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We'll stick to the basics, here, just to give you some idea of how an inground swimming pool safety cover is installed, because, for the most part, we recommend that you have the cover installed by a qualified, knowledgeable professional. If you are installing a safety cover yourself, the very first thing to do is read the instructions (whether you're a man, or not)! There are usually manufacturer's installation instructions in the owner's packet. For custom fitted pool covers, there is something else very important in the owner's packet. There is a plot, or drawing, of the pool perimeter, with the cover layout over it. Most of these drawings are "NTS" meaning Not To Scale. Actually, though, they are to some scale, it is just not defined. With some measuring and insightful math, you can calculate the scale of the drawing, and thus know exactly where the anchors should be placed. We used to calculate, measure, and drill and install about 90% of the anchors before we even took the cover out of the box. I wouldn't recommend this for the beginner, I don't even do it that way myself, anymore. on irregular or "formfit" pool shapes we install 4 or more anchors, usually each end of two or more of the straps that run lengthwise of the pool. We then attach the springs to these straps and stretch the cover across the pool. After checking and adjusting to center the cover lengthwise over the pool, we then locate and set the anchors for 3 or more cross straps and attach those to take the weight off the long straps. At this point, the cover will be stretched tight enough to take the sag out, and all remaining springs can be installed. We then lay the attached springs straight out, using the anchored straps as guides. The next step is to measure along that straight line, the proper distance from the pool to each remaining location.
Installing a rectangular safety cover is much easier than custom fitted pool covers, because you can use a chalk line to establish the distance of the anchors from an entire side of the pool. You need to know exactly how much overlap there is, but sometimes with stock sizes, there is no plot. Just measure the pool, measure the cover (or refer to the specified cover dimensions) and do the math. Usually, we install the two anchors at each corner, then chalk line the ends and sides. We lay the straps out in straight lines, verify with a ruler, and drill all the holes, set the anchors, attach the cover, clean up the dust, and we're done!
Sometimes there may be obstructions, such as ladders, dive rocks, fill spouts, etc which cannot be removed, so the cover must go around them, without compromising the strength and safety of the cover. Cutouts are designed to allow for these obstructions, without leaving a dangerous gap. As such, they must be precisely measured and located. The cover manufacturer then designs the best way to allow for them. Depending on how far the obstruction is from the edge of the pool, there may be slots made into the cover, for example, to go a around a ladder in the deep end. The slot is then rejoined every few inches by straps with buckles so that the strength of the cover is not compromised. If the obstruction is barely inside the cover line, for example a slide leg, the cover may use D-rings to secure the cutout area to the deck.
More and more in recent years, pool builders have been incorporating elaborate designs, as a way of standing out from the competitors, and seeking recognition. There is also the need to give customers exactly what they want, and ad profit to the pool construction project. While these designs can be breathtakingly beautiful, they sometimes present issues with the design and installation of swimming pool safety covers. Often, little consideration is given to covering the pool, because, truth be known, someone who builds a really spectacular pool would just as soon it were never covered.
( This page is in progress, update soon )
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