How2Day: Pool Cover Specs

Swimming pool cover regulations are designed to protect small children from drowning. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
In many parts of the U.S. the leading cause of death among children under five is drowning in a family swimming pool. Because of awareness campaigns launched by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) created the ASTM F1346 -- 91 standards for manual pool covers. These voluntary specifications, which are followed by many manufacturers, provide a reliable safety mechanism preventing small children from unsupervised access to swimming pools.

Pool covers classified as manual safety covers (MSC) must prevent a child under the age of five from entering your pool. The cover, manufactured with nontoxic materials of reasonable durability requires the ability to withstand normal conditions. Covers designed for installation by the purchaser shall contain detailed instructions either within the packaging, on the product label or both. General labeling requires the name of the manufacturer, including the manufacture date. A label informing you of the importance of regularly inspecting the product for unusual wear and decay shall be included in an obvious location on the cover.

Equipment intended to secure your cover over the pool, such as anchors, ties and fasteners, should be of a design appropriate for preventing any child under the age of five from removing the cover and gaining access to the water. Systems designed to prevent child access can include keys, locks or special tools and other devices. Instruments for attaching the cover shall remain secure upon subjection to a certain amount of weight and shall remain in place after reasonable attempts to remove the cover in ways other than outlined in the installation instructions. Your cover attachments must not allow enough space between the fabric and edge of the pool for a child to accidentally or intentionally access the water.

Any pool covers of a width or diameter more than 8 feet from the edges must withstand a total weight load of 485 lbs. without failing. This regulation permits possible rescue involving two adults and a child. In addition, the cover design must contain a surface drainage method allowing standing water to recede from the cover within 30 minutes. This 30-minute drainage time shall be in accordance with normal rainfall amounts in your area. The cover must not stretch to a point where any opening on the surface of the fabric will become large enough for a child to fall through into the water.

Your pool cover must contain appropriate warning labels. The warning label shall contain the word "Warning" prominently together with the standard warning symbol of an exclamation point enclosed within a triangle. The words "Avoid Drowning Risk" must appear immediately below the word "Warning." This label must avoid fading or becoming obstructed in any way due to normal weather conditions and usage of the product.

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