There was a time when dealers didn't mention safety for fear of spooking customers. But now we're shining a light on safety as a way of reassuring customers that manufacturers and builders and retailers care as much about safety as they do. Here are some of the finest safety products from leading manufacturers nationwide.
If you open your pool in mid-spring and are looking for the benefits of a solid safety cover without the weight associated with it -then the GLI ProMesh Safety Cover is the cover for you, the company says. The cover is made from a unique weave of polypropylene mesh that blocks out algae producing UV rays, while still being 50 percent lighter than standard solid covers, which means easier installation, removal and storage, according to the company. Comes standard with a no-charge commercial hardware upgrade and is available in three attractive colors; tan, green and blue.
Afras Industrieswww.afrasinc.com(805) 230-0011
Afras Industries, manufacturer of utility/submersible pumps, pool cover pumps, noise reducers (Sunmuf), check valves and VGB-compliant drain covers, introduces a universal high-capacity drain cover that safely retrofits most rings and sumps, says the company. The drain cover has been certified to the latest ASME 112.19.8 standard with a rating of 188 GPM for floor and 160 GPM for wall mounting, according to Afras.
CoverLogixwww.coverlogix.com(855) 992-6837
CoverLogix now offers its popular 1000 V solid vinyl safety cover in two colors designed to complement the latest trends in backyard décor — tan and gray. The solid polyester vinyl cover is a complete barrier to sunlight, dirt, debris and water, CoverLogix says, and its heavy-duty construction provides protection from the elements, as well as prevents algae growth. The company also offers an optional pump or drain panel that is required to meet ASTM safety standards.
Coverstarwww.coverstar.com(800) 617-7283
Coverstar says it offers automatic, mesh and solid safety covers built using best-in-class materials and craftsmanship. The company's automatic covers feature patented heat-sealed webbing, which is shown in independent testing to be over twice the strength of typical webbing sewn to a cover. Coverstar says it can typically ship custom mesh and solid safety covers in four days in season; automatic safety covers systems typically ship in 48 hours.
D&D Technologies USAwww.ddtechglobal.com(800) 716-0888
D&D Technologies offers the SF model SureClose, an all-in-one gate closer and hinge that features self-closing action with a stylish design. Made with high-strength aluminum and stainless-steel components, SureClose has been tested and proven, says the company, making it the ideal solution for use with custom residential, estate and commercial gates.
Fabcotewww.fabcote.com(800) 815-6083
Fabcote's line of powder-coated safety rails for pools and spas is produced in the company's state-of-the-art powder-coating facility, where the surface of rails are evenly coated using an electrostatic process that drives the coating material into and around all surfaces, says the company. The powder-coated rails' durable finish is corrosion resistant and made of high-grade 304 stainless steel. Standard and custom rails and ladders are also available.
Inlayswww.inlaysinc.com(920) 337-4680
Inlays offers 2-by-6-inch safety edging tile for steps, benches, ramps and more so pool owners can clearly mark the step for a safe pool entry. The skid-resistant tile is surfaced at the factory — not sanded or coated — for a more reliable slip-resistant surface. The tiles are frost-resistant and are available in blue, black, brown or green.
Inter-Fabwww.inter-fab.com(800) 737-5386
Inter-Fab offers a complete line of off-the-shelf handrails, rails and ladders for pools, as well as custom rails and ladders. All rails are available in standard stainless steel or can be upgraded to one of five custom powder coat colors. A variety of safety grab rails and spa rails is also available for immediate shipment.
LOOP-LOC, Ltd.www.looploc.com(800) 562-5667
LOOP-LOC introduces IMAGE-LOC, a revolutionary new way to measure covers with photos, says the company. One person, one camera and following simple instructions will achieve highly accurate safety cover measurements in 10 to 15 minutes. Visit the company's website and watch the IMAGE-LOC video for more information.
Merlin Industrieswww.merlinindustries.com(609) 807-1021
Merlin's patented SmartMesh safety cover combines the benefits of both solid and mesh covers. Merlin says SmartMesh is the only cover on the market that lets water through while still providing 100 percent shade, which significantly reduces algae growth and filters debris as small as 40 microns. SmartMesh is about 40 percent lighter than solid covers, yet features the highest burst strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance, adds the company.
Meyco Productswww.meycocovers.com(800) 446-3926
Meyco Products has added the heavy-duty RuggedMesh and lightweight PermaGuard solid covers to its product offering. It also offers its original patented MeycoLite Mesh in colors. Meyco says it incorporates state-of-the-art technology, ensuring principles of innovation and integrity in every pool cover the company manufactures, from the simplest rectangle to the most-elaborate custom forms.
Paramount Pool & Spa Systemswww.1paramount.com(800) 621-5886
Paramount's SDX and SDX Retro High Flow Safety Drains meet VGB and NSF 50 standards. The SDX Retro replaces existing covers up to 10 inches and an Equalizer version handles equalizer line cover applications. It is rated at 200 gpm for a floor mount and 192 gpm for a wall mount, and is available in eight colors. The SDX does not require a sump.
Pen Fabricatorswww.penfab.com(800) 359-5350
Pen Fabricators' says its CleanLine safety cover has absolutely no stitching and does not use straps across the entire length and width of the cover. It is manufactured using reinforced vinyl materials and is lighter weight than traditional safety covers with a clean, attractive look that is easier to install, adds the company. The cover conforms to ASTM safety standards and ships with a cover pump.
Plastimaydwww.plastimayd.com(800) 348-2600
Plastimayd offers a new textured and printed vinyl material for safer vinyl-covered features on pool liners. Due to increased demand for steps that are safer yet blend well with the pool liner, Plastimayd says it has added three floor patterns that will be available in textured vinyl for steps, benches, swim-outs and sundecks. The new textured material is available in Bluestone, Sandstone and Seaglass patterns.
Safety Turtlewww.safetyturtle.com(800) 368-8121
Safety Turtle provides two layers of protection — wireless gate and personal immersion alarm — for children near pools and other water hazards. If the adult pass switch is not activated, the Base Station will set off an alarm immediately and again in 11 seconds if the gate remains open. The Base Station also sets off an alarm the instant a child or pet wearing the Safety Turtle falls into the water. One Base Station supports multiple gate alarm and immersion alarm sensors.
Sprint Aquaticswww.sprintaquatics.com(800) 235-2156
The America's Rescue Tube is made of EVA foam with a soft PVC covering. It is easy to clean and UV protected, says the company, and includes a 108-inch black nylon towline. Sizes available include small (39-by-5-inches) or large (44-by-4.5-inches).
The Cover Companywww.coverlon.com(908) 707-1122
The Cover Company provides high-quality safety covers with heavy-duty springs with locking pieces for quick installation. Tough-to-fit water features, including waterfalls, wall and other obstacles, are handled with ease, says the company. The Cover Company asks that builders looking for a quote should fax or email a drawing.
Vac-Alertwww.vac-alert.com(800) 374-7405
Vac-Alert's SVRS is now available with pump shutoff and alarm control (PSAC). PSAC provides a dry contact for an external alarm, which can be sounded at remote locations, like maintenance or engineering facilities. Once sounded, the PSAC must be manually reset, which avoids accidental pump restart that might impair rescue efforts. The PSAC can be easily integrated into complex security systems, such as those in a hotel.
Vinyl Works Canadawww.vinylworkscanada.com(877) 846-9595
Vinyl Works Canada manufacturers a complete line of aboveground resin pool products centered on safety, including pool fencing, A-frame safety ladders, gated step entry systems and complete deck packages. All products can be used individually or combined to enhance the safety and accessibility of the pool, says the company.
Aquatic Technologywww.poolweb.com(800) 446-6416
Aquatic Technology offers personalized ring buoys for safety around the pool. Rings are manufactured under the strict codes and supervision of the United States Coast Guard, and may be printed with family name or other identifying custom lettering. Custom personalization is available on 24-inch and 30-inch white or orange ring buoys in choice of five colors.
SmartPoolwww.smartpool.com(888) 560-7665
SmartPool offers the PoolEye PE23 pool alarm, an advanced immersion alarm that reads surface and subsurface waves to protect against unauthorized pool entry. The PE23 has been designed to conform with ASTM Standard F2208, and can be used for aboveground and inground pools up to 20 feet by 40 feet; an additional alarm may be used for larger pools. The PE23 comes with an in-home remote receiver and a magnetic key for activating and resetting.