Top Barrier
- The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade, measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.
- The maximum vertical clearance between the grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches (51 mm), measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.
- Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, such as an above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, such as the pool structure, or mounted on top of the pool structure.
- Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be four inches.
- Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere.
Solid Barrier
- Solid barriers that do not have openings, such as masonry or stone walls, must not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
- Provide no footholds on the outside of a solid barrier fence. This also includes, but is not limited to Gas Meters, AC Units. Distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches
Horizontal & Vertical Member Barriers
- 45” or lower - Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members must be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members must not exceed 1.75 inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts must not exceed 1.75 inches in width.
- 45” or higher - Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, the spacing between vertical members must not exceed 4 inches . Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts must not exceed 1.75 inches in width.
Chain Link Fence Barrier
- The maximum mesh size for chain link fences must be a 2.25-inch square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1.75 inches .
Lattice Fence Barrier
- Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members must not be more than 1.75 inches
Do you offer installation of the automatic covers?
Yes! We offer the Coverstar CS3000 Automatic Pool Cover model.
Are electric pool covers worth the money?
Absolutely! You can’t put a price on saving a life, and the additional money and time that you will save from installing an automatic pool cover will be an added benefit. Unlike solar covers, automatic pool covers can be closed in a matter of seconds allowing your pool to be completely sealed when it is not in use. This prevents evaporation which is the number one contributor to heat loss. Stopping evaporation saves you money on water and chemicals as well. Learn more about the benefits of owning an automatic pool cover here.
Is an automatic pool cover a safety cover?
Yes, our automatic pool covers exceed the ASTM standard for a safety cover. Unlike manual pool covers, automatic covers can be closed in a matter of seconds so your pool can be covered whenever it is not in use. A CoverSafe automatic cover seals your pool to prevent unwanted use.
Can you walk on an automatic pool cover?
Yes, but we recommend only walking on your cover in emergency situations or to clean the surface of the cover. All of the automatic pool cover brands that we offer are ASTM F1346-91 certified and can hold a minimum of 485 lbs. (The estimated weight to support two adults to rescue a child that had accidentally fallen onto the cover.) An automatic pool cover is not meant to be jumped on or played on – excessive weight or strain on the cover can damage it over time.
Does owning an automatic pool cover require maintenance?
Yes – Our automatic pool cover systems are the most reliable systems on the market. However, just like your car, your automatic cover will run well for years to come if it is regularly maintained. Simply keeping your pool cover free of excess water, dirt, and debris that can collect in the auto cover housing can help to reduce the amount of maintenance needed.Just like brake pads on your car, pulleys and sliders will wear over time. Occasionally changing these parts will help you prevent problems.
Can an automatic pool cover be used as a winter pool cover?
Yes, read more about how to use your automatic pool cover as a Winter pool cover here.
A member of the Elite Pools, Spas, & Hardscapes team will get back to you shortly.