Pool Safety: Choosing a Pool Safety Cover

Did you know that pool covers can perform even more functions than keeping leaves and other debris out of your pool, when it’s not in use? Most pool owners realize that pool covers are a necessary part of the winterizing process, but sometimes they fail to realize the part pool covers play in safety as well. Of course, careful supervision of young children and additional barriers are important, too. But pool safety covers provide an essential element of any pool safety scenario.

Introduction to Pool Safety Covers

A quality pool safety cover will offer a significant barrier to help prevent drowning. These covers limit access to your pool, either by young children or by anyone who might otherwise accidentally fall into your pool. Pool safety covers are required to comply with safety regulations, such as the ASTM F1346-91 statute; regarding weight load, pool safety covers are designed to hold, at a minimum, 485 pounds — the weight of a typical child, plus two average-sized adults.

Solid Pool Safety Covers

Two different types of pool covers are typically available: solid and mesh. Made to stretch over the entire pool, these tautly pulled covers are anchored securely outside the pool. A solid safety pool cover is typically made of vinyl. These covers are, as their name implies, made from solid material that provides an impervious barrier, keeping out people and pets as well as sunlight, debris, and precipitation. The nature of a solid cover means that water can puddle on the surface, providing an added safety hazard. While the ASTM F1356-91 statute includes a requirement of compliance with a Surface Drainage Test which prohibits an approved cover from allowing dangerous amounts of water to pool on the cover’s surface, any solid cover will allow for some standing water to collect. In order to alleviate this potential problem, you’ll need to pump any excess water off the top of the cover. Like any wet surface, the cover will become slippery when it’s wet.

Mesh Pool Safety Covers

Lighter and less expensive than solid covers, mesh covers are comprised of porous material. The panels of a mesh cover are reminiscent of a window screen, keeping people, leaves, and various types of debris out of the pool. Because of their semi-permeable nature, mesh covers can be used safely all year. During winter, snow won’t accumulate; instead, it will drain into the pool. Not only will a mesh cover benefit you by keeping your pool’s water level up during the off season, but its lighter nature will make installation and maintenance easier for you.

While safety is the primary function of a pool safety cover, either a solid cover or a mesh cover will provide the added benefit of reducing the need for maintenance. Not only should you cover your pool throughout the off-season, but you should also cover it whenever it’s not in use — especially when small children are around.

Lyon Financial

Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.