Inground residential swimming pools have made a huge splash since the pandemic, and sales continue to grow. Experts anticipate that the market will swell by $4.6 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.67%.
Additionally, Straits Research anticipates the swimming pool construction market will grow to $10 billion in 2030. This figure is a $3 billion increase from the market’s $7 billion valuation in 2021 and represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.
The increased demand for pools correlates to increased demand for pool safety and reliable pool covers. Innovative Test Solutions (ITS) sees this as a critical time to boost consumer awareness about the essential role swimming pool covers play in long-term enjoyment.
ITS recently completed testing on several mainstream pool covers using tough testing protocols. Pool cover testing is essential to ensure that products meet important criteria for protecting people and children from accidental drowning and injuries.
The Challenge
Every year, thousands of people go to hospital emergency departments after nearly drowning, and hundreds of additional cases end in tragedy. Pool covers are among the chief safety elements that can mean the difference between life and death for children, adults, and pets. In addition to preventing debris from getting into the pool, covers also reduce the risk of drowning by preventing access to the water. They are critical pool accessories for every home, particularly those with children ages five and younger.
The surge in demand coupled with increased customer interest sparked ITS’ drive to test the safety and durability of pool covers. Market growth necessitates testing and consumer education to ensure that pool covers meet specified safety standards and consumers understand how that testing is accomplished.
The Solution
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) determines the standards for pool covers. Testing is designed to investigate factors such as the cover’s ability to hold up to winter weather conditions. ASTM standards also require covers to be capable of preventing children younger than five from entering the water when the cover is correctly installed.
When the opportunity to participate in testing arose, ITS was thrilled to dive in.
“We are proud to work with leading pool cover manufacturers to independently verify that their pool coverings continue to meet the international standards designed to keep families safe,” ITS General Manager, Kevin McEvoy, said.
The Results
ITS employed pool cover compression testing among other methodologies to conduct rigorous testing on various industry standard, best-in-class pool covers.
“Our team used pools in neighborhoods close to our testing facility to perform a variety of tests that measure their performance to ASTM standards,” McEvoy explained.
“Testing the pool covers in real world conditions not only validates the ASTM certification, but it also provides them useful data and insights that may lead to future innovations.”
Testing methods examined the four main criteria set forth in ASTM’s standards. Those criteria include the following:
- Ability to Bear Weight: Pool covers must hold a minimum of 485 pounds — the average weight comparable to one child and two adults.
- Perimeter Deflection: No openings on the cover may be large enough to allow objects to pass through the cover, ensuring that the cover is structurally sound.
- Surface Drainage: Covers must be designed in a manner that prevents excess water from accumulating on the surface, which would put pressure on seams and damage the cover’s ability to bear weight over time.
- Labeling: Every pool cover is required to be clearly labeled to provide consumers with the information they need, including ASTM standard warnings and details about manufacturer warranties.
ASTM establishes global standards that ITS was able to use in testing to ensure some of the leading pool covers meet stringent safety guidelines. Given the growing demand among residential consumers for swimming pool installations, product compression testing and other testing methods are more critical than ever.
Get More Information
ITS specializes in creating custom test rigs and using advanced analytical testing for the mechanical testing of structures and structural materials. Learn more about our product testing services or call us today to discuss your testing needs.
Our Results Speak For Themselves
As an industry-leading provider of material and machine testing services, inspection, and certification services to many of the world's leading organizations, ITS is driven by purpose and the success of others.
For More Information About Our Testing Services, Contact Us Today.
Through constant improvement, innovation, and thorough testing, ITS is able to create an environment that ensures personal and professional success. To secure your future, contact us for more information.