Who and What Is ASTM International?

Originated in 1898 by a group of railway engineers, to deal with issues concerning their steel rails, ASTM International has become one of the largest classification and standards developing organization in the world. Standards and classifications are developed within voluntary member committees. ASTM International performs no part in approving, sanctioning or enforcing compliance with its standards. The standards become mandated when referenced by a society, association, or government. To demonstrate a product fufills the terms of a standard a product can be tested by an independent testing laboratory. The laboratory will then issue a full report with confirmation of compliance.

Why Is The ASTM F1346-91 Standard Important?

ASTM F1346 - 91 Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. ASTM International developed this standard to reduce the risk of drowning to children of less than 5 years of age. This standard is used in many States and Cities mandated pool barrier codes as well as referenced nationally by day-care, adoption and fostering agencies.

Some of the qualifications for ASTM specification F1346-91 include:

  • The static load test for weight support. The cover should be able to hold a weight of at least 485lbs (2 adults and 1 child) to permit rescue operation.
  • Perimeter Deflection Tests for entry or entrapment between the cover and the side of the pool. The cover must demonstrate that any opening is sufficiently small and strong enough to prevent the test object being passed through.
  • The Surface Drainage Test which safeguards against a dangerous amount of water collecting on the cover’s surface.
  • Labeling requirements must include basic consumer information such as the warranty information, the appropriate warnings as described in the standard, and acknowledge the product as a safety cover.

How Can You Tell If A Cover Meets The ASTM F1346-91 Standard?

The Pool cover companies website, literature and brochures will state ASTM F1346-91 safety cover compliant. The pool cover itself will have the correct labels attached and the company will be able to show laboratory reports to further prove their covers compliance to the standard.

ASTM F1346-91 Compliancy Ensures You Of A Quality Pool Cover.

All pool covers are supplementary pool safety aids and not a substitute for the undivided and constant supervision of an adult. Pool covers can never replace adult supervision nor can they be a guarantee against drowning or other accidents. Always replace your cover after swimming. Experts agree that multiple layers of protection offer the best protection against drowning and near drowning incidents. The most at risk are children under 5 years of age so always be extra vigilant with children in this age group.

The Katchakid Is ASTM F1346-91 Compliant.

The Katchakid pool net, manufactured in Houston, Texas by Katchakid Inc. is compliant with ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers. The Katchakid pool safety net meets all the criteria for the standard’s demanding series of performance tests and labeling requirements. While already a quality and time tested product, conforming to the ASTM’s code further provides owners of the Katchakid assurance that they have one of the best forms of pool protection assisting to reduce the drowning risk of small children.