Proper Safety Products for Public Pools

Does your facility have all necessary safety gear? Regulations vary by state, but here are a few products that your facility should have for your pool area.

Ring Buoy/Cabinets:

            Ring Buoy’s are required for most public pools. Our ring buoys are USCG approved and are manufactured under strict codes. Some laws state that your ring buoys must be in orange.

Click here to see our full line of ring buoy’s 

           

            Ring Buoy Cabinet’s hold the ring buoy’s in an unbreakable clear acrylic door. These units are helpful in storing your ring buoy’s and can be easily hung on a wall or on a fence with your own hardware. These cabinets protect the buoy but still allow for easy access.

Click here to see our full line of ring buoy cabinets

Rescue Pole w/ Hook:

            Rescue poles are a necessity for any pool area. You will want to purchase the rescue poles that come with the hook. Using a telescopic pole in a rescue situation is extremely dangerous. It’s recommended to use a straight a pole that is either bolted between pieces or one piece.

 Click here to see our full line of rescue poles

Throw Lines:

            Our throw rope can easily be used with our ring buoys available. These throw ropes are OSHA compliant, and are available in many sizes. Please note that most throw lines need to be 1.5 times the width of your pool. Every ring buoy should also have a throw line already attached to it.

Click here for our full line of throw lines

Proper Signage:

            Every state has specific rules as to which pool & spa signage is needed. Many states can either fine you or close the pool if your signage does not comply with local regulations. Most standard pool rules do not comply with most state regulations. 

Click here for our full line of pool signs

First Aid Kits:

            First Aid kits are a necessity for any facility. Our new Pool First Aid Kits are clearly marked in bold with a red cross for easy visibility. The kit has two brackets so the kit can be easily mounted to the wall. Made especially for the pool deck, the metal carrying case is waterproof and dustproof. Comes in four different sizes.

Click here for our full line of first aid kits

To see our full line of safety products click here 

 Have questions regarding our safety products available?

Give us a call at 800-446-6416!

Differences between Depth Markers

Are you looking to purchase depth markers, but are confused with the difference between the types available?

See below for our explanation on the different types of depth markers.

Ceramic (Skid Resistant vs. Smooth):

Ceramic depth markers are used as a permanent marker, which is installed in either the pool deck or the pool wall. They are installed like a standard tile with mortar and grout. These are purchased for new pool installations/renovations, or to replace cracked existing depth markers.

There are two types of ceramic tiles available. The major difference is that one is skid resistant and the other has a smooth surface finish. Skid resistant tiles are used mainly for the deck or gutter applications. The smooth surface tiles are for waterline applications.

                                                             

Plastic Overlays:

                      

Our Plastic Overlays are made for the waterline depth in your pool. They have rounded corners, a smooth surface, and a thin profile. They can be installed over most surfaces including tile, fiberglass, paint, vinyl liner, etc. Overlays are used to go over existing tile depth marking that has faded or to mark depths inside pools where ceramic tile will not work. They are designed to save you time and money!

Our Plastic Overlays are self-sticking with two very strong 3M adhesive strips. The marking is centered vertically and horizontally with black characters on white background. Overlay thickness is 1/8 inch.

You will need to lower the water level at least 3 inches below where you will be placing the overlay. Allow the overlay to bond for 24 hours before filling the pool. Detailed instructions for application will be included with your order.

3M:

  

             

Our Deck and Coping 3M® Depth Markers are skid resistant and designed for above the water line and deck placement around your pools and decks.  They are quick and easy to install.

Our 3M® Stick-on Depth Markers eliminate messy stenciling. They are made of a durable commercial-grade vinyl and are pressure sensitive. Our 3M® Stick-ons are designed to adhere to sealed, painted, or rough concrete surfaces, as well as existing tile. They are skid resistant which helps prevent slippage.

*Please note that the 3M® Stick-on Depth Markers are for above the water line use only!*

Have questions regarding our different types of Depth Markers?

Give us a call at 800-446-6416.

To See Our Full Line of Depth Markers 

Click Here

ADA Compliance in Large Pools

                                                                             

Most people know that all commercial/public pools require a pool lift, but were you aware that many larger pools need a secondary means of access?

                                   

Effective March 15,2012, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines were made effective. Who does this affect? This affects facilities including pools operated by park and recreation districts, hotels and motels, fitness and recreational sports clubs, country clubs, high schools and universities, water parks, hospitals, and health care facilities.

  

For pools larger than 300 linear feet (in pool wall length) there must be two accessible means of entry. This includes a pool lift and a set of ADA compliant stairs or other means of access.

ADA standards have also made specifics regarding how the pool stair steps should be made. Pool steps must:

1. Have uniform riser heights and tread depths.
2. Treads should be a minimum of 11” deep.
3. Open risers are not permitted.
4. Treads shall be permitted to have a slope not steeper than 1:48.
5. The width between handrails must be 20 - 24”

Looking for ADA compliant stairs? Our manufactured stairs are the only stairs on the market that are 100% compliant with uniform riser heights.

To see our ADA Stairs available click here

Have questions regarding our ADA Stairs? Give us a call at 800-446-6416.

Pool Safety Cover Installation Instructions

Before beginning your pool cover installation you'll want to make sure you have all of the following tools:

• Pool Cover, custom fit for installation
• 5 Gallon Buckets (6 - 8)
• Rotary Hammer Drill w/ a 3/4" Concrete Bit
• Installation Rod
• Hammer
• Owner's Manual & Warranty Information
• Shop Vac
• Springs with covers (quantity varies)
• Epoxy
• Brass Anchors (quantity varies)
• Pencil
• Brass Beauty Rings (optional)
• Chalk Line
• Allen Wrench
• Goggles (NOTE: Always wear appropriate eye protection)

Haven't bought your pool cover yet? Click here to see what we have to offer.

Missing a part? Click here to see what we have to offer.

If you have all of the above tools you can begin the installation of your pool cover.

         

1. First you will need to fill the 5 Gallon Buckets with water and place one at each corner of the pool. Place the remaining buckets evenly around the edges of the pool.
   
2. Unroll the cover and place it in position over the pool. Set the buckets over the cover's edges to hold it in place. Adjust the cover for equal overlap on all sides. Mark anchor points 18" from cover. 
   
3. Mark initial 4 anchor points. These should be located at the center strap of each side of the pool. Anchor points must sit 18" from the edge of the cover (not the edge of the pool). They must be in line exactly with each strap.
   
4. Initial anchor installation can begin after you determined- the order in which they will be installed. We recommend beginning with the ends of the pool and then moving on to the sides of the pool. NOTE: before beginning anchor installation, examine Appendix A: Anchor Installation Specifications (see below) to determine ideal tools and methods for different types of decks.
   
5. Use the hammer drill with a 3/4" masonry bit to create a neat 3" deep hole in the deck. If necessary use cool water to keep the drill area cool.
   
6. Use a shop vac to clear the drill area of debris and water.
   
7. If desired, apply a small amount of epoxy glue to the anchor hole. This will create a stronger hold when the anchor is installed.
   
8. Separate the brass insert from the brass anchor casing and set it aside. Use a hammer and tamping tool to push the brass casing into the hole created in Step 5. - Use extreme caution not to damage the deck.
   
9. The brass anchor casing must be pressed until the top is flush with the deck surface. (If some slight chipping on the deck has occured, Anchor Collars may be used to cover the area around the anchor. See Step 10).
   
10. If deck chipping makes Anchor Collars necessary, place a ring over the anchor.
    
11. Use the Allen Wrench to insert the anchor insert into the brass casing. Leave approximately 1/3 of the anchor insert above the deck surface. (This instruction is the same if anchor collars are not used).
    
12. Fasten springs to each of the 4 straps. Tighten straps until springs are compressed by 50%. Place the end of the installation rod through the loop at the end of the spring. Slide the loop up the rod until the rod end can be placed over the anchor.
    
13. Slide the spring down the rod to the deck. Twist the rod to release it from the loop and pull it away from the anchor.
    
14. The strap spring loop should now be held in place by the anchor top. The strap should be held taut. Repeat these steps to install an anchor at each of the 4 straps and then pull the straps onto the anchors.
    
15. Snap a chalk line 18" from the edge of the cover on all four sides of the pool (This line should be aligned with the 4 initial anchors installed already.) This chalk line will ensure that the remaining anchors will be aligned.
    
16. When center straps have been secured to the anchors, begin installing the rest of the anchors. When all anchors have been installed, secure the remaining straps by working your way from the center anchors to the corners.
    
17. Inspect your installation. When complete, the cover will be held taut, roughly even with the deck surface. It should not be drooping down on the pool water. Make sure all springs are no more than 50% compressed.

Appendix A: Anchor Installation Specifications:

For Concrete Decks:

-Use a Rotary Hammer Drill w/ 3/4" Masonry Bit, create 3" deep anchor holes.

For Wood Decks:

-Use a Drill w/ 1 1/2" Self-Boring Bit, countersink a hole 1/8" deep. Drill a 3/4" diameter hole at least 2" deep directly in the center of the hole. Use provided wood screws to secure the anchor to the deck. 

For Brick or Stone Decks:

-Use a Rotary Hammer Drill w/ 1" Masonry Bit, drill through brick or stone to soft ground.
Be extremely careful not to cause damage to brick or stone when drilling.

Appendix B: Raised Areas:

Walls, waterfalls, or elevated spas must have special treatment since there is no deck available to secure an anchor cable buddies will be needed. See instructions for installing a cable kit.

IMPORTANT: When installing a cover with a raised area, this section of the cover MUST be installed first.

1. Locate the section of the cover showing no straps. You will find D-rings under the edge of the cover.

2. Stretch the cover over the pool making sure it is positioned correctly in area to be cabled. Use buckets of water to hold the cover. Adjust for exact overlap, keeping in mind that there will be no overlap in raised wall area. The cover will butt up to the wall.

3. Determine where the cable buddies will be drilled into the obstruction based on the d-ring locations. Install cable buddies per the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Run cable through d-rings and hook d-rings to cable buddies.

5. Using the cable clamp make a loop on one end of the cable and use clamp to hold in place. Hook this to a deck anchor at the beginning of the cabled area.

6. Using the turn buckle for the other end of the cable run cable through turn buckle and hold in place with a cable clamp. Hook the turn buckle to a deck anchor at the other end of the cabled area. Once all d-rings are in place tighten the turn buckle to tighten cable.

7. Once this is completed you can continue with the rest of the cover installation.

Appendix C: Spring Installation

1. Pull end of strap through the first opening in the buckle.

2. Continue down through the middle opening.

3. Place flat end of spring on strap.

4. Pull strap back through the middle.

5. Pull strap down through the remaining opening.

6. The protective spring cover is an important safety feature and should always be placed over the length of the spring.

Thank you to Rayner Covering Systems, Inc for providing the above information.  

For more information on Rayner cover products click here.