⚠️ The Reality Every Parent Must Face
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under 5 in South Africa. It happens silently, in seconds, often while parents are just metres away. This guide provides actionable steps to protect your family.
A Story That Happened Yesterday
"Just yesterday, a customer came to me wanting to cover his pool. He had his little 3-4 year old daughter with him. He told me she had actually fallen into the water two years ago. She was wearing a vest but she fell through. For between 30 seconds and a minute the parents were not watching — she went down and was unconscious."
"You look at that little child and think: you cannot take any chances. That is real. That happened yesterday."
— Villian, Co-Founder, Designer Pool Covers
This is not an isolated incident. Pool cover specialists hear these stories regularly — families who narrowly avoided tragedy, or worse, those who weren't so fortunate. The common thread? It always happens faster than anyone expects, usually during a brief moment of distraction.
The Layers of Safety Approach
Pool safety experts worldwide recommend a "layers of protection" approach. No single safety measure is foolproof — but combining multiple barriers significantly reduces risk.
Layer 1: Physical Barriers
- ✓ Self-closing, self-latching gates
- ✓ Pool fencing (minimum 1.2m high)
- ✓ Pool safety covers
- ✓ Door alarms on pool access points
Layer 2: Supervision & Education
- ✓ Constant adult supervision (no exceptions)
- ✓ Swimming lessons for children
- ✓ CPR training for caregivers
- ✓ Establish clear pool rules
The Expert's Advice
"I do not care if you do not buy from me or buy my expensive products. At least get one layer of security. Start with self-closing gates around your property. If the pool is close to the house, keep access to the pool restricted. A building inspector will not give an occupancy certificate if there are no self-closing gates."
Pool Covers: The Horizontal Fence
A quality safety pool cover acts as a "horizontal fence" — when closed, it creates an impenetrable barrier across your entire pool surface. Unlike traditional fencing alone, a cover eliminates the water hazard entirely.
| Cover Type | Weight Capacity | Safety Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoolLock Hydraulic Vinyl | 250kg per m² | Ultimate | Families with young children |
| Child & Pet Safety Cover | 150kg collective | High | Budget-conscious families |
| Slatted Cover (with ledge) | Child-safe (max 5cm submersion) | High | Design-conscious families |
| Thermal Blanket | NONE - NOT A SAFETY COVER | None | Heat retention only |
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Thermal/solar blankets are NOT safety covers. They float on water and provide zero drowning protection.
Understanding Safety Standards
ASTM F1346
The international gold standard for pool cover safety, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Covers meeting this standard must support the weight of two adults and one child, and must not allow a small child to become trapped beneath the cover.
SABS SANS 10134:2016
South African Bureau of Standards specification for pool safety.
Covers installation requirements, fencing, and safety equipment for swimming pools in South Africa.
Your Legal Responsibility
Many pool owners don't realise the extent of their legal liability. In South Africa, if someone — even an uninvited person — drowns in your pool, you may be held responsible.
"It is not only about your household — if someone from the street enters your property through an unsecured gate and drowns, you are liable. Our pool covers are like a horizontal fence: when the cover is closed, it is locked. Pool Lock."
Building regulations require self-closing gates, but a safety pool cover provides an additional layer of protection and can demonstrate due diligence in protecting visitors.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
The most dangerous words a parent can say: "My child is only crawling, so we'll wait."
"Do it now. So many clients say their child is only crawling, so they will wait. The time is now. When you decide, it might be too late. Or when you decide, we might be too busy to install quickly. If the time is right, make the decision — not only for safety, but for all the other benefits as well."
Take Action Today
Audit Your Current Safety
Check all gates, fences, and access points. Are gates self-closing? Is fencing intact?
Get a Professional Assessment
A pool cover specialist can evaluate your pool and recommend the right safety solution.
Learn CPR
Every adult in your household should know basic CPR. Seconds matter in a drowning emergency.
Invest in a Safety Cover
Choose a cover that meets international safety standards and suits your lifestyle.
Protect Your Family Today
Don't become another statistic. Get a free safety assessment and personalised quote for a pool cover that will give you peace of mind.