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"Pool Safety Products Information"
A safer
pool environment provides piece of mind & more fun.
The Pool & Spa Informational Website
askalanaquestion.com |
Pet & Animal Water Safety
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Scroll down to browse
through some archived SWIMMING POOL questions and answers.
Please access the Pool Problems Page and other links, at the top of
every page, for additional information.
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Swimming pool safety can
take many forms, apart from safe guarding the quality of the water.
Keeping children, swimmers and pets out of harm's way is always a top priority.
Towards this end, equipment and devices are available to provide both safety and
piece of mind.
Clicking
on the underlined and highlighted
"keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers will
give you access to additional information on that topic or product.
Please refer to the Glossary, if
there are terms or phrases that require explanation. For an alphabetized listing
of the entire contents of the website, use the
Table of Contents link, on top of
every page.
Click any image for more product
or ordering information.
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Safety is serious business! There is more to it than testing
the pool water. Everything pictured above helps make the pool
and area safer.
More information about the
ColorQ Water Analyzers
can be found by clicking on the center image, above. These hand-held, digital
testers require no color matching or look up charts.
Different models are available, for varying needs.
More information about some new & unique products, for above ground & inground
pools, can be found by visiting
The Website Stores.
You'll never know what you'll find and that's
always fun.
Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!
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► Pool Safety Concerns?
We have an inground pool and
are concerned about our toddler son. Are there safety devices that could
put our mind at easy? Or should we use a cover or a fence? Thank you.
Jennifer S., 5/23/2009 
There are
several choices: pool alarms, portable safety fences, safety nets, safety
covers and enclosures.
From the point of view of safety, perhaps the best are
pool safety
covers. These covers seal off the surface -- you can actually
stand on the cover -- and can be operated manually or automatically. As a
bonus, they will reduce water loss through evaporation and keep the water
warmer. While it may not reduce the local code requirements for a fence, it can
be a real life saver. A
Pool Alarm System and/or a Gate
Alarm System is an easy, relatively inexpensive and do-it-yourself
way to effectively improve pool and backyard safety.
In addition to all the electronic safety measures, you should make sure the pool
is equipped with an anti-entrapment safety drain cover, that meets the latest
regulations.
It prevents the suction, from the main drain, from entrapping the long hair of a
swimmer or buttocks, arms, legs, etc. Good luck with your decision.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/23/2009
►
Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers?
We have an older inground pool and I am
concerned about my daughter's long hair being snagged, by the suction created by
the main drain. Can my pool be fitted with a safety cover, that I have
read about, in a recent magazine article? Thank you for your help.
Debra S., Bonita Springs, FL, 3/12/2007
Your pool should be able to be fitted with a safety cover.
There have been lots of federal and local legislation, covering this aspect of
pool safety. Make sure that your pool will comply, with the latest
regulations.
I hope that this information will be helpful and provide some piece of mind.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 3/12/2007
►
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
I am in North
Carolina and about to install a new liner in my in-ground pool. It is 16 x 32
and the depths are from 3' to 8'. My installer believes that he must
install a 2nd drain in the bottom ( 3' from the existing drain) at the
time he replaces my liner to comply with new safety laws. I have read the
articles on the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, but other than
the newly required safety cover, it sounds like everything else (the 2 drain
requirement) only pertains to public pools. I have searched the internet
for a couple days now (and also your site) and cannot find who I would need to
contact to get verification of the new laws. Can you either lead me in the
right direction of who to contact or can you verify the information for me?
Thank you VERY much,
Bev S, NC, 1/25/2009
The mandates of the
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) do apply to public and
residential pools. However, only public pools and spas are obligated to
replace the drain covers with a design, that is in compliance, and must have a
drain system that meets the new requirements. New residential pools, built
after 12/19/2008, should be using a compliant drain cover, as all non-compliant
ones should have been removed from commerce. No mention is made of adding
a second drain to a new or existing residential pool or spa. Retrofitting
a compliant drain does make sense, when a liner is replaced or the draining of
any type of pool, makes
access easy.
There are a
host of new cover designs, that
meets or exceed all existing standards, for use in residential or public
pools and spas. Local laws will vary and may change. Always
make sure all devices are in compliance with all applicable laws.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa
Safety Act (VGB Act) was signed into federal law on December 19, 2007, with the
support of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). Please
visit
WWW.APSP.ORG/VGB for the latest information. Public pools and spas
that are not in compliance by December 19, 2008, may not open for use until
compliant. The VGB Act contains three federally enforced mandates—each effective
December 19, 2008:
1. All drain covers (public and
residential) manufactured, imported, distributed, or offered into commerce must
comply with the new ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 2007 standard. Proof of compliance
requires testing and certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory, except for “Field Fabricated Outlets” defined under Section 2.3.1 of
the ASME standard. These specialized suction outlets may qualify for
site-specific certification by a Registered Design Professional, as defined in
Section 1.5 of the ASME standard.
2. All public pools and spas (new and
existing) must be retrofitted with covers that meet the new ASME/ANSI A112.19.8
2007 standard, or qualified Field Fabricated Outlets may be certified by a
Registered Design Professional, as stipulated in the ASME standard.
3. All public pools and spas that have
a single drain, other than an unblockable drain, must employ one or more
additional options.
While I have made an effort to
correctly state the facts, I suggest that you check with the local building
or zoning department, to see if their local laws or ordinances require anything more
or different, than what is
required by the Federal law. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
1/25/2009
► Safety Requirements?
I've written you before with
great info in return, but this time please recommend some one. We've
purchased a pool and construction has begun. We now being forced with
all kinds of pool barrier codes making an already expensive purchase more
so, with having to change doors to the house and gates to the yard. I don't
really have a problem with exterior gates to the yard opening outward self
closing and latching to keep out the "riff raff", but they want our two
existing sliding glass doors and windows self-closing and latching too!
My wife and I are 40ish and good swimmers. I've even been lifesaver
certified and spent time in the navy, don't have children and can't.
But still they want all this extra barrier stuff. No one seems to sell these
sliding glass door closers because of liabilities, do you know of any? These requirements are
crazy. They're all worried about pool owners, but there are countless lakes
in parks, home communities everywhere with kids all around and lots of the
time, even in them, with only as much as a no swimming sign by them. Please
let your people know to watch their kids around water, even if the worst
doesn't happen, they'll be captive in their own home without being able to
even open a window or door to their own yard!
Disgusted in Chandler AZ,
4/16/2004
I'm glad that
I was helpful before, but this time, I seem to have run into an obstacle.
Drowning and pool safety are things to be aware about, so far as children as
concerned. A pool
is an "inviting hazard" and needs to be separated by some means. I agree
that lakes and ponds are not similarly protected, but that would be deemed
unattractive. The lake behind my house has a resident alligator and is not
fenced. I'm the one that is fenced in. These safety requirements are
locally regulated and vary considerably. I have seen pools without
fencing! The point is that your state is acting in
the greater good, in requiring some degree of protection, regardless of your
qualifications as a swimmer, the presence of children or your training.
And that's the way it should be!
Safety pool covers, pool safety nets,
safety barriers, safety fencing,
pool and gate alarms and self closing devices are all in use.
You can't stand guard 24/7 and these devices can make a critical difference.
Now onto the problem. I looked in the industry trade buyer's guide and
could find nothing on self closing devices. They exist, but I'm at a loss,
as to why it should prove so difficult, given the code requirements. I
suggest that you pay the library a visit and look it up in the Thomas register.
Good luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/17/2004
►
Too Many Drowned Animals?
Too often, I find a mouse or chipmunk, dead in the skimmer. in my
inground pool. Once, I had a possum in the pool and had to use the
net to get it out. Luckily, it did not damage the liner. If
there any simple solution? Thanks. Kelly N.,
Greensboro, NC 12/1/2007
Actually there is a simple solution: the
Skamper-Ramp.
It is easy to install and provides an
escape route for all types of animals: dogs, cats, possum, mice,
chipmunks, spiders and more. It protects the pool, when you
are not around and flips up and out of the way, when you are using the
pool. It is an easy solution for a concerning
problem. The Super Skamper-Ramp can accommodate regular
use, by pets of all sizes. I hope that this information will be
helpful. Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 12/1/2007
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Save Pets &
Uninvited Critters From Drowning! |
► Electrical Concerns?
We have a 24 round above
ground pool. I would always let my kids in the pool with the pump running. (They
like the water flow when they swim.) My husband said I should not let them in
with the pump running in case there is an electrical malfunction. He said they
might get electrocuted. Other people have their pump running, and what about a
hot tub? Is he right about the possibility? Also, I have a mineral purifier and
only Poly Algaecides can be used in the pool with it. Is my Algaecide a Poly?
Alkyl (c14 c16 c12)Dimethyl benzyl Ammonium chloride. Thank you so much.
The Wife, 6/26/2004
Pumps are
normally run the pool or spa is being used. All electrical equipment
must manufactured to code be protected with a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter), to
guard against electrical shocks. As long a you pool was properly installed
according to codes, there is no reason that the pool cannot be used in the
normal manner. The algaecide product that you are referring to is known as
a "Quat." This product is of limited effectiveness and causes some foaming
of the water. A polymer algae can be used with mineral purifiers, is much
more effective and will not cause foaming. But it is more expensive.
The chemical name is long and repeats the phrase "dimethyliminio." I hope
that the website was helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 6/27/2004
► Slippery Steps?
I have a spa that is made of fiberglass and "gel". The
gel surface is very slippery and I swim dogs in this pool, so I need to add
something that will have more traction. I have some of the stick on
strips, but they are starting to come up, are very expensive, especially because
they will have to be replaced occasionally, and I can't afford to cover the
entire surface area with them. [about 40sf on 4 steps] Do you know what I
could paint on to the gelcoat surface that would have traction, or I could add
sand to, in order to provide a non slip surface for dogs and people stepping
into the spa? Thanks so much. Love your site, help, resources of
good places to buy on line. Best regards.
Joyce B., Vancouver, WA, 10/11/2008
Yes, you can
apply a paint. The right paint helps!
Ultra Poly One Coat
is a tough, industrial-strength finish and comes with a supply of grit that
can be added to get the right amount of traction. You need use the grit
only where better traction is needed.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high performance, hybrid -epoxy formula that only
requires a single coat. It is very durable and long lasting.
Surface preparation consists of a cleaning with a citrate solution and then
a power washing. Humidity is not an issue and no primers or top coats are
required. For more on this product go to:
www.polysolutionsinc.com
Undecided?
Read the first letter on this
website page:
www.askalanaquestion.com/pool_coatings_and_paints.htm
For product ordering go to:
www.askalanaquestion.com/ultra_poly_one_coat.htm
I hope that this information will be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/11/2008
► Toddler
Safety Concerns?
We have two toddlers and are very, very concerned about
pool safety, as they are wily climbers. I have read your high
recommendation of the automatic pool cover as an answer to another question
sent to you about a toddler. My question is, how do you think it stacks up
as compared to the net cover? We are concerned about water collecting in
the center of the vinyl cover. Also, do you recommend fences too? What
about sensors? We are looking for as much safety as we can get, for our
young kids and also for when they're older and for older kids who may try to
swim in our pool when we're not home. Thanks for any advice.
Amy, 1/23/2008
A
Cover Pools Automatic Pool Safety Cover provides the highest level of
safety. Water will not collect on top, as the covers come with an automatic
pump that prevents accumulations of water. This prevents dirty, unfiltered
water from entering the pool. It
is strong enough to hold the weight of several adults, quite easily. As a
bonus, it acts as a solar blanket, making the pool heater more effective and
less costly. If you are in an area, that requires winter covers, it can be
used, as part of that procedure. Net covers provide some
protection, but are not the same. It is work to put on or take off and will
that always be done? The spaces between the cords allows for some things to
pass through or entangle? Automatic covers open and close at a press of a
button. An alarm can be added to signal the opening of the cover or it can be
locked open or closed, with a key. For more information go to:
www.coverpools.com
Fencing or gates help, but are not
foolproof. However, you can
add alarms to the pool or
gates, for additional safety.
For more information go to:
www.smartpool.com
You
should, also, make sure the pool is equipped with an anti-entrapment drain
cover, that meets the the latest regulations.
It precludes the suction, from the main drain, from entrapping the long hair of
a swimmer or buttocks, arms, legs and other body parts.
I hope that this information will provide a peace of mind solution.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/28/2008
► Save The
Frogs?
We have an inground pool and seem to attach a
lot of frogs. Sometimes, I am able to
 scoop
them out and, other times, I find them dead. What is the best way to deal
with this problem?
Fran J., SC, 3/3/2008
The
Critter Skimmer
will do the job. It is a skimmer cover, in round or square sizes,
that replaces the standard cover. It has an attached spiral, that acts as
an escape ramp for frogs and other small critters. The water flow, into
the skimmer, almost pushes them on to this escape spiral. Sounds
like just what you are looking for.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 3/3/2008
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Save the Frogs
from drowning!!! |
► Planning Ahead For
Pool Safety?
First thank you in advance
for your time. I am buying a house (actually tomorrow) and it had an
inground pool (18' x 36'). I have young children and I am looking at the
pool alarms. Can you suggest which is the best one out there? I am looking
at the Smartpool PE 22. I want the safest thing available and thought maybe
you could suggest which one. Thank you again.
The
SmartPool Model PE 22 Pool Alarm
has all the features that you might possibly want. It will provide the
peace of mind and safety that you want. Planning ahead is the right
thing to do. Make sure that the pool the pool is equipped with a
safety drain cover, that complies with the latest regulations. It can avoid some serious
accidents, by preventing swimmers from being held underwater, by
the force of the suction. I hope that this information will be helpful and
enjoy the pool.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/23/2006
► Worried About The
Dog?
We have a small dog that
cannot get out of the pool herself. She manages to jump or fall in all by
herself. There are no kid's using the pool and it is fenced in. Any
suggestions about safety precautions will be appreciated. The pool is 16' x
32' inground. Thanks.
Yorkie Owner, 3/12/2007
There are
several products to consider. A
safety pool cover will seal off the
pool at the press of a button and has other advantages as well: acts as a
solar cover and as a winter or vacation cover. A
pool alarm
can be used to sound a warning that someone or something has entered to pool.
It
was designed to protect kids, but it will work for dogs. Removable
safety fencing can be placed around the pool, when you are not using it.
Although designed to keep toddlers out of the pool, it should do well for small
dogs. Adding a
Skamper-Ramp,
which is available in two sizes,
can give your dog and frogs, mice and other uninvited critters, an easy way out. And lastly, there are safety nets that can be used to keep kids and
pets out of the pool. So as you can see, there are several ways to provide
safety. Good luck with your choice.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/13/2007
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