Don’t Wait Until Fall: Why You Should Order Your Pool Safety Cover Now

If you need a new safety cover for your swimming pool this year, now is the time to order it.

Many pool owners wait until they are ready to close the pool before thinking about their winter safety cover. The problem is that safety covers are not typically an off-the-shelf product. Most safety covers are custom-made to fit the specific dimensions and shape of your pool, which means they require additional time for measurements, manufacturing and shipping.

As the fall pool-closing season approaches, demand for safety covers increases significantly. Ordering early helps make sure your cover is ready when you need it.

Why Safety Covers Take Time to Get

Unlike standard winter covers, a safety cover is designed to fit securely over your specific pool. Custom covers may require measurements for:

• Pool length and width
• Pool shape
• Steps and other features
• Attached sections or extensions
• Deck configuration
• Anchor locations
• Obstructions around the pool

Once the required information is provided, the cover can be manufactured to those specifications.

This means you generally cannot wait until the day before closing your pool and expect a custom safety cover to be ready immediately.

The Fall Rush Can Mean Longer Lead Times

As summer comes to an end, pool owners across Canada begin preparing for winter. That means pool companies and manufacturers can experience a significant increase in demand for safety covers.

Ordering early gives you more time to deal with any issues that may come up during the process, such as confirming measurements, making changes to the order or arranging shipping.

Waiting until October or November can leave you working with much tighter timelines.

The earlier you order, the more flexibility you have.

A Safety Cover Is More Than a Winter Pool Cover

Safety covers are designed to provide an additional layer of protection around a closed swimming pool. Depending on the cover and installation, they are secured to anchors installed around the pool and are designed to support specified loads.

A properly installed safety cover can help prevent accidental access to the pool during the off-season while also keeping leaves and other debris out of the water.

However, a safety cover should never be treated as a substitute for responsible supervision or other appropriate pool-safety measures. Always follow the manufacturer's installation, weight and safety requirements.

Ordering Early Also Gives You Time to Check Your Pool

If your existing safety cover has been used for several seasons, now is a good time to inspect it.

Look for:

• Tears or damaged areas
• Frayed straps or webbing
• Damaged springs
• Missing or damaged hardware
• Worn stitching
• Damaged or missing anchors
• Areas that no longer fit properly

If your cover is showing significant wear, don't wait until closing day to discover that it needs to be replaced.

Ordering a replacement before the season ends gives you time to make sure everything is ready.

Custom Covers Require Accurate Information

One of the most important parts of ordering a safety cover is providing accurate pool information.

If your pool has an unusual shape, attached steps, a raised wall, a diving board, a spa or other features, these details may affect the cover design.

If you are replacing an existing custom safety cover, having your previous cover information available can also be helpful.

When in doubt, provide as much information as possible and work with the cover supplier to confirm the specifications before production.

Don't Let Your Pool Closing Date Determine Your Order Date

Your pool may not be closing for several weeks, but that doesn't mean you should wait several weeks to order your safety cover.

Think of your safety cover as part of your pool-closing preparation, not something to purchase at the last minute.

By ordering early, you can:

Avoid the fall rush
Demand increases as pool owners begin closing their pools.

Allow time for custom manufacturing
Your cover may need to be made specifically for your pool.

Resolve measurement questions before closing
There is more time to confirm your pool's dimensions and features.

Have your cover ready when you need it
You don't want your pool sitting closed and unsecured while waiting for a replacement cover.

Order Your Safety Cover Before the Fall Rush

If you know you need a new safety cover this year, don't wait until you're ready to close the pool.

Most safety covers are custom-made, and production and shipping take time. Ordering now gives you the best opportunity to have your cover ready when pool-closing season arrives.

Plan ahead, order early, and avoid the last-minute rush.

Shop for your new safety cover today and get your winter pool preparation started before the busy season arrives.