Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between a regular pool cover and a safety cover?
   A typical solid vinyl pool cover is little more than a tarp to put over your pool. It does not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the pool. All safety covers must conform to the Standard Performance Specification set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). According to the ASTM, a safety cover must be able to support a certain amount of weight, not permit gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through, and remove standing water. LOOP-LOC safety covers far exceed minimum ASTM standards, however. Built from extremely strong material and secured tightly to the deck by heavy-duty springs and brass anchors, a LOOP-LOC safety cover puts a "lock" on a pool that will prevent children and pets from gaining access to the water.
2. Why is a U.L. (underwriters laboratories) approval important?
   Underwriters Laboratories (known as U.L.) is an outside testing company. Many cover company's claim that they meet the ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers, but have not followed up with outside testing agencies that perform all of the actual tests listed in the ASTM guideline. At LOOP-LOC we are so proud of the safe, high quality cover that we manufacture that we went the extra step to confirm that we not only meet but also exceed the guidelines set forth for safety swimming pool covers!
3. My pool dealer offered to sell me a safety cover "just like LOOP-LOC." Aren't all safety covers pretty much the same?
   Not at all! The safety of the cover entirely depends on the quality of its materials and manufacturing. LOOP-LOC uses materials that are in many cases far superior to those used by competitors. For example, we use double perimeter webbing and double-thick straps, extremely high-strength 302 grade stainless steel springs, and polyester bonded thread that costs almost 10 times more than the thread used by some of our competitors. We also hand-inspect every stitch on every cover - and even use contrasting white thread, so our inspectors can see instantly if a stitch is missed! LOOP-LOC's founder co-invented the safety pool cover and started this company for the single purpose of creating the highest quality, safest covers available. To learn more, visit the HISTORY section of this website.
4. Do you market your covers under other names?
   Absolutely not! Do not allow yourself to be misled by dealers who may try to sell you "another brand of LOOP-LOC." All of the covers we manufacture are marketed under either the LOOP-LOC or ULTRA-LOC names. Unfortunately there are many dealers out there that use "Bait & Switch" tactics so it is important to make sure you are receiving the genuine article.
5. How do I know I'm getting a genuine LOOP-LOC?
   First, make sure it says "LOOP-LOC" on your contract when you order. Then, examine your cover when it arrives. All LOOP-LOC covers (including ULTRA-LOC) have the LOOP-LOC name woven right into the straps. If you don't see LOOP-LOC on the cover, it's not a LOOP-LOC!
6. Can my children walk and play on my LOOP-LOC cover?
   All LOOP-LOC covers meet the ASTM guidelines for safety covers and have been U.L. certified. As such they will easily support the weight of a child or an adult in an emergency. However, we do not recommend walking on the cover, and children and pets should never be allowed to play on top of a LOOP-LOC or any other type of pool cover. Adult supervision is always required around any swimming pool area.
7. Should I get a mesh or a solid safety cover?
   Both the original LOOP-LOC mesh Safety Swimming Pool Cover and our ULTRA-LOC solid Safety Swimming Pool Cover provide superior protection for your family. Mesh covers do have one safety advantage: they do not permit water to collect. In order to meet safety cover performance standards, solid covers must provide for the elimination of standing water. Our ULTRA-LOC solid safety cover is available in two versions: one with "invisible" mesh panels that allow water to drain through, and an all-solid version that is always sold with an automatic cover pump. The pump must be used at all times in order to maintain the safety of the cover. Ultimately, though, the choice between a mesh or solid cover is up to the preference of the user.
8. Why does the water have to be removed from the cover in order for it to be considered "safe"?
   Collected water on a cover is a hazard in itself. There have unfortunately been cases of children and pets who have wandered out on a cover filled with water and slippery debris, become trapped and drowned. That is why the ASTM Performance Specification states that no pool cover can call itself a safety cover if it does not provide for water removal.
9. What type of warranty do your covers come with?
   All LOOP-LOC mesh and solid safety covers come with a 12-year pro-rated manufacturer's warranty. When completed and signed by the original purchaser, this warrants that the cover is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. To read LOOP-LOC's Pro Rated Warranty in its entirety go to http://www.looploc.com
10. Can I fill out your warranty online?
    Yes! If you have recently purchased a LOOP-LOC or ULTRA-LOC Safety Swimming Pool Cover, you can complete and submit your 12-year Pro-Rated Warranty Certificate on our official website.
11. Should I drain my pool before putting on my LOOP-LOC cover?
    No! It is very important to maintain proper water level to help support the weight of the cover and prevent excess wear. For LOOP-LOC mesh covers, water level should be 15" to 18" below the top of the pool. For ULTRA-LOC solid covers, water level should be 12" to 16" below the top of the pool. If proper water level is not maintained, the warranty can be void.
12. Why can't I order a LOOP-LOC from your website?
    In order for a LOOP-LOC to perform properly as a safety cover, the pool must be measured and the cover installed by a professional pool contractor. That is why we sell our covers only through pool dealers and service companies. Just click on the GET INFO section of this website or give us a call at 1-800-LOC LOOP and we will refer you to a LOOP-LOC dealer in your area.
13. I have a custom-designed pool that's irregularly shaped. Can I get a LOOP-LOC safety cover that will fit it?
    Absolutely! Your pool contractor will first come out and carefully measure your pool. Then, LOOP-LOC will use our exclusive computerized design system to translate those measurements into a cover that will perfectly conform to the shape and features of your pool.
14. How long will it take to get a custom LOOP-LOC cover?
    From the time your pool dealer submits your order to us, LOOP-LOC will ship your custom cover from our factory in three weeks or less.
15. Why should I purchase a LOOP-LOC safety cover when there are less expensive covers available?
    Of course, the main reason is safety. But it is also important to remember that price is a relative issue. A LOOP-LOC safety cover is built to last many, many years. In fact, LOOP-LOC covers often last many years longer than their 12-year warranty. Over that period of time, you would purchase and discard three or four ordinary pool covers.
16. I always supervise my children when they are around our pool. Why do I need a safety cover?
    A swimming pool is always a magnet for children. At times when you are not around to supervise or your family is away from home, wandering children and pets from the neighborhood may attempt to enter your pool. Even if you have a locked gate (which is a great extra layer of protection), a determined toddler will often be able breach it. Only the security of a safety cover can ensure that no one will be able to gain access to the pool while you are away.
17. If I use both a LOOP-LOC cover and BABY-LOC fencing, can they share the same set of anchors in the deck?
    No. In order to prevent toddlers from squeezing under the fencing, the anchors for BABY-LOC must be much closer together than those for a LOOP-LOC cover.
18. How can I keep my pool water clear over the winter months?
    All pools, when covered (no matter what type of cover you have), require winter chemical treatment to keep the water clear. When closing your pool in the fall, we recommend use of a winterizing chemical kit, which includes winterizing algaecide. For a copy of LOOP-LOC's complete Care & Maintenance guidelines, contact us at 1-800-562-5667 or sales@looploc.com
19. If we have a paver/brick deck can we use a Loop-Loc Cover?
    Absolutely! Loop-Loc's anchor-in-pipe installation is the perfect application for paver/brick decks. The pipe holds the anchors firmly into place allowing the cover the remain taut all winter long. No wear and tear on the deck, will not pull or ruin pavers/bricks whatsoever. For additional information on anchor-in-pipe please contact your Loop-Loc dealer or our customer support department at 800-562-5667.
20. Did an elephant really walk on a LOOP-LOC Mesh cover?
    She certainly did! "Bubbles," the female African elephant seen in LOOP-LOC advertising, was located on a protected animal preserve in Florida. She was accompanied by her professional handler so that she would feel comfortable during our photo session. Before she took her famous walk on our famous mesh safety cover, the LOOP-LOC cover was tested with far heavier weight, so we knew she'd be safe. You can view Bubbles famous walk at: http://www.looploc.com