step to be greater than the overlap at the wall onwhich the step(s) may be placed. Be sure that thecover is pulled tight and the springs areadjustable in both directions. If an anchor is tooclose to the pool, proper tensioning will not bepossible and the cover will sag and may not drainproperly. Once the center strap anchor positionsof the end walls have been determined, transferthe distance between the remaining straplocations to each chalk line on the deck. Do soby working from the center strap and alternatingfrom side to side. Use the same process on thesides of the pool, always beginning at the centerof each wall. Do not locate or drill corner strapanchors until the ends and sides are installed.

Tips:Place weights (use water bags, sandbags or 5gallon pails filled with water) at the corners ofthe cover and as necessary around the perimeterto hold the cover in place. If the deck texture isrough, place padding between the cover and thedeck to protect the cover from abrasion whenshifting the cover is necessary. Rough decks mayrequire permanent placement of a special padunder the cover to protect it. Keeping the strapstight will also minimize abrasion by restrictingmovement of the cover. On decks less than 36”wide or in corner or step areas, it may benecessary to place anchors beyond the deck areaby using lawn tubes or stakes. The RDM system isalso an option when decks are less than 36” wide.See photo below.

POOL DECK24” required

6” to edgeof deck

6” out toanchor to

allow strapadjustment

12” to edge of cover frompool wall

Perimeter straploops through D-ring at anchorand then attaches to the spring

POOL COVERshown with reduceddeck spring system

Patent Pending

Strap sewn to cover loops through one end

of the spring

1. Remove any obstructions that were not accountedfor in the covers design and manufacture.Non-removable objects may be accommodated byusing a Y-Strap assembly, Coated Stainless Cableassembly or Reduced Deck Mounting (RDM)system. (See your supplier for details.) If thecover has one or more cutouts for obstacles suchas diving platforms, slide legs, waterfalls, raisedladder sockets or rock formations, the cover mustfirst be attached at those points.

2. Find the center of the pool at each end. Using achalk line, mark the center line out 3-4 feet fromeach end of the pool onto the deck.

2a. For any geometric covers not containing a centerweb, follow the installation instructions forfreeform pools.

3. Place the cover on the deck at the shallow end ofthe pool and spread it, right side up, over thepool as shown on the box lid. Place one springabout halfway onto each center strap. Pull thesprings and straps tight to determine how farback from the pool’s edge the anchors should beplaced. The distance is usually about 30” fromthe edge of the pool, though it may vary with theamount of overlap and the fastening systembeing used. Once the correct measurement isdetermined, mark a point on the deck at thatdistance from the pool’s edge near the intersectionwith each perpendicular wall. Strike a chalk lineon the deck between those points to establish aline parallel to that edge of the pool. Use thesame technique along the other walls of the pool,making sure that the cover overlaps the deckequally. Take particular care on pools with steps.Some step shapes will cause the overlap at the

SAFETY COVER INSTALLATION MANUAL

Rectilinear Pools(Rectangle, Grecian, True/Lazy L,Modified Oval, Roman, etc.)

Installing a safety cover is best accomplished by two ormore people.

Be certain that the water level is not more than 12”below the deck. A greater distance will void thewarranty. See a pool equipment supplier for skim-mer covers and other devices that will allow thewater to be left at a higher level.

8. Attach a spring to each end and side strap. Acover will fit much better if both ends of thecover are centered and anchored before movingto the sides. Using the installation rod, start atthe center of each end, alternating in sequencefrom the center straps and attach each spring asshown in the illustration below. Attach the sidesprings next. Attach each step cover spring last.Detaching the springs when the cover is removedis accomplished by reversing the installationprocess. Do not kick or in any way abuse thesprings upon removal. Failure to use the rodvoids the warranty.

9. Adjust all straps for proper tension. Each springshould be compressed about 50% or slightly less.The main objectives are to ensure equal overlapand promote direction of water toward thecover’s drainage system. The cover’s edges mustbe flat on the deck upon completion of theinstallation.

10. The cover’s corner anchor positions can now belocated and drilled. It may be necessary to placethem at a slight angle. That will allow theproperly tensioned corner straps to draw thecover into a wrinkle-free position that promotesdrainage. Check spring tension and alignmentthroughout the cover season. Although springshave been properly positioned and tensionedupon installation, it is equally important to adjustthem while snow, rain and debris have theircumulative effect. Uniform spring tensioning willprevent puddles from forming leading to damageto the cover. Be sure that the cover’s edge is thesame all around the pool.

Homeowners must be shown the care andsafety instructions on the cover labels!

4. As the straps cross the chalk line, pull them in astraight line or angled just slightly toward thenearest corner. Doing so helps keep the perime-ter of the cover flat against the deck. The pointat which the strap crosses the chalk line is wherethe anchor hole should be marked and located.

5. Remember that any cutout position(s) must beidentified first and their strap locationsreferenced to a chalk line. Set the depth of theanchor hole by wrapping tape at a distance fromthe tip of the masonry bit that corresponds to thelength of the anchor body. The depth can also bechecked by inserting the anchor installation pin(also known as a “tamp tool”) up side down intothe hole; the shoulder of the tool must be justbelow the deck level. Use a hammer drill with along, 3/4” diameter masonry bit to drill all theholes. Drill holes at all the end and side anchorpositions. Do not drill the corner anchor holes atthis time.

6. Vacuum all dust anddebris from the holesand surrounding areas,allowing the anchors tobe set flush with thedeck. If drilling hascaused the perimeter ofthe hole of chip, brassand anchor collars(escutcheons) areavailable to cover thedamage. Use theinstallation pin to set the external body of ananchor into each center strap hole. (See figureE). Then thread a lubricated insert into eachanchor body leaving the unthreaded portion abovethe level of the deck. Silicone spray is recommend-ed for lubrication and should also be applied follow-ing annual anchor cleaning with pressurized water.

7. See the proper strap weaving method in theillustrations below. Illustration “A” shows thecorrect installation of a cover strap when usingthe D-ring. Please note that while the D-ringspring is standard on all covers, buckles may beordered and used with the D-ring assembly.Illustration “B” shows the way in which theD-ring can be bypassed and the buckle used asan alternative means of securing a strap

FIGURE E

Illustration “A” Illustration “B”

Joint

FIGURE H

Freeform Pools(Kidney, Mtn. Lake/Pond, Lagoon, etc.)

Freeform safety covers can be installed following the sameguidelines as those for rectilinear covers;however, their configurations make the use ofchalk lines unlikely for locating anchor positions.

1. Freeform covers are designed to provide about 11⁄2times the overlap of rectilinear covers. As aresult, their anchors are placed approximately 18”back from the cover’s edge. Find the centermoststrap of the cover and position it such that thecover overlaps the pools perimeter equally. Ifnon-removable obstacles exist, the cover shouldbe positioned and attached first at those points.Use weights to hold the cover in place as suggest-ed in the “Tips” section of this manual. Effectiveweighting of Freeform covers is essential to theirproper installation.

2. Attach springs to each end of the center length(end) strap and as shown in illustrations Aand B. Mark the anchor locations approximately18” back from the edge of the cover with thestraps pulled tight. Drill the holes, vacuum andset the anchors as described previously. Attachthe springs to the anchors and tension themproperly. Be sure the overlap is equal on eachend. Alternating from the center strap, repeatthis procedure for all length (end) straps.

3. Find the center width (side) strap and attachsprings to each end. Mark the anchor locationsapproximately 18” back from the edge of thecover while tension is applied across the strap.Drill the holes, vacuum and set the anchors asdescribed. Attach the springs and tension themproperly. Repeat with each width strapalternating from the center out.

4. Once all anchors and springs are in place, adjustthe tension equally on all springs making sure thecover lies perfectly flat. Check spring compressionand cover drainage periodically throughout theseason. Homeowners must be shown the careand safety instructions on the cover labels.

Installing anchors insurfaces other than concrete.(Pavers, brick and stone)

It is not uncommon for pavers, brick or stone tobe dry set on a bed of sand. In order to secure asafety cover to materials such as these, it is neces-sary to use a lawn tube with an anchor insertedinto it. Lawn tubes are about 18” long with anoutside diameter of 1”. They have an insidediameter of 3⁄4” to accommodate an anchor body.

To install a lawn tube:

• Because some masonry materials will crack whendrilled, drilling a test piece prior to installing ananchor is suggested. If the material does nottolerate this process, locate the hole at theintersection of two or more pieces. Mark theintended anchor position and drill a 1” diameterhole into the material. If the masonry materialsare set on a concrete slab, drill completelythrough the slab. A core drill works well onfragile or brittle materials.

• Lawn tubes are supplied with an anchor andinsert as an assembled unit. Use a block of woodand mallet to tap the tube into the hole until itsflush with the deck surface.

• Remove the insert, lubricate it and screw it intothe anchor body until only the unthreadedportion is exposed. Attach springs as instructed.

It is important to note that this system may alsobe used in stable soil on which fixed decking isnot installed.

Wood Decks

Anchor bodies for wood decks have flanges that are1.5” in diameter by 1/8” thick. Each flange hascountersunk holes to accommodate wood screws.To install wood deck anchors:

1. Countersink a 1.5” diameter hole into the deck1/8” deep.

2. Drill a 3/4” diameter hole into the center of firsthole and to the same depth as or slightly morethan length of the anchor body.

3. Vacuum dust and chips from the hole andsurrounding area, insert the anchor bodyand tap it flush with the deck surface.

4. Install the screws and thread a lubricated insertinto the anchor body until only the unthreadedportion if exposed.

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Non-RemovableObjects and Obstacles

Diving boards, spas, raised walls, planters, rockformations and water falls are among the manypool features that require special arrangements inorder to be covered safely.

Coated Stainless Cable and Y-Strap assemblies areavailable for use when conditions require specificanchoring hardware.

The Coated Stainless Cable assembly includes 2 brassanchors, 2 cable clamps, 1 turn buckle and 15’ ofcoated stainless steel cable. This hardware can beused with spring clips to draw a portion of a safetycover securely around the perimeter of a fixed poolfeature. It can also be used in association withexpansion anchors, threaded eye bolts and springclips to create a safe attachment to an object intowhich expansion anchors can be permanently set.

The Y-Strap assembly is most often used to attach acenter length strap to anchors on opposite sides of adiving board stand; though it can be used for otherapplications. This assembly includes 2 straps sewn toa ring, 2 anchors, 2 D-rings and 2 springs with covers.

Do not install a solid safety cover not equipped witha drain system unless an electric, submersible pumpis provided with the cover.

IMPORTANT:

The 10” Deck Tube is not for paver deck applicationsthat do not have a concrete/mortar sub-deck.

Installing Anchors in Pavers, Brick& Stone Surfaces that have aConcrete/Mortar & CompactedGravel Base

• A 10'' Deck Tube with included anchor can beused for paver, brick & stone applications thathave a concrete/mortar & compacted gravel subbase (see diagrams below).

• Whenever possible, locate the hole for the DeckTube at the intersection of two or morepaver/stones.

• A 1'' dia. rotary hammer core drill bit is suggested to create the desired holes.

• Using a hardwood block and mallet tap the Deck Tube into position.• OPTIONAL: Before completely tapping the DeckTube flush with the deck surface. Leave 1'' of theDeck Tube exposed and apply a bead of masonryconstruction adhesive around the tube. Thencomplete tapping the Deck Tube flush to thedeck, making sure to clean off all excess adhesive.(For a finished look use the brass collar itemMH213 on top of the inserted Deck Stake)

• Remove the insert, lubricate it and screw it intothe anchor body until only the unthreaded por-tion is exposed. Attach springs as instructed.

NOTES___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Care and Maintenance

• Cover must be installed taut. Loose-fitting coverscan cause excessive abrasion.

• Upon installation of springs, ensure they are tautas they will relax within several weeks.

• Inspect the springs periodically to make sure thesprings are properly compressed (about halfway).

• Be sure to maintain the proper chemical levels inthe pool during the winter.

• Water level must be within 12” of the coverduring the snow season to help support theweight. Failure to do so will void the warranty.

• Read the warranty carefully as to its conditionsand make sure the warranty card is completedand mailed to the specified address, or towww.yourpoolwarranty.com

• When installing or removing the cover, make surenot to drag the cover over any abrasive surfaceand be careful not to catch the cover materialon the springs or anchors.

• If pool edging or deck is sharp or abrasive, it isrecommended that padding be used to protectthe cover in those areas.

• Store the cover in the mesh bag provided andhang off the floor for drainage and protectionwhen not in use.

• Flush out anchor casings with a hose when openingpool and spray the anchor screw with siliconeprior to screwing it flush for the pool season.

• SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!Our safety covers are built to meet or exceedevery related safety and structural regulationgoverning their manufacture. However, it is theconsumer purchaser’s responsibility to follow allsafety instructions provided with any safety coverand to educate all users of the product as to itssafe and proper use.

AT NO TIME SHOULD ANYONE PURPOSELYATTEMPT TO ENTER THE SAFETY COVER.

LATHAM POOL PRODUCTS, INC. 787 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110LB621 Rev 12/11 Printed in USA