SAFETY COVER ALERT

Important Information You Should Have As you Shop

Steer Clear of These Pitfalls

Bogus Warranties: Some companies throw warranties around like they mean nothing. But if you call them back with a warranty problem, they will send you directly to the manufacturer, they will not assist you in any way. So, before you buy, it's important to confirm what is covered by their warranty, who makes the decision as to what is covered, who pays the shipping for the repair(s) etc.? Some unscrupulous retailers are just in it for the quick sale and don't care about service after the sale. They think you aren't paying attention. They think you really don't care. They think that as long as they tell you the length of the warranty, it's OK. At SPP, we will tell you exactly what is covered, for how long, and all the particulars.

False Advertising on Pricing: Some companies show freeform swimming pools and list Safety Cover prices for 5' x 5' spacing rectangular pools. Why don't they show you the real price for that shape and size? We'll tell you why! Because they want you to think that your Safety Cover will be the same price they show. In a nutshell, you are being baited. Do you really want to deal with a company that advertises that way? At SPP, we clearly mark our pictures & pricing to give you an honest idea of the cost. This is the honest way to advertise. If honesty and integrity matter to you, should call us. If you are not diligent about these advertising ploys, you could be their next victim.

Bogus Manufacturer & Model Names: Some fly-by-night Internet companies advertise Safety Covers using fictitious makes & models. Why? They are hoping to sell you an inferior Cover with a supposedly longer warranty than what is generally available in the marketplace. Some even show you a name brand manufacturer's name or logo online, but then don't let you buy the name brand Cover at the price they advertise. You may think you are buying the name brand, but you aren't. These guys think that you are stupid! These guys think that the longer warranty they show will convince you of the quality. These same guys cannot even e-mail, fax or mail you the warranty that they advertise for a specific Safety Cover. The BBB is looking into these matters now, but in the meantime, these retailers are still operating.

Discount Coupons or Limited Time Offers: Beware of companies that attempt to bait you with coupons or limited time offers... we usually don't! Our prices are lower than most, every day of the year. And when we do have a special offer, we take the discount off our standard everyday prices (not on prices that are artificially marked up before taking the discount). You can rest assured that our specials are legitimate discounts on available products we actually carry! We don't "bait & switch".

What to Look for in the Cover, Manufacturer & Distributor

FIRST: A top-quality Safety Cover should have binding on both the top and bottom. The binding (or webbing as it is sometimes called) is the fabric that is sewn into the cross-sections of the Cover. This webbing is what provides the Cover with strength. A top-quality Safety Cover uses binding that is polypropylene with varying percentages of nylon in it. The binding provides maximum strength but still allows the material to stretch. Binding should be triple stitched using top-quality nylon parachute thread. At critical locations, the binding should be "cross and boxed stitched". The better manufacturers use Daybond 94® white thread. When you use white thread, imperfections in the assembly are quickly found during final inspection. If the binding and the thread are both black, how can you possibly see the sewn seams? Many "big-name" manufacturers do NOT use top and bottom webbing throughout their Safety Covers. Let us tell you who they are.

SECOND: Top-quality Safety Covers are fitted exactly to your pool using computer aided design to prevent errors. If we get the correct measurements of your pool at the waterline, your Cover is guaranteed to be the best fitted Safety Cover you can get. We guarantee it!

THIRD: The Safety Cover's hardware (anchors, springs, buckles and d-rings) should be of top-quality, too. The installation tool is one area where some manufacturers try to save money. Some even use a plastic installation tool instead of metal or stainless steel!

FOURTH: A good manufacturer will have a serial # and /or a database showing your Cover information. Let's say that 12 years down the road you need a replacement - wouldn't it be nice to just contact the manufacturer and have them make you a new Safety Cover, without having to re-measure your pool?

FIFTH: The dealer you get the cover from should know the Safety Cover business. At SPP, we have 12 Pool Professionals answering your phone calls. Every one of them knows pools, pool equipment and supplies. They also know how to measure and install both stock and custom-made Safety Covers. For standard stock sizes, you can use our online EZ Order and purchase your Safety Cover quickly and easily - using your specific measurements and customized options. Whether you have a cement patio, pavers or a wood deck around the pool, it's all built-in to our EZ Order feature. And we love those challenging jobs, too! Freeform and extra-large pools, raised spas and fountains, boulders or buddy seats are not a problem. Get a Quick Quote online or give us a call and we can help you measure and create a custom Cover for your pool. Digital cameras can really aid us in getting just the right information we need to measure your pool.

SIXTH: We do business with the leaders. We know who makes the best Safety Cover for the money. We also know who makes the worst Safety Covers, too.

SEVENTH: We are the exclusive dealer for Chairman's Choice™ Safety Covers - the best-made Safety Cover you can get, with the best Warranty in the industry! This 3' x 3' spaced mesh Cover provides the greatest strength available, and the best Guarantee. When you purchase a Chairman's Choice Safety Cover, you get a 15-Year Warranty, a full 3-Year Guarantee and a 12-Year Warranty. No matter what happens to the Cover during the first 3 years, it will be picked up by us, repaired or replaced, and shipped back to you at no charge. Even if a deer or circus animal goes through the Cover, our Chairman's Choice warranty covers you. A written gold leaf certificate accompanies each Chairman's Choice Cover. It's a secure feeling knowing that the Chairman's Choice is standing sentinel to protect your pool with lasting beauty and dependability.

Making Sure you Get the Best Cover, and the Best Deal!

Do your Research & Buy from a Reputable Retailer

• Ask the Internet or Catalog company for the manufacturer's name on the Safety Cover they recommend.
• Ask the Internet or Catalog Company to e-mail, fax, or mail you a copy of the manufacturer's Warranty.
• Ask the Internet or Catalog company for the phone number of the manufacturer of the Safety Cover you are thinking of purchasing. Then Contact that manufacturer and ask them about the Cover and the warranty they say the cover has.
• Ask the Internet or Catalog Company to go over their return policy on the safety cover with you.
• Review their return policy and see if the Safety Cover can be returned if something is not right.
• Read their entire return policy and to get a feel for the type of company you may be dealing with.
• Deal only with companies that are legitimate.
• Contact the BBB Online and ask about the Internet or Catalog Company you plan on purchasing from. Their phone number is 703-276-0100.
• Buy from professionals who can help you every step of the way. Buy from a company that wants you to call them on the phone. Buy from a company that will actually answer your phone call and not tell you to order online if their phone is busy. Of course their number is always busy, they don't want to talk to you. At SPP, we do!

How to Select a Safety Cover - Compare Warranties Between Covers
Safety Cover Spacing - Measuring Form for Extra-Large & Free-Form Pools - On-Ground Covers
Need your Pool Measured? - Information Package Request Form - Have a Step Extension?
Fox & Kafko Pool Owners - Read About Safety Covers - Need Assistance?