When purchasing a safety cover for your pool, it is crucial to remember that one standard safety cover shape does not fit all custom pool shape variations. Can’t I Just Buy an Oversized Cover? Have you asked yourself yet, "Why can't I buy a really big cover, that way, it just covers everything?" It is not recommended at all. However, a simple formula can simplify the answer: Safety Cover less Rub Strips plus Pool-Surround = Ripped Cover! Under each strap of the Cover is a rubbing strip positioned where the cover manufacturer believes the edge or lip of the pool is located. When the Cover is pushed downwards by wind, rain, snow, etc., the Cover will "rub" on the pool's edge. The rubbing strips take the brunt of this, by design, and this elongates the useful life of the Cover. If you put a larger rectangle over your non-rectangular shaped pool, the rubbing strips will not be in a position to do their jobs, and the strap and cover fabric will then be compromised. Manufacturers can easily see the rubbing outline pattern of the pool and will not warranty any cover not specifically made for that pool size/shape. Homeowners and liability insurance companies will also not cover any of your liability if you put a safety cover not made for the size and shape of your pool. There also may be local ordinances or Home Owner Association regulations that may also put you at risk. When Do I Need a Custom Safety Cover? Our standard safety covers are versatile products, but they aren't suited for every pool. In addition, custom sizes, custom accessories, and non-standard layouts might require a custom cover. If you're wondering whether you need a standard or custom pool safety cover, there are a few things you should consider. 1. What Shape Is Your Pool? The first factor that determines when custom covers are needed is when your pool is a non-standard shape. At Discounter's Pool and Spa Warehouse, we offer standard safety covers for several of the most common swimming pool sizes of rectangular pools. However, if your pool is a non-standard or irregular shape, you will need to order a custom cover to fit it. 2. Does Your Pool Have Any Special Features? Another important consideration is whether or not your pool has unique features that the cover would need to account for. Common pool features that can affect your cover include: Water features such as waterfalls Built-in hot tubs or spas next to your pool boundary Non-removable ladders, slides, or railings Diving boards with the base within 12' of the pool's edge If your pool has any of the above features, you may have to order a custom-made safety pool cover instead of using a standard safety cover. Custom covers can be made to fit over or around these obstacles. 3. Do You Have Existing Pool Cover Anchors? If you're replacing your old safety pool cover with a newer, safer model, chances are your pool already has anchor points set up to attach the cover to your pool deck. Unfortunately, a new standard cover will likely have different anchor points than the cover you had previously. Discounter's Pool and Spa has you covered with our new safety cover replacement program. This program allows you to replace your safety cover without drilling new holes and making it exactly your previous cover. 4. Do You Have Enough Deck Space? Standard covers require you to have at least a 2.5-foot overlap on all sides of your pool to install properly. This is required so the anchors have enough room to securely hold your cover down and so you can move freely around them. If you don't have that much clear space around your pool on each side, a custom cover is the best way to achieve a safe and secure result. The choice is yours: Custom or Rectangle?