety Covers: Measure First
Before you install a swimming pool safety cover, you need to measure your pool. Some pool safety cover companies will send a representative to measure your pool. Some will even use an interactive CAD or computer-aided design program.
The CAD will illustrate the pool dimensions as you enter the data. Then your manufacturer can either pick from a pre-made cover for your pool or design a custom cover for your unique pool size and shape.
Otherwise, you will need to measure the length and width of your pool. Measure it at its widest point.
After you have measured your pool and purchased the correct pool safety cover, follow these basic steps:
- Remove the handrails, ladders, and water features that you can remove.
- Measure the pool cover and compare your measurement with the pool measurement to determine overlap. Your overlap should be between 10 and 15 inches.
- Carefully lay the pool cover over the pool, avoiding snagging the cover.
- Adjust the cover so it overlaps 10 to 15 inches or however much step two determined.
- Mark your anchor points in the centre of your walls approximately 18 inches from the edge of the pool cover.
- Install your anchors.
- Attach the springs to your straps and then attach the springs to the anchors.
- Continue this process with each anchor.
When you finish, you should have a pool safety cover securely placed over the pool. Make sure the straps have equal tension and the cover is taut over the pool.
Read More: Why Do You Need A Pool Safety Cover?
How Does A Pool Safety Cover Work?
A pool safety cover does more than just keep debris from your pool. It will prevent water evaporation and prevent individuals and things from entering the water. A good pool safety cover will have a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
You also will keep your pool cleaner and have to use fewer chemicals when you have a pool safety cover.
How Do You Anchor A Pool Safety Cover?
Installing the pool cover means installing anchors securely. Follow these basic steps to install your anchors properly.
- Use a rotary hammer drill with a 3/4 inch masonry bit to drill a 2 1/4″ hole into the deck. Then clean the bottom of the hole with a vacuum or water.
- Place the anchor into the hole and lightly hammer it carefully until it sits flush with the rest of the deck.
- Ensure the anchor insert is not in the anchor when you tamp it in.
- Using a hex key, screw your anchor and insert it into your anchor. Leave approximately 1/3 of the anchor insert above the deck so you have a place where you can secure the spring.
If you do not have a concrete deck, then you will need to follow a different procedure. For example, if you have brick, pavers, or stones, you will need some conduit or pipe. You will use the pipe around the anchor in the deck.
After you’ve installed the anchor, you will have to install the springs. Each company that manufactures pool safety covers will have standards for their buckle installation.
Why Should I Hire A Professional?
When you purchase a pool safety cover, you’re purchasing safety. The professionals that manufacture and sell the cover will best understand how the cover works. We will ensure that you have a pool cover that is securely anchored and will keep people and things from falling into the pool. It also means less stress for you. You don’t need to go through the process of installing it on your own and risking missing something.
Read More: Pool Safety Covers – FAQ
Can You Install A Pool Cover By Yourself?
You can install a pool cover by yourself. However, just because you can do something does not mean you should do something.
Doing so will take significant time and effort. You also run the risk of installing it improperly and voiding any warranty or safety guarantee.
Tools For Installing the Pool Cover On Your Own
An inground pool cover install requires specialty tools. Make sure you have the proper tools before you begin your job. Here is a basic list of what you will need.
- Rotary hammer drill with 3/4″ x 18″ long masonry drill bit
- Chalk line for marking
- Extension cords for the hammer drill
- Hammer to tamp deck anchors
- Protective goggles and eyewear
Make sure you protect yourself as you install the pool. Wear goggles and other eye protection. You can install your safety pool cover, but you’ll need these tools and adequate time to complete the project.
How To Keep A Pool Cover From Sagging?
Your pool cover will sag a little bit. It should have some give to it. If you believe it is sagging too much, re-thread the cables that attach to the anchors and make sure they’re tight.
If you’re still having problems, contact the pool cover company and have a technician check out your cover. A sagging cover means your cover isn’t on securely, and kids can still slip under it and drown.
The Takeaway
Swimming pool safety covers installed properly will protect your pool from debris and tragedy. You’ll be exercising responsibility as a pool owner by protecting your pool. While you can install your pool cover, you can maximize your pool cover’s capacity by having it professionally installed.
You will also ensure that you do not void a warranty if you have a professional install your safety pool cover.
Are you looking for a way to keep your pool safe? If so, contact us and get a quote today. Our team is ready to help you find the best solution for pool safety today.