Best Winter Swimming Pool Safety Cover - What's the Difference?

Splash Pools provides Fiberglass Swimming Pools in Maryland and will explain about Swimming Pool Safety Covers.

1. What's the difference between a regular swimming pool cover and a swimming pool safety cover?

A typical solid vinyl pool cover is little more than a tarp to put over your swimming pool. It does not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the pool. All safety covers must conform to the Standard Performance Specification set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). According to the ASTM, a safety cover must be able to support a certain amount of weight, not permit gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through, and remove standing water. A pool cover can not include the word "Safety" unless it meets these standards.

2. Why is a U.L. (underwriters laboratories) approval important?

(By the way, we resurfaced the U.L. test pool in 2008)

Underwriters Laboratories (known as U.L.) is an outside testing company. Many cover company's claim that they meet the ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers, but have not followed up with outside testing agencies that perform all of the actual tests listed in the ASTM guideline. At at Splash Pools we only install covers that not only meet but also exceed the guidelines set forth for safety swimming pool covers! For example, we only install covers that use double perimeter webbing and double-thick straps, extremely high-strength 302 grade stainless steel springs, and polyester bonded thread that costs almost 10 times more than the thread used by some of our competitors.

3. Can my children walk and play on the safety cover?

All Splash Pools covers meet the ASTM guidelines for safety covers and have been U.L. certified. As such they will easily support the weight of a child or an adult in an emergency. However, we do not recommend walking on the cover, and children and pets should never be allowed to play on top of a safety or any other type of pool cover. Adult supervision is always required around any swimming pool area.

4. Should I get a mesh or a solid safety cover?

Both the mesh Safety Swimming Pool Cover and our solid Safety Swimming Pool Cover provide superior protection for your family. 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. Our solid safety cover is available in two versions: one with "invisible" mesh panels that allow water to drain through, and an all-solid version that is always sold with an automatic cover pump. The pump must be used at all times in order to maintain the safety of the cover. Ultimately, though, the choice between a mesh or solid cover is up to the preference of the user.

5. Why does the water have to be removed from the cover in order for it to be considered "safe"?

Collected water on a cover is a hazard in itself. There have unfortunately been cases of children and pets who have wandered out on a cover filled with water and slippery debris, become trapped and drowned. That is why the ASTM Performance Specification states that no pool cover can call itself a safety cover if it does not provide for water removal.

6. What type of warranty do your covers come with?

Currently our mesh and solid safety covers come with a 12-year pro-rated manufacturer's warranty. When completed and signed by the original purchaser, this warrants that the cover is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use.

7. Should I drain my pool before putting on my swimming pool safety cover?

No! It is very important to maintain proper water level to help support the weight of the cover and prevent excess wear. For mesh covers, water level should be 15" to 18" below the top of the pool. For solid covers, water level should be 12" to 16" below the top of the pool. If proper water level is not maintained, the warranty can be void.

8. I have a custom-designed pool that's irregularly shaped. Can I get a LOOP-LOC safety cover that will fit it?
Absolutely! Splash Pools will first come out and carefully measure your pool. Then, the manufacturer will use their exclusive computerized design system to translate those measurements into a cover that will perfectly conform to the shape and features of your pool.

9. How long will it take to get a custom cover?
From the time Splash Pools submits your order to the manufacturer it will take approximately 2-3 weeks including fabrication until the cover is completely installed on your pool.

10. I always supervise my children when they are around our pool. Why do I need a safety cover?
A swimming pool is always a magnet for children. At times when you are not around to supervise or your family is away from home, wandering children and pets from the neighborhood may attempt to enter your pool. Even if you have a locked gate (which is a great extra layer of protection), a determined toddler will often be able breach it. Only the security of a safety cover can ensure that no one will be able to gain access to the pool while you are away.

11. How can I keep my pool water clear over the winter months?

All pools, when covered (no matter what type of cover you have), require winter chemical treatment to keep the water clear. When closing your pool in the fall, we recommend use of a winterizing chemical kit, which includes winterizing algaecide.

12. If we have a paver/brick deck can we use a Swimming Pool Safety Cover?

Absolutely! Splash Pools anchor-in-pipe installation is the perfect application for paver/brick decks. The pipe holds the anchors firmly into place allowing the cover the remain taut all winter long. No wear and tear on the deck, will not pull or ruin pavers/bricks whatsoever.

Submitted by: Frank Bowman

Frank is one of the Founders of Splash Pool of Maryland. Splash Pools specializes is Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and installs them in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Frank has been recognized as a subject matter expert by the APSP and has been retained to speak at various events including the International Pool and Spa Expo, Coverings, NCHBA, World of Concrete, Watershapes and various other local events.

Fiberglass Swimming Pool Myths

Unfortunately, there are some serious fiberglass swimming pool myths regarding the potential drawbacks of owning a fiberglass swimming pool. We at Splash Pools of Ellicott City, North Carolina will try to address and alleviate these so-called issues.

Fiberglass Pool Myth #1

Fiberglass Pools Will Float or Pop-Up:

This is one of the most amusing of the myths and misconceptions we've heard regarding fiberglass pools. If anyone (especially another pool dealer) tells you that fiberglass pools pop out of the ground, then they are simply being dishonest and trying to use fear as a means of motivating you to get another type of pool.
There is a local company (we will not mention any names here) that loves to tell homeowners that every time there is a hurricane or heavy rain in the area, fiberglass pools all over the place float up out of the ground. We personally called this company once and asked them to give us just one name of someone who had a pool float, and of course they were unable to give us such information.

During our years of swimming pool building in Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia and North Carolina we have never had a pool float after installation. This is because not only are the pools always full of water, but the concrete deck engulfs the pool's outer lip, making it impossible for the pool to move unless the concrete deck moves with it. Additionally, Splash Pools installs a drainage system below every Viking Fiberglass Pool that we install making it impossible for the swimming pool to "float" under ANY condition. Please don't be fooled by anyone who uses this ploy as a means to push you in a different direction.

Fiberglass Pool Myth #2

Fiberglass Pools Look Cheap:

Had someone said this 15 years ago, I would have agreed with such a statement. Now, however, this is just another fiberglass pool myth. Times have changed in the fiberglass industry, especially with the introduction of cantilever concrete coping, colored pool finishes, waterline tile, mosaic inlay tile, fiber-optic lighting, water features, etc, etc. With so many options and features to choose from, homes of all value ranges can easily find a pool that corresponds aesthetically with their appearance. When we show pictures of the pools we have installed to customers, we often get asked if they are seeing concrete pools. This is because fiberglass pools are now very beautiful and permanent looking. This is also why customers of all economic classes (we have installed many pools where the home value is well over 2 million dollars) are going with the fiberglass advantage.

Fiberglass Pool Myth #3

Fiberglass Pools Only Work in Warm Climates:

This fiberglass pool myth really makes no sense at all! It is an accepted fact in the swimming pool industry that fiberglass has the ability to "flex" due to its incredible tensile strength, much more so than any other type of permanent pool (i.e. concrete). Moreover, when people are concerned about freeze conditions having an adverse affect on fiberglass, they are forgetting that when the water in a pool freezes, it expands in an upward direction (where there are no barriers). But the simple fact is that we have never had even one customer sustain any damage to their fiberglass shell due to freezing weather conditions. Again, this statement is easily verifiable with our customer reference list.

Fiberglass Pool Myth #4

Fiberglass Pools are Much More Expensive than Vinyl Liner Pools:

The answer to this fiberglass pool myth is a little tricky, but hopefully we'll be clear here. Typically, if someone is comparing a fiberglass pool to a liner pool - apples to apples, features with features - they will find that a fiberglass unit typically runs 5-10k more, initially. We say initially, because when considering the cost of a pool there are two different ways to arrive at the number.

The first way is by solely looking at the initial cost of the project. The second, unlike the first method, takes the initial price but also adds the expenses of the pool over the course of its lifetime.

For example, let's say you spend $25,000 initially for a vinyl-lined pool. Considering the liner will typically last 8 years on average (this number can be more or less depending on a variety of factors) before it has to be replaced, and the average cost of a liner replacement is usually between 3-5k, a pool owner could easily spend 8-12k on liner replacements alone during the first 20 years of the pool. The same principle is applicable to concrete pools who have to be replastered (every 8-12 years), where the average cost for this service is well over 5k. This is one of the great beauties of a fiberglass pool.

There are almost never any large expenses down the road for a homeowner to worry about. When a potential pool buyer figures in the cost of long term repairs/expenses, as well as the year-to-year savings on chemicals, it is no wonder why so many consumers are willing to pay more initially for a fiberglass pool in order to pay less and have less headache in the long run.

I hope this aided you in sorting out the Myths from the Facts of Fiberglass Swimming Pools. Please feel free to let us know if you would like us to cover any additional subjects.



Submitted By: Frank Bowman

Frank is the Co-Owner of Splash Pools based in Ellicott City, Maryland. Splash Pools specializes in Viking Fiberglass and Custom Concrete Swimming Pools and Spas in Maryland, Washington DC, Baltimore and Northern Virginia . Providing discussions about fiberglass swimming pool myths, Saltwater Chlorinators, Infinity Edge Pools, Fiberglass Pool Prices, Variable Drive Pumps, Pool Renovations and ceramic composit pools

Control Your Swimming Pool From Your iPhone or iPod Touch

Technology has been progressing at such a rapid pace that it's hard to keep up with it and Swimming Pool Automation is no exception. Splash Pools of Ellicott City, Maryland is on the cutting edge of fiberglass Swimming Pool design & construction and now offers complete control of your entire outdoor living environment through your iPhone or iPod Touch. Controlling pool and spa operations couldn't be easier...or more convenient. Once the software is installed, you can control everything from pool and spa temperatures, jets, lighting, water features, remote video monitoring, and more...right from an iPhone or iPod touch. Imagine being able to:

Easily turn on spa and adjust the desired temperature on the way home from work.

Control all circuits (waterfalls, pool lights, fountains, and more) and review history of temperature, pool/spa, heater, and light operation.

Remotely view live video on up to 4 video cameras.

Combine this with a Saltwater Chlorination System and you have a near maintenance free swimming pool that can completely be controlled and monitored from anywhere in the world. Contact us if you have any additional swimming pool automation questions.



Submitted By: Frank Bowman

Frank is the Co-Owner of Splash Pools based in Ellicott City, Maryland. Splash Pools specializes in Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Spas in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Providing discussions about Saltwater Chlorinators, Infinity Edge Pools, Fiberglass Pool Prices, Variable Drive Pumps, Pool Renovations and ceramic composit pools

Splash Pools was founded upon the premise that "Excellence is the choice between two alternatives." We used this phrase to rocket our firm to the forefront of aquatic design, customer service and high quality construction. Our passion for pools is apparent to anyone who meets us and our enthusiasm is instantly contagious.

Splash Pools Owners, James Zoller and Frank Bowman were both born and raised in Ellicott City, Maryland. They first met in Kindergarden at West Friendship Elementary School and grew up together as best friends. After their early years in Howard County, their life paths headed in different directions.

James went on to earn a degree from Virginia Tech University and then returned home to live on their family farm in Howard County. James began his career with a National Crane Company where he earned numerous sales and customer service awards and recognitions but he was always looking for something more. That is why he founded his first company Residential Solutions, LLC. Residential Solutions is a turn-key home improvement company specializing in outdoor living installations including stone and paver patios, outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, landscaping, lighting, irrigation, screened porches, decks, as well as interior renovations. This company has been a great success and has seen explosive growth over the past 5 years.

Frank traveled a little further south to earn a degree from North Carolina State University and continues to live in Wake Forest, NC. After College Frank started his first company that provided management services to community, apartment and country club swimming pools including staffing, maintenance, chemicals and renovations. Frank decided that the design and construction portion of the business was his true passion so he sold the management company and started building swimming pools. His current company, Frank Bowman Designs, prides itself on world class quality and design. Their average residential projects range between $250K - $600k with their largest residential project reaching over $2.5 mil. Frank has been retained as a subject matter expert to speak at the International Pool and Spa Expo, Coverings (international Tile Expo), Regional and Local Manufacturer Events and his work has been featured on many TV, Newspaper, Magazine and Print Media.

The combined resume of these two lifelong friends equals just one thing...Exceptional Outdoor Living Environments, built to the highest standards, with the best products available. So they decided to open Splash Pools providing "Excellence with a Splash of Style." After countless days, weeks and months performing a complete investigation of all the fiberglass pool companies in the nation we decided to partner with Viking Fiberglass Pools. Viking was the best match for our business model as they strive to be on the forefront of design, technology and warranty. They are the standard that all other fiberglass pool manufacturers try to achieve and constantly raise the bar within their industry.

Now that you know a little about us, please follow our blog as we will routinely update it with industry news, pool tips, offers and discounts and any other pool related questions you may have.



Submitted by: Frank Bowman

Frank is one of the Owners of Splash Pools, LLC. Splash Pools is the premier Viking fiberglass swimming pool dealer for Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. You may visit their website at www.SplashPoolsMD.com, call them at 443.766.9663 or email them at Sales@SplashPoolsMD.com

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