Guest Blogger: Choosing the Best Pool Cover for Safety

Guest Blogger +1K, Entry #2729, August 9, 2013

There are few things better on a hot summer day than plunging into a cool pool. But worry over pool safety can erode your enjoyment of your pool. The best way to ease safety concerns is to research options to child- and pet-proof your pool. Many safety fences for pools also double as a clean-pool tool. By learning about the types of pool safety covers, you can choose the cover right for you.

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Image via: Jessop Architects

Pool Safety Fences

Installing a complete fence system around your pool’s perimeter can protect both kids and pets. Here is what to look for when choosing a pool safety fence:

Fence height.

If you plan on remaining in your home for a while, you may want to choose a fence with some height to “grow.” Whether your concern is a baby who grows into a toddler or a puppy who grows into a dog, fences at least 36 inches or higher are a great option.

Fence latches.

Ask about childproof safety latches. Latch height should be evaluated prior to installation.

Fence material.

Any material you select should be weather-treated and rustproof. Stainless steel is always a durable option. If you have pets with strong jaws, you may want to consider interlocking mesh. This is the material of choice for today’s strongest pool fences.

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Image via: Yaniv Schwartz – Photographer

Pool Safety Nets

Pool safety nets are a great alternative to safety fences, especially for families with young pets or young children. Safety nets are also attractive, so you can preserve ambiance. Evaluate any safety net for these features before making a purchase:

• Safety testing. Confirm that the pool net you choose has been certified by a pool safety–testing company.
• Ease of installation. Any safety net you choose should be easy to install and remove, especially if you need to do so frequently.
• Use for smaller water features. Pool safety nets come in many sizes, and you may also want to use a safety net for smaller water features such as koi ponds, fountains or rockeries.
• Double as a clean–pool tool. The best pool safety nets can also be used as a clean-pool tool by catching leaves and other debris before they reach the water.

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Image via: Outvision Photography

Pool Safety Covers

Pool safety covers are designed to fit your pool like a glove — literally. The highest-grade safety covers are made exact to measurements for your specific pool type. Look for these following features when buying a pool safety cover.

• Meets ASTM ES1346-91 Standards. ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM is responsible for developing safety and durability standards companies voluntarily adopt and adhere to. Proper installation often determines adherence to ASTM standards.
• Warrantied durability. Ensure that the materials are durable, UV (ultraviolet) light-resistant, abrasion-resistant, weather-treated and come with an extended warranty.
• Maintenance. Your pool safety cover should only require minimum maintenance.
• Gap-free and tamper-resistant. The only way to ensure complete safety when using a pool cover is to have a cover that is gap-free and tamper-resistant.

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Image via: Randy Thueme Design Inc. – Landscape Architecture

Automatic Pool Safety Covers

Automatic pool safety covers combine the best of both worlds — safety and ease of use. The automatic feature requires the turn of a key for installation and removal. There are four important features your automatic safety cover should have.

• Waterproof motor. The motor that runs your pool cover must be water- and weather-proofed.
• Low maintenance. You should need to perform little to no maintenance to keep your automatic cover working properly.
• Warrantied operation. Since you rely on motorized components with an automatic cover, look for an extended life warranty.
• Wireless option. You need this option to operate the automatic cover remotely as well as via wired touchpad control. This is especially useful to cover your pool at short notice, such as in the case of a sudden storm.

Using this overview, you can select the right safety cover for your swimming pool.

Maria Valdez is a contributing writer and parenting expert. She is sometimes hired to come into homes and address safety issues for new parents.

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