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Why Pool Safety Covers Matter for Inground Pools
Installing a safety pool cover is one of the most effective ways to protect your inground pool, especially if you have children, pets, or plan to leave the pool unattended during colder months. These covers aren’t just accessories; they’re engineered safety barriers designed to prevent accidental falls and unauthorized access.
Safety pool covers for inground pools are specifically built to meet ASTM F1346 standards for safety. This means they’re tested for weight support, perimeter gap limits, and secure anchoring, providing homeowners with peace of mind during the off-season. When properly installed, they help prevent drowning incidents, reduce liability, and create a safer backyard environment year-round.
At The Swimming Pool Store, we offer a full range of pool safety covers backed by professional installation and support. Whether you’re closing your pool for the season or upgrading an old cover, a certified safety cover is a wise, proactive investment in home safety.
Understanding Pool Cover Safety Features
Not all pool covers are designed with safety in mind. Standard winter pool covers may keep out debris, but they don’t provide the strength or security required to prevent accidental entry. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a cover specifically built with pool cover safety features that meet or exceed ASTM safety performance standards.
A safety-rated cover must be able to:
- Hold a minimum weight (typically 485 lbs) to support children or adults in case of accidental falls
- Prevent gaps larger than 4 inches between the cover and pool edge
- Include tamper-proof anchoring systems to prevent loosening or slipping
Look for reinforced straps, corrosion-resistant hardware, and tensioning mechanisms that keep the cover tight and flush to the deck. These features not only make the cover more effective at protecting your family but also help extend its usable life.
For a deeper look at the design and benefits of different safety options, visit our Pool Safety Covers overview page.
Winter Pool Covers vs. Safety Covers: What’s the Difference?
While winter pool covers and safety pool covers for inground pools may sound interchangeable, they serve very different purposes. Winter covers are typically lightweight tarps held down with water bags or weights. They’re affordable and good for keeping leaves out—but they’re not engineered to support weight or prevent accidents.
Safety covers, on the other hand, are designed for strength, security, and longevity. They’re made from heavy-duty mesh or solid vinyl, anchored directly into the pool deck to withstand snow, debris, and accidental impact. When properly installed, safety covers help prevent drowning, reduce liability, and eliminate the hassle of standing water and sagging tarps in winter.
If you’re not sure whether a safety cover or winter cover is right for your pool, our team can help guide the decision. Learn more about how they compare in our Mesh vs Solid Pool Cover guide.
Mesh vs. Solid Pool Covers for Inground Pools
Choosing between mesh and solid safety pool covers comes down to your priorities, whether it’s easier maintenance, blocking sunlight, or maximum debris protection.
Mesh Safety Covers
- Allow rain and melted snow to drain through, reducing the need for cover pumps
- Lighter and easier to handle during installation and removal
- Require less off-season maintenance
- Typically blocks 85–95% of sunlight, minimizing algae but not eliminating it entirely
Solid Safety Covers
- Provide a complete barrier against water and sunlight
- Prevent algae growth more effectively during the off-season
- Require a submersible pump to remove standing water
- Heavier and more durable, offering stronger protection for harsh winters
Both options are available with the ASTM-required safety features for inground pools. Your choice will depend on the surrounding environment, sun exposure, maintenance preference, and how often you plan to open/close the pool during the off-season. Learn more in our detailed comparison: Mesh vs. Solid Pool Cover.
Custom Pool Covers for Inground Pools
Every inground pool is different, whether it’s freeform, rectangular, or includes features like spas, waterfalls, or raised walls. That’s where custom pool covers for inground pools make a difference. A custom-fit safety cover is measured and fabricated specifically for your pool’s dimensions and shape, ensuring maximum protection and a professional finish.
The process begins with:
- A precise measurement of your pool’s perimeter, steps, and any special features
- Professional layout, including strap placement and anchor location
- Selection of mesh or solid material based on your needs and preferences
With a more precise fit, custom pool covers enhance both the look and performance of your pool protection system, helping to prevent wear and improve safety. At The Swimming Pool Store, we work with top brands to design and install custom covers that meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Explore the whole process here: Custom Pool Covers for Inground Pools.
Professional Pool Safety Cover Installation
Proper installation is just as important as the quality of the cover itself. A well-installed pool safety cover maintains tension across the surface, resists wind lift, and distributes weight evenly to support ASTM safety requirements. It also protects your pool structure from winter damage and extends the life of the cover.
At The Swimming Pool Store, our experienced technicians handle every part of the process—from custom measurement and anchoring to final tensioning and inspection. We recommend installing your new safety cover before winterizing your pool to ensure everything is protected when freezing weather arrives.
Watch our expert crew in action installing a cover:
Pool Safety Cover Installation Video
Don’t Wait Until Closing—Plan Your Cover Replacement Now
Many pool owners wait until the last minute to replace aging or damaged covers, only to face delays or limited options. August is an ideal time to inspect your cover for signs of wear, such as sagging, broken anchors, fraying straps, or visible tears—and begin planning a replacement before the pool closing rush.
If your current cover is nearing the end of its life or failed inspection last season, now’s the time to act. We offer professional evaluation, measurement, and installation of custom-fit safety pool covers for inground pools that meet all safety and structural needs. Starting early ensures peace of mind and a smooth close to your pool season.
We carry trusted brands like GLI, LOOP-LOC, and Merlin, and we’re here to help you choose and install the right solution for your pool. Learn more about cover options, materials, and benefits: Pool Safety Covers
Why Pool Owners Trust The Swimming Pool Store
For over 50 years, The Swimming Pool Store has helped local pool owners protect their investments with professional-grade safety covers and expert installation. From accurate measurements to securing every anchor, our team ensures that every cover we install meets safety, performance, and aesthetic expectations. Whether you need a basic replacement or a fully customized solution, we’re here to make sure your inground pool is closed confidently and safely.
The Swimming Pool Store provides expert installation of premium safety pool covers for inground pools. We provide homeowners with reliable, efficient, and ASTM-compliant safety solutions designed to enhance the longevity of their pools. Contact us today to schedule your custom quote for a new safety pool cover.