Splash Pools Excited for Viking Pools Newest Endeavor

The fiberglass landscape recently shifted following the announcement that Viking Pools had acquired fellow manufacturer Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pools.

Viking, a division of Latham International, completed the deal for an undisclosed sum on Oct. 22, according to Latham president and CEO Mark Laven.

The acquisition further paved the way for Roger Erdelac, owner of Blue Hawaiian, to retire after a lengthy career in the industry.

“I had learned of Roger’s desire to exit the business, and I followed up with him,” Laven said. “It was an opportunity for us — Blue Hawaiian has a great dealer network, a good name and a great reputation.”

Viking plans to relocate Blue Hawaiian’s Largo, Fla., manufacturing operations to its Zephyrhills, Fla., facility; it also expects to transition production at Blue Hawaiian’s Rocky Mount, N.C., plant to Viking’s Rockingham, N.C., facility in the coming months.

In addition, Viking said it will honor warranty claims for pools installed by Blue Hawaiian prior to the acquisition. It also intends to retain the Blue Hawaiian brand name, according to company officials.

The feedback from Blue Hawaiian’s dealer network, which Laven estimated at about 100, has been overwhelmingly positive, he said.

“They’ll see tangible benefits,” Laven added. “We’ll be able to provide them with broad support, as well as new marketing and advertising programs we’re looking at introducing in 2011.”

That’s the plan, according to Laven, who explained that Blue Hawaiian’s molds were one of the main reasons Viking was attracted to the manufacturer in the first place.

“They have some really nice designs,” he added. “That was a key aspect of the business, and we plan to support Blue Hawaiian dealers with the same molds they’ve grown accustomed to. So yes, we’ll keep those molds and continue to market them as Blue Hawaiian.”

Based in Latham, N.Y., Latham International has made a number of industry acquisitions over the past decade. In addition to Viking, it now owns Pacific Pools, Ft. Wayne Pools and pool cover manufacturer Coverstar Inc.

Splash Pools looks forward to expanding the fiberglass swimming pool market, due to this most recent announcement. This will give us a great opportunity to give our customers a quality fiberglass pool along with the superior customer service we provide.

Splash Pools is an authorized Viking Pools dealer servicing Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.

Submitted By: Splash Pools serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston and the Triangle . We are a complete outdoor contractor installing outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, natural stone & paver patios, landscaping, swimming pools & spas, pool houses, cabanas and much more...Our speciality is unique and unusual swimming pools & spas. Visit Splash Pools of North Carolina at www.splashpoolsnc.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Viking Pools Founder Retires

Founder Alan Stahl Retires After 35 Years of Service

Alan Stahl started Viking Pools in 1975 from a desire to exit the meat cutting business and create a better life for his family. Little could he have known then that 35 years later an entire industry would be changed for the better because of his knowledge and determination.

In 1979, Stahl moved his California production facility to Williams and by the mid-1980’s began engineering the use of Vinyl Ester Resins, which has now become the benchmark for fiberglass swimming pool construction. In the mid-1990’s Stahl introduced accent inlayed tiles, a first in the fiberglass industry. Viking Pools also introduced Crystite® finishes during this time, which changed the way fiberglass pools were viewed in the market place. No longer just a plain white shell, fiberglass pools now had color with character and dimension.

Then, Alan realized the demand for his product was more widespread than the west coast, so in 1996, he opened a manufacturing facility in Midland, Texas and the following year began producing pools in Oak Hill, Florida. In 1999, Stahl recognized a demand for aquatic therapy and created the Hydro Zone line of swim spas. The following year a manufacturing facility was opened in Jane Lew, West Virginia.

Over the next decade additional brands were created including, CPC (Composite Pools), Crystal Palace Pools, and Liberty Composite Pools. Viking also experienced huge growth during this time, partially due to the array of innovations including built-in cascades, streams, aromatherapy, vanishing edges, specialty colors and finishes, and unique pool models. A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility was also opened in Zephyrhills, Florida to better service the growing demand in the southeast.

In 2005, Viking Pools was acquired by Latham International and Alan Stahl was promoted to Founder, while his son, Todd Stahl took Alan’s place as the President of Viking Pools LLC. The company continued to grow and has an International presence in the swimming pool industry. Viking Pools and affiliated brands have appeared in forty different television shows and movies that have aired over one thousand times, contributing to Viking’s overall brand recognition. Some of these shows include Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Little People Big World, The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie, Moving Up, and Indoors Out. In 2009, all of the Viking Pools LLC brands became ICC Certified.

On September 8, 2010, Viking Pools, along with a select group of dealers and business partners, wished Alan Stahl a heartfelt farewell from the pool industry. A dinner was held at the Red Rock Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. After a historical presentation by Todd Stahl, guests took turns letting Alan know the positive effect he has had on their lives and their businesses. One guest summed it up best by stating that Alan has left more of a legacy than a successful fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing business, his three sons, Todd, Aaron, and Eric, and the relationships he has created will live on and prosper.

The fiberglass pool industry certainly would not be where it is today if it were not for one brilliant man, Alan Stahl, who can now be found enjoying life with his family and friends between his infamous hunting trips and helicopter rides.

Splash Pools- Variable Speed Pumps Save Energy and Money

You may not know that that a standard pool pump uses more electricity than any other

appliance in the home, except for an air-conditioner. You also may not know that most

pumps are too big and use more energy than you need to keep the water sparkling

clean.

The culprit: a single-speed pump. A small pump is probably fine if all you want to do is

circulate the water, but it might not have enough speed to run your pool cleaner,

waterfall or other electrical extras that need a blast of energy.

If that's the case, your pool service probably installed a pump large enough to handle

the extras. But with only one speed, it's running full-blast even when your pool cleaner

and waterfall aren't operating.

That huge waste of energy is costing you about 80 percent more in electric bills.

Don't let the high cost of running your pool outpace its value as your family's go-to place

for fun, relaxation and keeping cool. Making your pool more energy-efficient will save

hundreds of dollars a year. Here are a few tips.

• Replace your single-speed pump with a variable-speed unit. High-performance models

from such manufacturers as Pentair Water Pool and Spa let you run them on low most

of the time. You can crank them up bit by bit when you need to run accessories.

The manufacturers claim the pumps can cut energy use by up to 90 percent compared

with single-speed pumps. Frank Bowman, owner of Splash Pools in Raleigh, North

Carolina, says his customers who have switched report saving $300 or more a year on

their electric bills.

A variable-speed pump costs more than twice a single-speed model, but you'll recoup

the cost in lower electric bills within two years, he estimates. Plus, he says, the pumps

are quieter and last longer than older pumps.

As an alternative, two-speed pumps cost less than variable-speed models. And

although they're not as efficient as variable-speed pumps, they use far less energy than

the single-speed unit.• Run your pool pump less often. Most manufacturers recommend

running it between eight and 10 hours a day in the summer and about half that in the

winter.

• Put a timer on the pump so it automatically shuts off, and set it to run only when you're

paying off-peak rates.

• Switch to LED lighting, which uses up to 75 percent less energy than traditional

incandescent underwater lights, and lasts for years.

• Keep your chemicals in balance. If you don't, your filter can run non-stop and the water

will never sparkle.

• Clean trap baskets, filters, and pool walls and floor regularly. Clogging can prevent the

water from flowing freely. The harder the pump has to work, the more you'll pay to run it.

Submitted By: Splash Pools serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston and the Triangle . We are a complete outdoor contractor installing outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, natural stone & paver patios, landscaping, swimming pools & spas, pool houses, cabanas and much more...Our speciality is unique and unusual swimming pools & spas. Visit Splash Pools of North Carolina at www.splashpoolsnc.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.

Splash Pools - Raleigh Saltwater Swimming Pools

Saltwater Swimming Pools

Did you know that if you already have a conventional chlorine swimming pool, it can be switched over to a state of the art saltwater pool in no time at all? It's true saltwater pools can save the average homeowner hundreds of dollars per year on chemical costs as well as provide your friends and family an enjoyable swimming experience. No more chlorine smelling hair, itchy skin, forgetting to fill the chlorinator, trips to the store to pick up chlorine orforgetting and having the pool turn green...it all can be replaced with a saline based pool water that generates its own chlorine for you. The salt level is kept extremely low...only about 2800 - 3300 parts per million. Some people say they can taste, some people say they can't. But I think it's that you expect to taste chlorine and you don't, so you assume you are tasting salt. Either way talk to someone that has a saltwater pool and they will let you know that it is the only way to go for ease of maintenance and enjoyment.

Submitted By: Splash Pools Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston, . We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools, Vinyl Liner and Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec outdoor fireplaces & kitchens, landscaping and more. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina at www.SplashPoolsNC.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsNC.com or (919) 291-8354

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

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

As the leaves begin to change colors and we embrace Fall, many pool owners begin to consider a safety cover for their pool. Here are a few tips to assist you in making the most informed decision. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (919) 291-8354.

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: Splash Pools

Frank is one of the Founders of Splash Pool of North Carolina. Splash Pools specializes is Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and installs them in Ralaigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 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.

Turning Your Swimming Pool "Green"

Everywhere you look more and more people are going green when it comes to their household purchases. Splash Fiberglass Pools of Raleigh, North Carolina is taking the green movement by storm with the introduction of "Green" products for your swimming pool.

The old standard residential swimming pool uses an alarmingly high amount of energy to run. With the cost of pools going down and more and more people jumping on board the swimming pool bandwagon, going Green is really the only way to go.

According to Green Living Online, "With just over eight million Pools in the U.S. and more than 600,000 in Canada, there is a growing awareness that residential pools may not be the most environmentally friendly form of recreation." They use a lot of electricity and gas with pumps to circulate the water through filters and heaters, typically running 24 hours a day. This is unnecessary when the average pool owner only spends about an hour a day swimming.

Splash Pools is aware of this and is in full swing with a variety of Alternative and Low Energy Efficient products for pool owners looking to "Go Green". According to their website this, "Maryland based swimming pool design and construction company encourages the use of environmentally responsible swimming pool products by incorporating healthy, resourceful, energy-efficient products, materials, and methods in the design and construction of swimming pools"

Going Green with your swimming pool is not just a hot trend, it will save you money. They offer products such as the Pentair Intelliflow Variable Frequency Swimming Pool Pump that will reduce energy costs by at least 60% utilizing its internal electrical design system and self-adjusting pool filter run-times year-round. Pool Owners' can become less dependent on high output products using outdated technologies. They can upgrade to more environmentally friendly, cost saving, "Green" products.

According to the Splash Pools, "Almost every manufacturer has developed enhanced products with low Amperage or Solar pumps to decrease energy bills from homeowners and to increase the value of homes living green," says Frank Bowman of Splash Pools.

Even if you don't live in Raleigh, North Carolina you can check out their website for updated consumer information and Energy Saving tips for pool owners.

With Americans jumping on the green living Bandwagon they are preparing to see a huge increase in consumer actions searching for Energy related Pool products.

Submitted By: Splash Pools

Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston, . We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina at www.SplashPoolsNC.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsNC.com or (919) 291-8354

Swimming Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec

Is the existing surface of your swimming pool rough, stained, chipping or just plain ugly? Then now is the time to consider renovating your pool. The swimming season is quickly approaching and now is the time to schedule your pool renovation to ensure your pool will be open for the beginning of the season.

Splash Pools of North Carolina resurfaces both residential and commercial swimming pools using many different brands of "Plaster or Marcite." Plaster and Marcite are different terms for the same thing. It is the material that coats the concrete shell of the pool and what you walk on when you are in a concrete swimming pool. Today we are going to discuss a product called Pebble Tec which is our most used and in our opinion "hands down" the best product to install in your swimming pool when it comes to longevity, appearance and maintenance. Pebble Tec is available in 18 attractive colors, our original Pebble Tec pool interior is the perfect choice for individuals desiring a more natural look for their pools, spas or water features.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PEBBLE TEC®

What is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec is a patented interior surface for swimming pools utilizing finely screened natural river rock worn smooth by years of nature's tumbling. The rock is geologically tested for hardness, angularity, content, and size.

What is the history of Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec was developed in Australia more than two decades ago. Over 50,000 pools have been installed in Australia and the United States. This means you are considering a time proven, quality product that has gained strong customer acceptance worldwide.

How are the pebbles placed on the surface?
Predetermined ratios of Pebble Tec stone and cement are combined with water and additives, then pneumatically applied with a standard pool plaster pump to a thickness of approximately 1/2". Once the Pebble Tec is applied, it is hand troweled utilizing a special process by trained applicators. At a precise time the material is "exposed" by a method which uncovers the top layer of pebbles. When the finish is thoroughly hardened, the pool is then cleaned with a solution to enhance the brightness and luster of the natural stone.

Is the surface rough?
The surface can be described as "orange peel" smooth with indentions. The stones used in Pebble Tec are finely screened and naturally tumbled resulting in a bumpy non-abrasive surface. The pebble surface is also comfortable for walking in the shallow end.

What if algae grows on the Pebble Tec finish?
Algae can be a problem on any pool surface if pool maintenance has been lacking. However, algae does not bond as readily to Pebble Tec as it does to conventional pool plaster due to the tumbled stone surface. Pebble Tec can also be cleaned more easily than plaster.

Does the Pebble Tec pool vary in color?
A pool done in this finish is intended to duplicate the natural appearance of a lake or stream bed and therefore color variation is a desired result. Water has a tendency to reflect hues and tones depending on sunlight intensity and angle that can vary depending on the time of day.

Will the pebbles fall off?
It is normal to experience a small loss of pebbles for a short period of time after Pebble Tec installation. You may find a handful in your strainer basket after you vacuum for the first few weeks but don't worry...your pool is covered with in excess of 30 million pebbles.

What is the warranty on Pebble Tec?
Splash Pools offers a written 15 year unconditional warranty on all Pebble Tec Installations. That's a piece of mind investment. Please consult with your installer as to their warranty terms and conditions.

Please feel free to contact Splash Pools if you have any additional questions about swimming pool resurfacing.

Submitted By: Splash Pools of North Carolina

Splash Fiberglass Pools serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill Durham, Triangle, Greensboro, Lake Gaston and Southern Virginia. We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass , Concrete and Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools at www.SplashPoolsNC.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsNC.com or (919) 291-8354.

Fiberglass Swimming Pool Myths

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 Raleigh, 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 North Carolina, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Lake Gaston, Charlotte and the surrounding areas 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 Owner of Splash Pools based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Splash Pools specializes in Viking Fiberglass, Custom Concrete and Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools and Spas in North Carolina, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Greensboro, Apex, Wendell . Providing discussions about fiberglass swimming pool myths, Saltwater Chlorinators, Infinity Edge Pools, Fiberglass Pool Prices, Variable Drive Pumps, Pool Renovations and ceramic composit pools

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

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

Splash Pools provides Viking Fiberglass, Concrete and Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools in North Carolina 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: Splash Pools

Splash Pools is the North Carolina premiere Viking Fiberglass Pool Dealer. Additionally we install concrete and Vinyl liner in-ground swimming pools and spas in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Charlotte, Wake Forest, Apex, Clayton, Wendell and the surrounding areas. Splash Pools can provide turn key outdoor living areas as well including outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces, Natural stone, paver & concrete patios, landscaping, fencing, pool houses, cabanas and much more. Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsNC.com or (919) 291-8354 or visit the Splash Pools Website.