As the sun begins to set on those hot summer days and you start thinking about winterizing your pool, one essential item that should be at the top of your list is a safety cover. A safety cover not only protects your pool from debris during the off-season but also provides an added layer of protection for your family and pets. But before you can enjoy the peace of mind a safety cover brings, you need to make sure you know the correct size safety cover to get — and with that comes a bit of measuring prowess. We’ll walk you through what you need to know to find the perfect size safety cover. 

Preparation Before Measuring Your Pool for a Safety Cover

Before you start measuring your pool for a safety cover, you’ve got to do some preparatory work. Proper preparation will ensure accurate measurements and, therefore, a well-fitting safety cover. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Inspect the Pool’s Perimeter: Walk around your pool and note any irregularities, protrusions, or obstructions. These might include slides, diving boards, ladders, or landscaping features. These must be measured separately and accounted for when ordering your safety cover.
• Gather Your Tools: You will need a long measuring tape (at least as long as the longest part of your pool), a pencil, and a piece of paper or a pool measurement form to record your measurements. Some people find it helpful to use a helper to hold one end of the tape measure, especially for larger pools.
• Sketch Your Pool: Draw a rough sketch of your pool on your paper or form. This doesn’t have to be to scale; it’s just to help you visualize the pool and keep track of your measurements. Mark any special features or obstructions on your sketch.
• Prepare for Multiple Measurements: Keep in mind that you will need to take several measurements, not just the length and width. This includes the size of your pool’s corners (if it has any), the distance from the pool to any nearby obstructions, and possibly the depth if you’re considering a solid cover.

The Measuring Process

Measuring your pool for a safety cover is a systematic process that requires precision and attention to detail. Start with a tape measure to get the exact dimensions. Measure from inside edge to inside edge, across the pool at its widest and longest points. Remember to include measurements for any non-removable features, such as a diving board or stairs. These will need to be accommodated in the cover design.

It’s also important to measure the pool’s corners, especially if they are rounded. This will determine the radius of the curve, which aids in shaping the cover accurately. Finally, measure the perimeter around your pool to make sure there’s enough decking or paving space for the cover anchors.  If the decking is less than 3 feet in any area, that should be noted to make sure that you get the right hardware, also note what is beyond the area with the short deck, whether it is grass or stone or a planter.  

Take note of all these measurements, double-checking for accuracy. These figures will be invaluable when ordering your custom safety cover.

Dealing with Unique Pool Shapes and Features

Whether your pool is kidney-shaped, L-shaped, has a spa attached, or has features like slides and diving boards, there are things you can do to mitigate the effects of these features. We like to use a process called AB measuring, where we mark points around the pool perimeter approximately every 2 to 3 feet, each point should be numbered starting from 1. Then nail 2 pins in the ground labeled A and B, when you measure from each pin to each point, you can triangulate the exact shape of the pool using a CAD system.  For features like slides or diving boards, measure the distance from the pool edge to the closest point of the feature and measure the size of the feature. All the features should also be marked in the AB points and numbered.  Remember to note these measurements separately. Armed with accurate dimensions, you’ll be able to find the perfect safety cover that fits like a glove around all the different characteristics of your pool.  See the example of AB’s of a pool below.

Things to Keep in Mind When Measuring Your Pool

Measuring your pool for a safety cover is a crucial step in ensuring you get the right fit. However, the task of measuring your pool can be daunting, especially when dealing with unique shapes or additional features. But we’ve got you covered with a few important tips to keep in mind as you embark on this task:

• Accuracy is Crucial: Small measurement errors can lead to significant problems. The cover may not fit correctly or provide the desired level of safety if it’s too small or large. Always double-check your measurements for accuracy.
• Measure the Widest and Longest Points: For rectangular pools, this is straightforward. For irregular shapes, identify the longest length and the widest width, even if they don’t seem like the traditional ‘length’ and ‘width.’ These measurements are crucial when ordering your cover.
• Factor in Non-Removable Objects: Permanent features such as ladders, diving boards, or slides should be measured from their furthest point to the pool edge. These measurements help to create cut-outs or allowances in the safety cover.  NJ Pool code requires that ladders and rails be removable, so for most pools, ladders and rails should just be removed at the time of cover installation. 
• Consider the Decking: Safety covers require some space on the deck to anchor securely. Measure the perimeter around your pool to ensure there is at least 3 feet of decking or paving all around.
• Don’t Forget the Pool’s Corners: If your pool has corners, you’ll need to measure these too. You want to determine the radius of the curve of your pool’s corners as it helps to shape the cover accurately.

Why Install Your Pool Cover Alone When You Can Do It With S&R Pools?

Accurately measuring your pool for a safety cover is crucial in ensuring the safety and cleanliness of your swimming area. But if things feel a bit complicated, or if you’re lacking on time, there’s nothing wrong with turning to the experts at S&R Pools. We provide fantastic pool safety cover installations, which include accurate measurements and strong, sustainable pool covers that withstand the elements. 

If you’re looking for more guidance on pool covers and how to protect your investment, check out our comprehensive homeowner’s guide to pool safety covers. We’re committed to your safety, so trust S&R Pools to keep your pool protected today!