Safety Cover Installation Guide

Safety Cover Installation Guide

Installing Safety Pool Covers

Congratulations on your new Safety Cover! By purchasing a Safety Cover, you've made a commitment to maintaining and protecting your pool, as well as to the safety and security of your family, pets and neighbors. Now it's time to learn about installing your new winter cover on the pool, in preparation for winter closing (or any extended period of non-use).

1. The first thing you should do is open the packaging & check to make sure that all the required parts arrived with the Cover. In the unlikely event that anything is missing, please contact our Customer Service Department right away (at 1-800-983-7665) so we can arrange to have replacements shipped out to you right away:

  • The number of brass anchors & insert screws, and strap adjustment buckles & springs should each be equal to the number of straps protruding from the edges of the Cover
  • Verify that the notched installation rod / tool is included (this is used to connect the springs to the anchors & screws during installation or removal)

2. Next, gather up a few helpers. While you certainly can do the job by yourself, the process will be much easier and quicker with 1 or 2 helpers.

3. Here's a list of the Tools you'll need to complete your Safety Cover installation:

  • 3/4" Concrete drill bit (diamond type recommended)
  • Heavy-duty hammer drill
  • Tape measure
  • Chalk line & piece of chalk
  • Hammer
  • Wooden block (a 2x4 scrap will suffice)
  • 1/4" Allen Key

4. With the manufacturer’s installation instructions in hand, you are now ready to begin installing your new Safety Cover. Remember we're here to help if you have questions or need assistance. Just give us a call at 1-800-983-7665.

Installing a Rectangular Safety Cover

Safety Covers are approximately 2' longer and 2' wider than the dimensions of your pool. Follow these instructions for a perfect fit.

1. Check the measurements of your Safety Cover and your pool as precisely as possible. Divide the difference between the Safety Cover length and the pool length in half, then and mark this distance from the pool's edge at each end of the pool. Two well-separated marks at each end will be required

For example, if your Safety Cover is 30' long & your pool is 28' long, the difference of 2 feet becomes 1 foot at each end of the pool.

2. Snap a chalk line at each end of the pool. The chalk line should extend at least 30" beyond the sides of the pool

3. Now perform Steps 1 & 2 above, using the widths of the Safety Cover and the pool

If your Safety Cover is 14' 2" wide & the pool is 12' wide, locate the chalk line at half of the 2'2" difference, which is 1'1" from each side of the pool.

After you’ve located the positions, snap chalk lines along the sides of the pool, making sure they extend at least 30" beyond each end of pool. When your installation is complete, the Safety Cover will cover the area enclosed by the chalk lines.

4. Locate one corner where two chalk lines cross. Starting at this crossing point, measure 16" towards the end of both lines and mark these positions. Do the same at each corner of the chalked rectangle

5. Drill holes in the deck at the 8 locations marked in Step 4. IMPORTANT- the depth of each hole should be 1-5/8", so the brass anchors are not set too far into the deck. A convenient way to measure the depth is to measure 1-5/8" up the side of the drill bit (not including the portion which tapers to the point), and then wrap tape around the bit so 1-5/8" portion is below the tape. When drilling, stop when the lower edge of the tape is flush with the deck. Check all holes carefully to ensure the depth is correct, or the anchors will protrude above the deck’s surface.

6. With the brass insert screws turned fully down into the anchors, insert one anchor into each hole. Place a wooden block on top of the anchor, then tap the top of the block with the hammer until the top of the anchor is flush with the deck.

7. Turn the screws out until the tops are about 3/8" above the deck surface.

8. Strap adjustment buckles & springs are now attached to the Safety Cover. To prolong the life of the Cover, rub strips are attached to the underside (where the straps would otherwise make contact with the deck and coping). The buckles are to be used with the edges pointing downward. From beneath the buckle, feed the strap up through the first slot then down through the third slot. Repeat until all springs and buckles are attached

9. You can now position the Safety Cover on the pool by hooking the two straps at each corner to the corresponding anchors installed in Step 6. The notched rod is used to tension the springs over the brass screws. Insert the rod through the round end of a spring, place the tab over the end of the screw and pull the rod to just beyond a vertical position. This compresses the spring and guides it over the top of the screw with minimal effort. Turning the rod until the tab faces the pool will allow removal of the rod without disturbing the spring.

10. Adjust the 8 straps until the edges of the Safety Cover are aligned with the chalked lines placed earlier, and the springs are compressed by about 50%.

11. Snap new chalk lines 16" from the outer edge of the Safety Cover. The ends should be at anchors already in place

12. Extend the straps at the ends of the pool and determine where these would cross the new chalk lines. Mark these locations, drill, insert the anchors and screws, then hook the springs over the screws, adjusting as needed to keep the Safety Cover within the chalk lines placed earlier

13. Now repeat Step 12 along the sides of the pool. Adjust the straps so that the shorter ones are not pulling the longer ones off line.

Your Safety Cover installation is now complete!

Using unattached straps, mark for brass anchor placement.

Installing a Rectangular Safety Cover with an Offset Step Section

If the step section is offset from a corner, simply follow installation instructions 1 – 13 for a Rectangular Pool (detailed above). The step section (which is simply a flap attached to the main body of the Safety Cover) can then be fastened down by placing the 4 plugs for the two corners in the exact same way they were installed for the main portion of the Cover.

Installing a Rectangular Safety Cover with Corner Step Section

1. If the step section is exactly at a corner, this area must be treated as the widest part when determining the Safety Cover location

For example, if your Safety Cover is 30' long & your pool is 28' long, the difference of 2 feet becomes 1 foot at each end of the pool.

After positions located, snap chalk lines along sides of pool, making sure they extend at least 30" beyond the ends of the pool. When your installation is complete, the Safety Cover will cover the area enclosed by the chalk lines.

2. With this type of step section, both the pool and the Safety Cover have five corners that must be marked

3. All other installation steps are the same as for installing a Rectangular Cover.

Installing Safety Covers of Other Shapes

For Freeform & Irregularly Shaped Pools

Installation of a Safety Cover for a non-Rectangular pool shape is slightly more involved, but can easily be accomplished if you understand basic installation principles and technique.

1. The first step is to thoroughly review the procedures for installing a Rectangular Safety Cover to become familiar with the required parts and the processes involved.

2. Attach the springs & buckles to the straps.

3. Position the Safety Cover over the pool, ensuring that the extra material is even around the perimeter. Use a piece of chalk to mark the deck at 3' - 4' intervals around the pool, using 16" from the edge as a guide

Marking for installation of a free form or irregularly shaped Safety Cover

4. Temporarily secure the Safety Cover by placing weights on a few of the straps

Attaching the initial straps

5. Locate one of the longest straps near the center of the Cover; then measure, mark and drill at both ends (16" from the edge of the Cover) in line with the strap. Allow a little more than 16" to compensate for any sagging in evidence (see Figure 1 above).

6. Insert the anchors, attach the springs and adjust as necessary.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 above, using a centrally-located strap that crosses the first one you installed, and adjusting the shorter strap so that the first one is straight and not pulled to either side (see Figure 2a).

8. Working from the center straps toward the edge straps, locate each of the anchor positions, then drill, insert the plugs, connect the springs, and adjust the straps to ensure that previously attached straps are not pulled out of position. To assure the best fit, it is recommended that after the first two straps are fastened, you proceed by fastening a long strap on either side of the center one, then a short strap on either side of the center one, then two more long ones and so on until all straps are secure (see Figure 2b). This will minimize buckling or puckering of the material, and will result in the neatest installation and fit possible.

Is Your Pool One of These Shapes?

If you see your pool shape below, you can use our online "Quick Quote" for a FREE instant quote on your new Safety Cover! Just click your pool shape to get started. If you don't see your pool shape, call or email us, and we'll get back to you with a fast, FREE quote on a new Safety Cover that will protect your pool perfectly, and cost less than you think!

Replacing your Current Safety Cover? Call us first! If you have the old Safety Cover, the serial number from the Cover, or even just the manufacturer's name, chances are we can help you create an exact replacement without the need for taking A-B measurem

Safety Cover Removal

Use these easy-to-follow instructions to remove a Safety Cover of any size or shape. Once off the pool, be sure to prepare your Safety Cover for storage during the swim-season, to prevent damage and ensure a longer life for your Cover.

1. With the notched installation rod / tool held vertically, place it over the top of a brass insert screw, ensuring that the protruding tab at the end of the rod is on the side of the screw nearest the pool.

2. Turn the rod 180° or a half turn, keeping the tab on the rod between the spring and the screw.

3. Leaning the top of the rod toward the pool will disengage the spring, and it will slide up the rod a small distance. Proceed around the pool until one end of each strap is disconnected.

4. The opposite end of each strap can now be removed by hand.

5. Remove the Safety Cover from the pool. Clean the Cover before Storage to remove any dirt, debris & silt that may have built up while the pool was covered.

6. Allow the Safety Cover to dry completely, and coat each screw with a household lubricant to prevent dust, dirt, etc. from damaging the plug threads.

7. Pack away your Safety Cover using the storage bag provided. Store your bagged Safety Cover in a dark, dry location (ideally indoors) that is inaccessible to rodents.

8. Use a cover Hex Key to turn down the brass screws into the Anchors.

Safety Cover Tips & Suggestions

DECKING SURFACE

  • All In The Swim Safety Covers come standard with hardware for installation on a concrete deck (the most common decking surface). Concrete decks should be at least 4" thick to properly support the anchor screws.
  • For wood decks, anchors are attached with wood deck anchors. Otherwise, the installation process is exactly the same. If you will require hardware for a wood deck, please be sure to tell us when you call 1-800-288-7946 to order.
  • We do not recommend installing a Safety Cover on loose stone, interlocking brick, paving stone or lawns unless concrete footings (at least 4" diameter and 3' deep) are located so that every Safety Cover anchor can be positioned in the center of these columns.

PADDING

It is recommended that the portions of deck and coping around the pool that will be UNDER the Safety Cover be padded with foam, carpet remnants or a similarly padded material, to avoid damage to the Cover from chafing. Such damage is not typically covered under the product’s warranty.

WATER LEVEL

Your pool water level should not be allowed to fall more than 18" below the deck level, or the cover could become damaged. The water helps support the pool cover during heavy snow or if a person or animal were to fall onto the cover.

WHILE THE SAFETY COVER IS ON THE POOL

  • To maintain a taut fit, Safety Cover straps may require periodic adjustment during the off-season.
  • Extreme caution should be taken when anyone is around the pool, even when the Safety Cover is installed. DO NOT walk (or allow walking by others) on an installed Safety Cover. When walking on the deck around the pool, take care to avoid tripping on the straps, or loosening the straps by stepping on them.

SAFETY COVER MAINTENANCE

  • Follow the tips in the "Safety Cover Removal" section for details on how to properly prepare your Safety Cover for storage during the swim-season.
  • To prevent the brass screws and anchors from seizing, the plugs must be kept clean at all times. When the Cover is removed in the spring, wash the screws and plugs, and clean off any dust or debris that has built up during the winter. Apply a household lubricant prior to re-setting the screws.

REMEMBER - SAFETY FIRST!

While the risk of a person or pet drowning is significantly reduced when a Safety Cover is properly installed, Safety Covers are certainly not intended to replace careful supervision around / within the pool area. In The Swim cannot accept responsibility for the occurrence of any form of accident or injury.

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