Safety Pool Cover Features Explained

Safety pool covers are some of the most important pool investment you will ever make. They’re the core of pool safety and what will save your family.

Without them, all the other safety protocols you have could be undermined. 

Safety pool covers are...

• Essential for preventing accidents

• Legal requirement in most jurisdictions.

• Far less expensive than you think.

...and is quick to make a difference in saving your family.

What you'll discover:

1. The Basics Of Safety Pool Covers.

2. The Reasons Why Safety Pool Covers Are Vital?

3. How To Select The Best Safety Cover

Basic Components Of Safety Pool Covers

According to new information, drowning is still the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4. This is a scary statistic and it is a good reason to invest in safety pool covers that no pool owner should be without.

A safety pool cover provides more than protection for your pool from the elements. It’s an all-around security solution, and one that if installed right can thwart theft and even save lives.

The global swimming pool cover market reflects this awareness - it is expected to rise by $534.1 million 2022-2027. This expansion is a consequence of growing pool safety awareness and advancements in new types of safety covers. 

Let's see the features that are so beneficial about safety pool covers:

Strong Support System 

A good safety cover is a system of springs and straps secured to your pool deck. This produces a secure, tight seal that can withstand considerable weight - commonly up to 485 pounds per 5 sq.

Durable Materials

The majority of safety covers are reinforced polypropylene or vinyl. These are not ordinary pool covers - they’re designed to survive:

• Extreme weather conditions

• UV exposure

• Heavy impacts

• Chemical exposure

Secure Anchoring System

The anchoring system is the core of all safety covers. Most covers use:

• Brass anchored in concrete anchors.

• Heavy-duty stainless steel springs

• Strong cording every 3 to 5 feet

• Double-stitched stress points

This provides an extremely safe buffer that can’t be pulled out or broken.

Water Management

Today’s safety covers don’t merely contain debris – they also control water. They feature:

• Mesh panels for drainage

• Built-in pump systems

• Automatic water removal

• Snow load capacity

This avoids harmful water build-up which can damage the cover.

North America has the highest share of pool safety products as a safety cover market. This is mainly due to increased regulations and safety measures for pools.

Why You Need Pool Safety Covers

Wondering the true cause of why safety pool covers are becoming mandatory across the country?

The stats are chilling...

The drowning risk for children under 15 remains too high, according to the most recent CPSC statistics. This is not just a stat – this is a call to action for all pool managers. 

Here are the top reasons why safety pool covers are a necessity: 

Drowning Prevention

A properly placed safety cover will ensure that kids can’t get to the water. Like a gate that locks over your pool – nobody comes in without you saying yes.

Cost Savings

Safety covers don’t just save lives – they save your money. They help by:

• Reducing water evaporation

• Minimizing chemical usage

• Preventing debris accumulation

• Lowering maintenance costs

The pool fencing (including safety covers) market was $3.11 billion in 2022 and is increasing. This increase demonstrates both the necessity of these security options as well as its efficiency.

Year-Round Protection

Think of safety covers only in the winter? Think again.  Modern covers provide:

• Pool safety in the summer when the pool is not used.

• Protection during unexpected weather

• Reliability on holiday.

• Compliance with local regulations

You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked when you’re not at home. Why would you leave your pool exposed then?

How To Select The Correct Safety Cover

The thing about safety covers – it’s not one size/type fits all.

The market is predicted to expand 5.4% per year from 2018 to 2027, the number of options is growing each year. But how do you select the best one?

Size and Shape Considerations

Your pool size really does matter. You need to consider:

• Exact pool measurements

• Deck space availability

• Obstacles around the pool

• Cover overlap requirements

Buying the wrong size can be unsafe and void your warranty.

Material Selection

Safety and care depend on the material you use. Your main options are:

• Mesh covers: Pass water but catch leaves

• Hard shells: Cover everything but need to be pumped.

• Combination covers: Mix and match advantages of each style.

Be aware that the UV and warranty coverage vary for each type.

Installation Requirements

So here’s what the majority of stores don’t tell you right off the bat...

Expert installation is not merely recommended - it is required. A well-placed safety cover must:

• Correct anchor placement

• Proper tension adjustment

• Expert measurements

• Professional grade hardware

Homeowners are the primary market for the residential pool as they know how vital professional installation and maintenance are.

Budget Considerations

The right safety cover is an investment in security. Consider these factors:

• Initial purchase cost

• Installation expenses

• Maintenance requirements

• Warranty coverage

• Expected lifespan

Maintenance Requirements

But here’s something most pool owners don’t know...

A safety cover is only as good as its upkeep. In order to keep your cover performing optimally, you must:

• Regularly check the tension

• Clean debris off promptly

• Inspect anchors and springs

• Test water removal systems

And here's the kicker...

Poor maintenance is the reason for denial of most warranty claims. Don’t let that happen to you!

Seasonal Considerations

The best cover is greatly dependent on where you live. Think about:

• Annual snowfall

• UV exposure levels

• Tree coverage

• Local weather patterns

A Florida-perfect cover isn’t going to work in Minnesota. Residential pool fencing market is growing 7% because manufacturers are creating region-specific solutions.

Professional VS DIY Installation

Want to know something interesting?

Installing it yourself is tempting, but it is the single most common pool owner blunder. Here's why:

• Incorrect installation voids warranties

• Safety technology can be disabled.

• Proper tensioning requires experience

• Special tools are needed

Get your pool cover installed professionally so that it’s safe and functional.

Key Takeaways To Remember

Safety pool covers aren’t just a cosmetic thing, they’re a safety item every pool owner should have in their backyard. And the growth in the market will tell us all we need to know:

• A growing market size of $534.1 million by 2027

• Greater attention to child safety.

• Increased requirement of skilled installation.

• Growing recognition of long-term gains.

Choose your safety cover, keep in mind:

Quality Matters

Never compromise with material or construction. A high-quality safety cover:

• Lasts longer

• Provides better protection

• Requires less maintenance

• Offers peace of mind

Professional Installation Is Key

No cover in the world can work properly if it’s not fitted correctly. Professional installation:

• Ensures proper fit

• Maintains warranty coverage

• Guarantees safety compliance

• Provides expert guidance

Maintenance Is Essential

You can’t skip upkeep — it’s an obligation for security and longevity. Make sure you:

• Follow manufacturer guidelines

• Perform regular inspections

• Address issues promptly

• Keep documentation current

Remember this:

The expense of a good safety cover is a small price to pay for the security it brings. As drowning is such a serious danger, especially with small children, the right-sized, maintained safety cover isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s your family’s life.

Never leave it too long. Make sure your pool has a protective covering.

Related Articles:

• Fence It Right with Essential Steps for Pool Area Security
• 10 easy steps to winterize your inground pool