Swimming Pools, Protected: 2015 Safety Products

Cailley Hammel Headshot

As someone in the pool industry, you know your job involves two big things: to help people realize their dream of having a pool in their backyard, and to keep them safe while they're in it. When it comes to the latter, the task is made easier by a plethora of quality safety products. From rails and textured vinyl for easy stepping to fences and winter safety covers, there are countless products available to make the pool area safer. Here's just a sampling from top manufacturers:

D&D TechnologiesD&D Technologies
www.ddtechglobal.com
(714) 677-1300

MagnaLatch ALERT from D&D Technologies features a dual electronic alarm system, meets international pool barrier codes and is ADA compliant. MagnaLatch ALERT is the world's first and only integrated safety gate latch and electronic alarm. Both visual and audible alarms warn you if the gate is not fully closed and securely latched.

CoverstarCoverstar
www.coverstar.com
(800) 617-7283

A Coverstar automatic safety cover simply operates with a switch to create a barrier over the pool that no child or pet can penetrate. New from Coverstar is AutoDrain, a unique cover pump that automatically positions itself over the cover while it is closing, eliminating the need to manually place a cover pump on the cover. AutoDrain automatically detects and removes standing water from the top of the cover to make pools even safer.

LOOP-LOCLOOP-LOC
www.looploc.com
(800) LOC-LOOP

"IMAGE-LOC" is a revolutionary way to measure covers with photos, the company says. By following some simple instructions, all you need is one person with a camera to achieve highly accurate cover measurements in just 10 to 15 minutes, no A-B measuring process needed. See IMAGE-LOC in action in a video on the company website.

Meyco Pool CoversMeyco Pool Covers
www.meycocovers.com
(800) 446-3926

Meyco Pool Covers' Vanishing Edge covers fit snugly over any infinity edge pool, and Step Cut designs hug every corner for a tight fit without gap fillers. Meyco's in-house designers can tailor covers for your most demanding poolscapes – even multi-level pools. In addition, the company's patented polyguard custom fit means no gapping, no messy ropes or pillows, no wrinkles and no unsightly water bags.

Bel-AquaBel-Aqua
www.bel-aqua.com
(914) 235-2200

Bel-Aqua Pool Supply Inc, a distributor serving the pool industry for 60 years, is pleased to offer aquatic pool professionals a complete line of ADA-compliant pool and spa lifts. Products include in-deck and portable units, battery, self-operable and even several options for 90- and 360-degree turns. Brands include Pentair AquaTRAM, Inter-Fab, Spectrum, Global and SR Smith. Bel-Aqua also offers consulting to determine the best lift for the facility.

The Cover CompanyThe Cover Company
www.coverlon.com
(908) 707-1122

The Cover Company provides high-quality safety covers with heavy-duty springs with locking pieces for quick installation. Tough-to-fit water features, including waterfalls, walls and other obstacles, are handled with ease. The Cover Company asks that builders looking for a quote should fax or email a drawing.

S.R.SmithS.R.Smith
www.srsmith.com
(800) 824-4387

S.R.Smith's Splash! ADA-compliant pool lift series is one of the most versatile lines available, the company says. With a 344-degree rotation in standard, extended reach, spa and hi/lo models, there is a Splash! pool lift for virtually any aquatic application. Standard features include LiftOperator Intelligent Control, water-resistant hand control, rechargeable battery, battery charger, battery cover, footrest, seat belt assembly and stainless steel anchor socket. The LiftOperator provides control from the pool deck or water and features an emergency stop switch and audible safety alert.

Inter-FabInter-Fab
www.inter-fab.com
(800) 737-5386

Inter-Fab now offers a new line of Salt Pool Safe Thermo-Plastic Coated safety rails that provide an additional layer of protection against corrosion on salt-chlorine generator pools as well as safety for entry and exit of swimming pools. These new stainless steel rails are treated with an advanced polymer coating that not only protects rails in harsh environments but also provides a safe grip and an attractive texturized finish. Inter-Fab offers a complete line of handrails and ladders for the safe entry and exit of swimmers including custom rails & ladders and hundreds of standard off-the-shelf rail goods.

Pen FabricatorsPen Fabricators
www.penfab.com
(800) 359-5350

Pen Fabricators is now offering new textured and printed vinyl material for safer vinyl covered features on pool liners. Due to increased demand for steps that are safer, yet blend with the pool liner, Pen Fabricators has added six floor patterns that are available in textured vinyl for steps, benches, swim-outs and sundecks. Solid blue and white colors are also available.

FabcoteFabcote
www.fabcote.com
(800) 815-6083

Fabcote offers a line of powder-coated safety rails for swimming pools and spas. Fabcote's state-of-the-art, in-house powder coating facility produces an exceptionally durable finish to resist corrosion. The surface of the rail is evenly coated using an electro-static process that drives the coating material into and around all surfaces. Made of high-grade 304 stainless steel, these rails are ideal for increased safety in the pool area. Both standard and custom rails and ladders available.

Fox Pool CorporationFox Pool Corporation
www.foxpool.com
(800) 723-1011

The E-Z VIEW steps use the liner floor pattern over the steps with an additional white or blue "stripe" welded on at the point where the riser meets the tread. The stripes are approximately 2 inches wide on the tread with an additional 2 inches on the riser, making it easy for swimmers to see the steps going in or out of the pool.

AquaviewAquaview
www.aquaviewfencing.com
(877) 229-7034

Aquaview's luxury glass pool fences and railing systems complement any outdoor space with a sleek, minimally intrusive design. Doubling as a modern accent piece and a safe, secure barrier, Aquaview's frameless glass enclosures provide customers with an elegant and stylish luxury alternative to traditional fencing. Aquaview's products are not only architecturally designed to enhance and add value to residential and commercial properties; they are also certified to adhere to local and state fencing regulations.

Pentair Commercial AquaticsPentair Commercial Aquatics
www.pentaircommercial.com
(800) 831-7133

The AquaTRAM 90 lift is anchored directly into the deck with the popular Quickset Dual Wedge Anchor socket, making it removable without tools. The AquaTRAM 90 lowers the swimmer directly into the water, and when the swimmer is ready to leave the pool, the lift will then raise up and turn 90 degrees for him or her to exit the chair. Offers dual flip-up armrests, comfortable seat with adjustable lap belt and footrest plus simple-to-operate controls. Complete with a rechargeable battery-powered operating system. Meets all ADA requirements.

Aquatic TechnologyAquatic Technology
www.poolweb.com
(800) 446-6416

Aquatic Technology's newly improved Life Ring Cabinets have an unbreakable clear polycarbonate door designed so the life ring buoy is easily identifiable. The door has a lift latch handle that limits unwanted access. Made from a tough marine-grade plastic that will provide years of protection, the cabinets include a 60-foot emergency heaving line with foot anchor. Cabinets are also available with 20-, 24- or 30-inch orange U.S.C.G.-approved Life Ring Buoys. Can be easily mounted to wall or fence.

Merlin IndustriesMerlin Industries
www.merlinindustries.com
(800) 289-1836

Merlin Industries has upgraded its standard safety cover material to "Dura-Mesh II." The material offers the industry's best combination of sunlight shading, abrasion resistance, tear strength and burst strength over standard materials, the company says. This means less algae growth and better durability. Dura-Mesh II is available in a five colors including green, blue, black, tan and gray and backed with a 15-year limited warranty.

Tara ManufacturingTara Manufacturing
www.taramfg.com
(256) 725-2500

Tara's safety covers are available in regular mesh, HD mesh and solid. All safety covers feature double webbing across the entire cover and heavy-duty, single-coil springs, both of which add to the strength and durability of the cover. Tara's unique custom labels that show the dealer's logo and information can be added to the safety cover for no extra charge. Mesh covers are available in tan, blue and green; solid covers are available in blue and green colors.

InlaysInlays
www.inlaysinc.com
(920) 337-4680

Inlays says it offers the most extensive depth and safety product line in the industry, with products for a variety of surfaces for both new construction and renovations, including safety edge and field tile. All products are in stock and available for immediate shipping. Visit the website to see the entire product line.

Cover-PoolsCover-Pools
www.coverpools.com/steelcable
(801) 484-2724

Cover-Pools automatic pool covers provide a reliable solution to keep families safe. This innovative design provides a safe, alternative solution to keep unwanted swimmers out, and saves homeowners up to 70 percent on heat, water, chemicals and cleaning. Cover-Pools' automatic pool cover requires fewer pool cover adjustments and features easier fabric replacements, the company says. Stainless steel cables now available.

Pool Cover SpecialistsPool Cover Specialists
www.poolwatchdog.com
(855) POOLCAM

The Pool WatchDog Swimming Pool Safety Cam can help keep an eye on the pool when your customers are not there. The Wi-Fi-enabled camera streams live video to the customer's smartphone, tablet or PC and sends warning texts or emails to alert of potential danger. The device is weatherproof, sets up in five minutes and has no monthly fees or required DVD.

CMPCMP
www.c-m-p.com\vgb-drains
(800) 733-9060

The 32-Inch Unblockable VGB Safety Drain from CMP is IAPMO listed and designed with over 38 square inches of open area. Each drain includes an installation debris guard and is also available with six optional color accent covers. These are the only channel drain covers that completely hide the white PVC body for a clean, finished look, the company says.

SmartPoolSmartPool
www.smartpool.com
(888) 560-7665

SmartPool's PoolEye alarms use advanced immersion technology that effectively protects against unauthorized pool entry. PoolEye Model PE23 has been designed to conform with ASTM Standard F2208, and can be used on aboveground and inground pools up to 20 by 40 feet. An additional alarm may be used for larger pools. The PE23 comes with an in-home remote receiver and a magnetic key for activating and resetting. In addition, SmartPool's YardGard gate alarms alert homeowners to unsupervised entry to the yard or pool area. They meet or exceed state barrier alarm codes, and hardware is included for mounting on gates, doors and windows.

Aquastar Pool ProductsAquastar Pool Products
www.aquastarpoolproducts.com
(877) 768-2717

The 20-inch Full Circle Suction Outlet replaces risky single-drain systems with a VGB-compliant unblockable suction outlet cover that does not distract from the beauty of the pool or spa. Suction is distributed over a large unblockable area, eliminating the need for an SVRS or other expensive vacuum-limiting systems that can cause annoying service calls. Includes PVC sump with patented water stop, 2 ½-inch spigot, 2-inch socket and 2-inch NPT for pressure testing and winterizing.

Aquamatic Cover SystemsAquamatic Cover Systems
www.aquamatic.com
(800) 262-4044

Since 1980, Aquamatic Cover Systems has provided peace of mind to families around the world with both the Hydramatic hydraulic automatic and EZ-Cover manual safety swimming pool and spa covers, the company says. Both covers are third-party verified (by UL) to exceed ASTM F1346-91 standards for safety and satisfy pool barrier codes throughout the US and Canada.

Pentair Aquatic SystemsPentair Aquatic Systems

www.pentairpool.com

(800) 831-7133

IntelliFlo VS+SVRS and IntelliPro VS+SVRS variable-speed swimming pool pumps have a built-in controller and proprietary software that detects suction outlet blockage and automatically shuts the pump off. These pumps provide reliable compliance solutions and significantly reduce operating costs. Their permanent magnet motors with totally enclosed fan cooled construction increase durability and extend service life. On the market since 2008, they were among the first pumps to receive the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification.

GLIGLI
www.glipoolproducts.com
(800) 448-2343

If you open pools in mid-spring and are looking for the benefits of a solid safety cover without the weight associated with it, then the GLI ProMesh Safety Cover is the cover for you, the company says. The cover is made from a unique weave of polypropylene mesh that blocks out algae-producing UV rays while still weighing 50 percent less than standard solid covers for easier installation, removal and storage. Available in tan, gray, green and blue. All covers are guaranteed to ship in 72 hours or less.

McEwen IndustriesMcEwen Industries
www.mcewenindustries.com
704-365-8070

McEwen Industries is excited to offer tan Super Solid Safety Covers in 2015. Out of the four different types of cover materials we offer, the Super Solid is the strongest and most puncture resistant McEwen offers. The Super Solid also weighs less than a traditional solid cover, which makes it easier to manage when installing or removing the cover. Available in green, blue, and tan colors.

NSPFNSPF
www.nspf.org
(719) 540-9119

The NSPF Hazard Communication online course is one of 40 that helps organizations comply with the recently adopted Globally Harmonized System, which standardizes how organizations communicate about workplace hazards, including chemical safety. Learn how to recognize and understand the required elements of your company's written Hazcom Plan, including how to use safety data sheets. The course also teaches how to recognize potential physical and health effects of hazardous chemicals, and what workers can do to make every day a safe day at work.

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