A safety cover offers your pool the best possible protection during the off-season, gives you a much more tailored look than you can get with a standard winter cover, and can last years longer than a standard winter cover. Plus, safety covers provide an extra measure of safety by guarding against accidental submersion... protecting your family, neighbors, pets and area wildlife. Selecting the safety cover that's right for you and your pool is very important. It will ensure full warranty coverage and the longest possible life for your safety cover, plus it makes using, removing and storing your safety cover more easy and convenient. The information below is presented to give you some basic information about safety covers and to help with selecting your perfect safety cover. If you have any questions along the way, please give us a call at 1-800-983-7665. Our team of Pool Experts will be happy to assist you. What is a Safety Cover? A safety cover is a woven mesh or solid vinyl winter pool cover that's designed for use on all in-ground and some above ground swimming pools. A safety cover is pulled taut across the pool, and has straps that are secured to anchors that you install around your pool's perimeter. Safety covers prevent leaves & debris from getting into your pool water while your pool is closed. They also prevent accidental submersion, providing an extra level of protection and peace of mind. Superior protection Designed for all in-ground & some decked above ground pools For off-season & extended periods of non-use during swim season A more tailored look than standard winter covers can provide Safety covers require approximately 36" of concrete decking, wood, pavers, rock or other suitable surface around the pool's perimeter Why Should I Buy a Safety Cover for my Pool? With a safety cover, you get important benefits that are not available with a standard winter cover: Superior protection from the elements, keeps your pool & pool equipment in peak condition Makes for an easy, predictable pool opening in the spring Gives your family, neighbors and pets unparalleled protection from accidental submersion Simple to use, so you can spend less time with pool closing & opening chores Safety covers last for years, and pay for themselves in just a few seasons Provides a more tailored look during the off-season What are the Differences Between Mesh & Solid Safety Covers? Mesh and solid safety covers each have their own features and benefits. Deciding on the right type of material is an important step in choosing the safety cover that's best for you: -- Mesh Safety Covers A safety cover made from mesh material is generally lighter & easier to handle than safety covers made from solid material, so you'll have an easier time getting your new safety cover on and off your pool. Mesh safety covers also allow rainwater and melting snow to pass through the cover into the pool, saving on resources and eliminating the need for a cover pump. Safety covers made from mesh material are also generally less expensive than solid safety covers. Mesh material is available in standard and tighter-weave options. -- Solid Safety Covers A solid safety cover's main advantage is that it prevents sunlight & fine particles from entering the pool, which helps keep your pool water clean during the winter by preventing dirt and algae growth. With a solid safety cover, water is kept off the cover with either a drain panel (mesh panel(s) built into the cover itself) or a cover pump. Solid material is available in traditional and lightweight options. Do I need a Stock or Custom Safety Cover? Safety Covers are available in many shapes and sizes, to fit any size in-ground pool, and some decked above ground pools. The most popular sizes are commonly referred to as "stock", meaning that manufacturers produce these safety covers in advance, and ship them to us before the start of cover season. A custom safety cover is one that is manufactured specifically for your pool, and is often required for freeform pools, very large pools or pools with obstructions close to the edge of the pool. At WinterCover.com, we carry an extensive selection of stock Safety Covers, so we can help more pool owners find a quality safety cover that fits your pool, and saves you time & money. The vast majority of our customers can utilize a stock Safety Cover for their pool. But don't worry - we're custom safety cover experts too. And our online Instant Estimate can get you a fast, free quote on a custom safety cover, and enables you to order it online too! Two basic factors determine whether you need a custom safety cover: If the shape / dimensions of your pool are uncommon (usually for very large or freeform pools) If there are permanent obstructions (including ladders, slides, diving boards, spas, etc) close to the pool's edge. These objects require custom alterations ("cut-outs") to be built into your safety cover, to ensure proper fit and full warranty coverage Shop our online selection of safety covers to view the available stock sizes. And if you do need a custom Safety Cover, don't worry - we can help! Simply submit your pool's measurements using our easy measuring form, or give us a call at 1-800-983-7665 for assistance. What Spacing is Best for your Situation? Safety Covers are manufactured with either 5'x5' or 3'x3' spacing: -- 5'x5' Spacing With 5x5 spacing, straps are placed around the perimeter of the safety cover (and matching anchors around the pool's perimeter) approximately every 4 - 6 feet. 5x5 spacing is more than adequate for most sizes of pools, as well as for pools in areas with minimal to average winter snowfall. All of our stock safety covers come standard with 5'x5' spacing. -- 3x3 Spacing With 3'x3' spacing, straps & anchors are placed approximately 2.5 - 3.5 feet apart. This provides greater strength than 5'x5' spacing, and is required for large pools, free-form pools and for pools in areas with heavy winter snowfall. Safety Covers with 3'x3' spacing are available by custom order. Safety Covers for Pools with a Step Extension If your pool has a walk-in step extension on the end or side, DO NOT get talked into thinking you can simply purchase a larger rectangular Safety Cover and still get adequate protection! You MUST purchase a Safety Cover that is specially made for pools with a step extension so as not to void your warranty, and cause the safety cover to fail. Safety covers with step extensions have special vinyl pads that are sewn right into the cover material in strategic high-stress areas around the step section. As the weight of winter snow & ice accumulates on the cover, these pads prevent it from ripping. These safety covers also include a rubber wear strip sewn into the binding around the pool perimeter. These wear strips extend about 18-24" from the safety cover’s edge, and protect your pool's coping from wearing through the safety cover. It will cost slightly more to purchase a Safety Cover designed for your step extension, but it is well worth it! Why Buy my Safety Cover from WinterCover.com? - BIG Selection, LOW Prices We're a preferred partner with some of the best manufacturers in the industry, so we get the best possible pricing and can pass the savings on to you. - Expert Advice by Phone Our team of friendly Pool Experts has years of combined real-world pool experience. Let them help you with product questions, a custom quote, troubleshooting problems or technical advice. Give them a call at 1-800-983-7665. - 1-Day Delivery on Many Stock Safety Covers Just look for this 1-Day symbol on stock Safety Covers available in just one day! - FREE Ultimate Winter Chemical Kit - with every Safety Cover Purchase! A $57.99 value, our Ultimate Winter Chemical Kit includes all the chemicals you’ll need for a quick & easy pool closing, and no unpleasant surprises when you open your pool next spring. - Online Ordering & Instant Estimate We have years of experience creating custom safety covers for freeform and extra large pools, and our online Instant Estimate feature gets you a fast, accurate quote on your perfect Safety Cover, and makes online ordering easy too!