10 Reasons for using a safety pool cover

There are many types of pool covers available today. However, all pool covers are not safety pool covers. They are the type that are securely fastened down to the pool deck. The covers can be made of mesh fabric or solid fabric. Most important, they must be a certified ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials International) pool cover. The following ASTM standard requirements must be met to be certified as a “safety pool cover”.

  • Must be tested and updated regularly by a recognized 3rd party agency like Underwriters Laboratories.
  • Will have a working drainage system. This can include mesh drain panels or automatic pumps for solid fabric covers.
  • Cannot have any holes, tears or abrasions that could weaken the fabric.
  • Must be able to hold a weight of at least 485lbs (the estimated average weight of 2 adults and one child) to permit rescue operation.
  • Must demonstrate that any opening is sufficiently small and strong enough to prevent the test object being passed through. This is the Perimeter Deflection test.
  • Labeling requirements must include basic consumer information such as the warranty information, the appropriate warnings as described in the standard and acknowledge the product as a safety cover.

1) Safety of small children and animals is the main reason for a safety pool cover, reducing the chance of an accidental drowning.

Many states require that swimming pools must be enclosed in a fenced in area. Safety Covers may be a safer way to prevent a possible accidental drowning or injury. A fence is a barrier between the pool and someone outside of the fenced in area. The safety pool cover is a barrier on the pool itself. Again, the safety pool cover must be properly installed with no water build up on the cover. 

2) Keeps leaves and debris out of the pool.

Keeping your pool open all year, you should know all about the leaves and debris that collect in your pool. Debris can blow underneath a winter pool cover that is held down with water tubes or other weights. Usually less trash and debris will get under a safety pool cover since it is attached to the pool deck.

3) They block light to help reduce algae growth.

Depending on the fabric of the covers, they can block from 75 to 100 percent of the light from the pool water. By stopping the light, this will reduce the chance of algae growth.

4) Not as much chemicals are needed. Can reduce the pool chemicals usage by up to 60%.

Since the pool safety cover blocks as much light as they do, this will reduce the cost for chemicals. Close your pool with the proper amount of chemicals and then you will not add any more until the spring. If you kept your pool open all year, you would continue to spend money on chemicals.

5) Save water while reducing pool water evaporation.

Even during cold weather, a covered or uncovered pool will experience evaporation. However, with the safety pool covers blocking the sun from the pool water will experience less evaporation. Less evaporation will result in less water usage.

 6) Can help maintain the temperature of the pool water.

Safety covers are not used to warm up the water temperature of the pool water. But if your pool is heated, the safety pool cover can help keep the water temperature warmer than without one. There are solar pool covers that help maintain the water temperature by floating on the water of the pool. BUT SOLAR COVERS ARE NOT TO BE USED AS A SAFETY POOL COVER.

7) Less maintenance when using a safety pool cover.

Cleaning and vacuuming are not needed while the pool is covered. You are not testing and adding chemicals to the water regularly. Brushing the sides is not necessary when you are using your safety pool cover. You won’t have to fish out the toys or other objects since the cover will not allow them to enter the pool.

8) Safety pool covers save you money.

Safety pool covers save money by reducing the chemicals, water, electricity and possibly gas if the pool is heated. All of these utilities or commodities cost money. Pool service companies charge to maintain pools while they are open.

9) Save time from maintenance of an uncovered pool

Time is a precious commodity, so why waste it on maintaining a pool during the winter months. When a pool is properly covered using a pool cover, time is freed up for other activities. Other than keeping the water pumped off the top of the solid safety covers, it is practically maintenance free.

10) Add value to your home with a safety pool cover.

With the investment of this type of cover, security and value are added to your home. The safety issue alone adds peace of mind and value to any home with a pool.

Shade sails or finished shade cloth, do you know the difference?

What are Shade Sails?

Shade sails are designed to attach to attachments points on homes, garages, posts or other structures. Delta rings (d-rings) are in each corner that attach to the attachment points with mounting hardware. Mounting hardware can consist of turnbuckles, spring clips, cables or other hardware. By design, Shade sails have curves (gores) in the perimeter of all sides. All corners of the shade sail are properly tensioned to the attachment points on buildings, posts, trees and many others. This design with the curves (gores) in the perimeter of the sails is what tightens up the entire sail. When the corners are pulled, this action tries to straighten out the curves, but cannot. The perimeter is fastened to the fabric in the center of the shade sails. As a result, this tightens up the fabric in the center of the shade sails and reduces the chance of them sagging in the middle.

What is Finished Shade Cloth?

Finished shade cloth is the same fabric that is used for shade sails. If you are wanting to place the shade cloth on top of a pergola or arbor, you can get finished shade cloth with straight edges and no gores. Grommets may be placed in the corners and along the sides equally spaced. The finished shade cloth can be fastened to the top of the pergola by putting screws with washers through the grommets. Another use is finished shade cloth with grommets place closely together. Cables or ropes can be lashed through the close mounted grommets and around a frame. These are the main differences between shade sails and finished shade cloth. There are other uses for each, but this give you a starting point on trying to achieve the shade that you are looking for. Be sure to take into consideration the fabric types, solid (waterproof) or mesh. They can both give you shade and UV blockage. Shade sails made with a solid fabric like Sunbrella marine grade fabric must be installed with about an 18 to 20 degree slope. This will reduce the chance of the shade sail filling up with rain and possibly causing damage to the shade sail and/or your property. For more additional information for shade sails and finished shade cloth, go to www.MightyCovers.com.

Shade Sails for Shade and UV Protection

Shade Sails for Shade and UV Protection   After another hot summer, there was a real need for shade and UV protection. A great solution for both are Shade sails, and the designs make any outdoor area classy and fun. When it is so hot outside, it can be too uncomfortable to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Temperatures under a shade sail can actually be reduced by as much as 15%. Some of the health effects of overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays includes but are not limited to:
  • Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)
  • Premature aging of the skin and other skin problems
  • Cataracts and other eye damage
  • Immune system suppression
Depending on the fabrics used to make shade sails, up to 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be blocked. This can definitely reduce some of the harmful effects from overexposure from the sun.

What are the differences between Mesh and Solid fabric shade sails?

What your actual needs are for installing a shade sail, will help you decide if you want a mesh shade sail or a solid fabric shade sail. Do you need just shade and ultraviolet (UV) protection from the sun?  Then install a mesh shade sail. A mesh shade sail can give you the desired shade to reduce the temperature of a hot day. Like a solid fabric shade sail it can also block up to 98% of the ultraviolet (UV) rays. Mesh shade sails can also be installed completely flat with no slope. If you desire that look, you can add slope to their design. However, they are mesh and are not water proof. If it rains, instead of draining off or puddling on the shade sail, the rain will come through them. Mesh shade sails can also cost up to 35% less than the solid shade sails do. The solid fabric shade sails like the ones made with marine grade Sunbrella fabrics, can also offer the same shade and UV blockage that is offered with mesh shade sails. An additional advantage of a solid fabric shade sails, is that they’re water proof , so you can also enjoy them while it is raining. When installed there must at least an 18 to 20 degree slope incorporated, to make sure that it would not fill up full of water and possibly do damage to the shade sail and your property. Sometimes whether or not you can achieve the proper amount of slope can dictate if you can use a solid shade sail or a mesh one. So if you are looking for an inexpensive solution for your shade and UV protection needs, consider shade sails. They perform well, look good and are a great addition to any outdoor area. Read more about What Overexposure to the Sun’s UV Rays Can Cause

Repair/Replace Safety Pool Cover

Damaged Safety Cover Small
MightyCovers.com’s Repair or Replace Safety Pool Cover Program is a great program for pool owners who already have a safety pool cover with existing anchors in their decking. Whether your cover has been damaged or it is old and needs to be replaced due to old age. We can repair or duplicate your existing safety pool cover using it as a template so that your new cover will match the existing anchors. Safety Cover Repair will extend the life of your cover. We offer a great Repair or Replace Safety Pool Cover program to provide you with this service. The best part is that the shipping is FREE!! Just simply fill out the form and fax it back to us. Repair/Replace Safety Cover Shipping Box Request Form  We will send you a box for shipping your cover back along with a PREPAID return label! That’s right, WE pay the shipping BOTH WAYS! All you have to do is remove the hardware from your cover (springs and buckles),  place your cover into the provided box, tape it up and place the prepaid UPS shipping label on it and take it to a local UPS shipping outlet. When we receive the cover we will inspect the needed repairs and e-mail you a quote on the repair/replacement. If you elect to have the repairs done, you will at that time provide us with your credit card information in order to pay for it. If you decide that you do not want your cover repaired or replaced at this time we will ship it back to you AT NO CHARGE TO YOU.  That’s right, we pay the freight to have it picked up and shipped back. Don’t throw away your hard-earned money on a new company if your old cover is repairable. Another great thing is if your cover is not repairable, we can provide you with a replacement cost. The benefit of this is that your old cover can be duplicated so you will have EXACT STRAP PLACEMENT. No having to re-drill anchors!    

Knowing your Swimming Pool Covers – Three Types to Know


Winter and Safety Pool Covers

Swimming pool owners have a lot of fun in their pools, but also have a bit of responsibility to contend with as well. The simple fact is that once you own a pool you’ll quickly have to learn all about pH levels, pool chemicals, skimming, pump and filter maintenance, pool vacuums, and more. One area that you’ll also have to quickly learn about is that of swimming pool covers. There are a few different types of pool covers and while it’s a relatively easy subject to understand it is still a good idea to learn the differences each type of cover has. Each one has strengths and weaknesses, and each one accomplishes different things.

 

The first is just a Winter pool cover. A winter swimming pool cover fits over your pool and works to protect it in a few ways. It will stop leaves and other debris from falling into the pool, which is the primary benefit of one of these covers. But along with that, it can reduce the amount of sunlight entering a pool’s waters which will reduce the chemicals needed for maintenance over the fall and winter. It can also reduce animal related issues by eliminating the opportunity for animals to drink from the pool. The pool cover stretches over the swimming pool and is held in place by weighted bags along the perimeter of the pool. The main drawback of a winter swimming pool cover is safety – it won’t stop a child or pet from falling into the pool.

 

Safety pool covers are just what they sound like. They take the winter pool cover to another level and provide safety for your family. These pool covers fit over the pool like a basic winter cover would, but they feature straps that cross over the cover and attach to anchor points installed around the perimeter of the pool. These anchor points and straps give the cover the added strength it needs to prevent accidental drowning. Safety pool covers provide all the protection from leaves and debris that a standard cover does, only with the added element of safety. There are only two disadvantages to these covers. The first is that they’re a bit more expensive than a standard cover due to their higher quality and extra components. The second is that they’re a little more complex to install. The straps must be connected adjusted properly, and it’s usually a little easier to install with two or three people.

 

Finally, there are solar pool covers. These provide an entirely different type of service to a swimming pool owner. They don’t block the sun, don’t protect against falling debris, and won’t stop accidental drowning from occurring. What they’re used for, however, is warming up your water. They can speed up the process of opening up your pool and can extend the summer swimming season well into fall. Solar covers, sometimes called solar blankets, can actually increase water temperatures by as much as fifteen degrees. They’re relatively inexpensive as well. The disadvantage here is obvious, and it’s that beyond warming the water they don’t really help with anything else.

 

There are a couple of other accessories worth knowing about as well. The first is a pool cover ‘pillow’. These inflate with air and go underneath the pool cover. They’re not designed to help shed water, but instead actually reduce damage done to your pool walls during a hard freeze. They’re effective in an in ground pool as well as in an above ground pool, and well worth adding to your shut-down routine. The other accessory is a leaf net. This net is basically another type of cover that lies on top of your primary cover. Once the fall leaves have completely left the trees

Keep Your RV In Good Shape with RV Covers

RV Covers for all ClassesBuying an RV is no small feat. This is an expensive purchase. Even when you buy the smallest RVs that exist, you’re still spending a lot of money. With RV covers, you never have to worry about letting it get exposed to the sun or weather too much. This type of vehicle probably doesn’t fit in a garage, which is why it can be so helpful to have covers to keep it protected. There is something for everyone out there to choose from. Yours is totally up to you.

Make sure that you think about the style of RV covers that you like. Figure out whether you need weather covers or dust covers, as well as which materials and colors you prefer. That way, you can narrow down your options quickly. Forget about being limited to two styles that your dealer carries or having to spend hours calling around to try to find them because you can shop online to get a great selection of RV covers for less, no matter what you have in mind. That’s going to make it easy to protect your investment without spending a lot of money.

If you’re considering a RV cover, that’s definitely a good way to go. Not only will it give you better protection, but you can make sure that it looks exactly as you want and has the perfect finish, no matter what you have in mind. RV covers are as different as the people who want them and you really can create anything that you set your mind to if you are looking for a way to get more for your money. When you shop online, it’s all yours for the taking when it comes to RV covers of all kinds.

Your RV deserves to be taken care of. It’s going to be up to you to make sure that you can do that, no matter what you have in mind. With RV covers, you can keep it looking great and get much more life out of it. Just take the time to look at the selection and get what you need so that you can get on with your life and trust that your RV is safe and sound no matter where it’s at.

Start planning your outdoor living space using Shade Sails

Custom Shade Sails   Custom Shade Sails (Sun Shades) and standard sized Shade Sails are very economical and an extremely easy way to shade your outdoor living areas. Also known as Sun Sails, they give your outdoor area a stylish and unique concept, due to their unique and symmetrical designs. They provide excellent protection from the sun and its harmful UV radiation at a modest cost compared to building a permanent structure.
 Benefits of Shade Sails Include:
  • Blockage from the sun’s harmful UV rays – up to 97%
  • Helps prevent sunburn and cancer due to the UV blockage
  • Helps regulate the outdoor temperature with cooling shade
  • When used up against a house, it reduces the heat from the sun, thus reducing your cooling costs
  • Economical, much cheaper than building a structure
  • Makes your outdoor living area, more inviting to your guests
  • Comes in many sizes and colors to choose from.
  • Sunbrella, Commercial 95 and Coolaroo fabrics that will not rot or mildew
  • Can be used to replace canopies, awnings and umbrellas.
  • Use over pools, ponds, plants, decks and porches to extend their seasons
  • Protects your patio furniture, grilles, and play sets from the harmful UV rays
  • Draws attention with the colors and designs in commercial and retail areas
  • Easy to remove and install, especially for taking down in the winter months
  • Fabrics have 10 year limited warranties and the workmanship one year
Sail Shades are very easy to install; they can be attached to homes, trees, or free standing steel poles or wooden posts. They can be connected to a house or between buildings with the proper hardware. In an open area they will need to be supported by wood posts or steel columns embedded in concrete footings, and they can be left up year round or easily removed for seasonal use. NOTE* it is recommended that they be taken down in areas of the country that receives snow regularly. Snow loads could possibly cause damage to them if they are left up year round.

Stay Warm with Snow Thrower Cab Enclosures

Snow Thrower (Blower) Cab EnclosureA snow thrower is a gift in and of itself for people that live in areas with a lot of snow. Trying to stay warm when you’re out in the weather is hard. They do make snow thrower cab enclosures from composite plastics that will create a little tent, of sorts, that will give you everything that you need. It’s going to be up to you to get what you want from your investment but you can definitely improve your outdoor experience and keep your snow thrower looking its best with cab enclosures and covers.

There are plenty of different snow thrower cab enclosures and covers for different kinds of snow machines. You can find them by model, by size, and even have them custom designed if you can’t find what you want. It’s a win-win situation for the most part, making it easy for you to get everything that you need for less. When you shop online, you will find a great selection with low prices and get more out of your purchases. There is truly something for just about everyone and you have to make sure that you do what you can to get the snow thrower cover or enclosure that you want.

Your budget is important to your shopping but it isn’t the only thing that matters. You do have to find covers and enclosures that you like and make sure that they fit your snow thrower. After that, you can worry about how much you have to spend and find the best deals on the tools and accessories that you need. There is so much out there to choose from and it’s easier than ever to save money when you shop online.

You will have a much better winter when you have snow thrower cab enclosures and covers, no matter where you reside. From one or two good snows to a full winter of flakes, you are going to appreciate having the right tools to get the job done in comfort and keep your machine in good shape. Make sure that you talk to professionals who specialize in this equipment so that you can get quality products for less every time. As long as you shop in the right places it’s easy to get these covers and enclosures from dependable brands that don’t cost a fortune. Your winter is getting warmer and happier already!

Show your support with Collegiate Grill Covers

Collegiate Gas Grill CoversShow your team spirit for your favorite college team while entertaining guests at your backyard barbecue. Outdoor Patio BBQ Grill Covers with Favorite College Team Logos extend the life of your BBQ grill by protecting it from dirt and damage caused by exposure to weather. Outdoor grill covers keep your grill dry, clean, and ready for use.

Seasonal Designs Inc. Outdoor Protective College Team Grill Covers are made with durable and weather-resistant heavy-duty reinforced vinyl fabric with a flannel backing that protects your grill’s finish from wind, rain, snow, sun, and dirt.

These covers include an adjustable drawstring to ensure a snug and secure fit. This exclusive collection of grill covers can withstand even the harsh, cold winter elements and resist cracking. That’s something to cheer about!

There are colleges from all over the country to choose from and most of the conferences are represented. They are offered in two sizes to fit most cart grills. Medium grill covers fit grills up to 59″L x 19″W x 42″H and the large grill covers fit grills up to 68″L x 23″W x 43″H. They are black in color with the college logos on the front side of the grill cover.

Custom Play Set Canopy Tarps for Your Protection

Custom Vinyl Canopy TarpsWhen your kids are playing on their play set, it might get a little warm. What’s worse is if bad weather strikes and gets into their play area. This can damage the set or cause accidents if they aren’t careful. Custom play set canopy tarps are a great addition to any play set. Not only are these going to protect kids from the sun and weather when they are playing, but they will protect the play set itself, too. This means that you’re getting more from your investment in many ways.

Custom play set canopy tarps are designed to fit your play set perfectly. They are measured and cut for your specific needs, and can give you the perfect fit with ease. Plus, they’re not really expensive and you can get a lot more for your money than you realize with something like this. Take the time to look around online and see what you can find. You will probably be surprised at all of the selection and just how much you can find for a low price when you do shop online.

Protecting expensive investments like this is a must. It also helps keep your kids safe and dry, though. It’s a win-win situation really. When you choose a custom style, you will be able to pick a lot of the details and make sure that it is the perfect size. Shopping online makes it easy for you to get a lot more options and spend less on your shades and covers, no matter what you have in mind. It’s all about getting more for your money. Just make sure that you are able to get what you need. Don’t settle for anything less than the best.

It’s critical to keep your outdoor things protected from the elements as much as you can. No matter your reasons for choosing a tarp now, you can find everything that you need online. Take the time to think about the stock products that you can choose from and compare them to getting a custom cover so that you can pick what’s best for your needs. There is really something for everyone and you have to make sure that you get what you need when you’re in the market for play set covers and tarps. The internet makes things like this a lot easier for you and gives you a lot more to appreciate.