Pool Safety Covers

[todobravo]

I am looking at options for making by pool safer for my 3 year old. One option is the removable fencing around the pool. Another option is a safety cover like the one pictured below. Does anyone have experience with these covers? It seems like they would be inconvenient, but to what extent? I'd be interested in hearing from people who have used these. I can live with a little inconvience for safety purposes. Appreciate any feedback.

 

[AstroVol]

My father in law has that exact pool cover. I live in Austin and he lives in Tennessee, but I know that when we visit him on Thanksgiving, I am going to be spending the good part of an afternoon putting that cover on. Installing the anchors was a bear he said, and he's a gritty contractor. However, it sure is nice taking it off and the water is surprisingly clean.

I weigh 230 lbs and I can walk on it. It takes a lot of effort to get those anchors on and off because of the tension, so once they're on, your child could not possibly drown himself if he tried. In fact, your wife probably could not drown herself if she tried.

 

[StuckInMemphis]

I have a mesh cover for my pool. It's definitely safer than the plastic covers, however it does have some drawbacks:

1. Sunlight still penetrates it, so I still need to chlorinate my pool during the winter (though not nearly as much as during the summer/swimming months)
2. Taking it off takes about an hour. Putting it on takes a few hours. Plastic takes a lot less.
3. Cleaning it takes a few hours as well, which you need to do when you remove it after the winter. I've got a spot on my driveway for a car turnaround, so I've got plenty of space to do about 1/4th of my cover at a time. If I had a smaller driveway I don't know what I'd do. Probably go with the local pool shop that has a clean+store service for about 150 bucks.
4. You should store it inside, so you'll need some space for it indoors.

It's worth it if you have a 3yr old simply for the safety + peace of mind.

 

[todobravo]

Sounds like it would render the pool area safe, but what happens during the Summer when the cover comes off? The pool is just as dangerous then, and it doesn't sound like this is something that is removed and put back on for a quick dip in the pool on a hot summer day.

 

[Gasman]

We looked into both options and ended up selecting the removable mesh fence for around the pool. The cover is great for winter, but taking it on/off takes a while. If you are swimming every day in the summer, you will grow to hate the cover. The fence is very sturdy, keeps the kids out and it's a lot easier to just open the gate to go in when you want to swim. I don't know if you have a Leslie's pools in your area, but intermittently they will have an offer for free installation if you buy the fence through them. Saves a few hundred bucks.

 

[zork]

what brand fence did you get?

 

[Gasman]

I think it was Protect-a-Pool. We've had it a year now and it has held up well so far. Fence still looks new. We also sprung for the gate which was a little more expensive, but it's nice to have the door to go in and out rather than pulling up a fence post to get in each time.