Pool Safety Net
Pool Safety Net FAQ
Choosing, Installing, Using and Maintaining a Katchakid Pool Safety Net
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about the Katchakid pool safety net. If your question is not answered here, call us or send us an email.
A Katchakid pool safety net is one layer of protection. No barrier is childproof, and none replaces close, constant adult supervision.
Choosing a Net
How is a pool safety net different from a pool fence?
A pool safety net spans the pool directly over the water. It must be completely removed before swimming and fully replaced afterward.
A pool fence is a vertical barrier around the pool area that remains in place, with access through a gate.
Katchakid makes both. The right choice depends on the property layout, access points, household routine and which barrier the responsible adults will use correctly every time.
Will a net fit my pool?
Because every net is custom-fitted on site, many freeform and unusual pool shapes can be accommodated. Katchakid has fitted nets to negative edges, raised spas, rock features, spillways and changing elevations.
The critical question is whether the surrounding surfaces and features will accept suitable anchors and allow the net to be properly fitted and tensioned around the complete perimeter.
If we do not believe a suitable installation can be achieved, we will explain that before confirming the final quotation.
What does a pool safety net cost?
Most complete pool safety net installations run from $1,500 to $4,000 before tax, with the average around $2,600, including professional installation.
A net for a separate inground spa typically runs from $600 to $995.
The final price depends on the pool’s size and shape, the surrounding surfaces and any specialty anchoring the installation requires.
Get an Estimated Price Range · See the Pool Safety Net Cost Guide
Is a net suitable for a raised spa or negative edge?
Often, depending on the pool and its surrounding surfaces.
Where the net meets a raised spa wall, vanishing edge, spillway, rock feature or another vertical surface, the installer may use specialty anchoring — including low-profile stainless-steel wall anchors installed above the waterline — where the material and layout allow.
The anchoring method is selected on site according to the pool, deck, walls and other surrounding features.
Installation
How is the net custom-fitted?
The net arrives oversized and is shaped on site.
The technician establishes the anchor layout, spreads the net with the Central Tension System positioned according to the specified layout, aligns the mesh and establishes the working tension. The excess netting is then trimmed to follow the pool’s actual outline — including curves, steps and spas — and the finished perimeter is double-bound and sealed.
How long does installation take?
Installation typically takes 4–7 hours on an average-sized pool and is generally completed in one visit.
The installation technician or team measures, anchors, tensions and checks the net, then demonstrates its operation before leaving.
What is drilled into the deck?
The installer drills a series of small anchor holes, typically about ¾ in. in diameter, using a water-fed diamond core drill to help control dust.
Brass or color-matched nylon anchors are countersunk and fitted flush — or as close to flush as the surface and anchor type allow. Anchors are often spaced approximately 30 in. apart, although the exact anchor type, spacing, position and setback depend on the pool and surrounding surfaces.
Wood decks use nylon anchor plates. Rockwork, raised walls and other vertical surfaces may require specialty anchoring.
Can the pool remain full during installation?
Usually, yes. A pool safety net is normally fitted over a full pool.
Nets may also be fitted over an empty pool where required. Tell us in advance so the installation team can review the site conditions and arrive prepared.
Everyday Use
How long does removal and replacement take?
On an average-sized pool, one adult can typically remove the net in 3–5 minutes and replace and retension it in approximately 5–8 minutes.
Pool size, shape, surrounding features and familiarity with the operating sequence can affect the time required.
Can one adult operate the net?
On an average-sized pool, one responsible adult can typically remove and replace the net.
The net is fitted and tensioned with the Central Tension System closed; its tension comes from the custom fit. Releasing the CTS with the supplied Hand Tensioner creates the slack needed to remove the net. Closing the system again returns the net to its fitted tension.
The optional EZ-Close Tensioner is available for customers who would benefit from reduced operating effort.
Where is the net stored?
The net is stored on the supplied storage roller. It is wound onto the roller as it is removed and unwound as it is replaced.
The start tag identifies the point from which replacement begins, helping the customer start with the same anchor each time.
A standalone spa net is supplied without a storage roller.
Must the complete net be removed before swimming?
Yes. The net must be completely removed before anyone enters the pool and fully replaced, secured and tensioned afterward.
A partially removed, unsecured or slack net should not be relied upon as a barrier.
Testing and Safety
What is ASTM F1346-23?
ASTM F1346-23 is the current performance specification for safety covers and labeling requirements for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. It establishes performance tests and marking requirements for the completed safety-cover system.
Depending on the pool and its surroundings, a Katchakid pool safety net can be installed to meet ASTM F1346-23. Qualification depends on the completed system and installation — not the mesh alone.
Is the net childproof?
No barrier is childproof.
A correctly installed, attached and tensioned Katchakid net is a supplementary barrier intended to inhibit access to the water when used according to its instructions. It works alongside close, constant adult supervision — never instead of it.
Can anyone walk or play on the net?
No. The net is not a walking or play surface, and nobody should climb, crawl or play on it.
Remove anyone from the net immediately.
What does independent testing cover?
The Katchakid pool safety net system has been tested by an independent laboratory as a complete installed system — not by strand thickness alone.
ASTM F1346-23 testing addresses matters including:
- Static load.
- Perimeter deflection.
- Openings within the mesh and around the perimeter.
- Surface drainage.
- Marking and labeling.
- Owner documentation.
Where the completed installation qualifies, the required labels and owner information are applied or provided.
Technical information is available for inspectors and other officials. See Pool Safety Net Materials, Components and Testing. The relevant local authority determines whether a particular installation satisfies locally adopted barrier requirements.
Does the net replace adult supervision?
No. The net is one layer of protection and should be used alongside close, constant adult supervision and the other safety practices appropriate to the property and household.
It does not remove the need for secured access points, household pool rules, swimming instruction or emergency preparedness.
Ownership and Service
What should I inspect?
Each time the net is replaced, check that:
- Every fastener is secured in its anchor.
- The net has returned to its fitted tension.
- There is no obvious gap around the perimeter.
- The CTS is fully closed.
Periodically inspect the mesh, perimeter binding, CTS rope, pulleys and fasteners for signs of wear, and keep the anchors clear of debris.
If anything appears worn, damaged, loose or out of alignment, contact Katchakid before relying on the net as a barrier.
What is covered by the warranty?
Every Katchakid pool safety net is backed by a written five-year parts-and-labor warranty, subject to the published terms.
The warranty period is not a prediction of the net’s service life. Actual service life varies according to use, climate, sun exposure, storage, maintenance and changes to the pool or surrounding surfaces. Some Katchakid nets remain in service considerably longer.
Can an older net be serviced?
Katchakid can assess older Katchakid pool safety nets.
Where the net remains sound and compatible parts are available, service may include replacement fasteners, rope, pulleys, anchors or tensioning tools, together with adjustment or refitting where appropriate.
Can filled, blocked or missing anchors be replaced?
Often.
An anchor obstructed by grout, debris or other material may be capable of being cleared. A missing or damaged anchor may be replaced or repositioned nearby where the surrounding surface and net layout allow.
If the deck, coping or surrounding surface has changed, the technician will assess on site what the surface can accept.
What happens if the pool or deck changes?
Contact Katchakid before the work begins.
New coping, resurfacing, re-decking, remodeling or a change to the water’s edge may require:
- New anchors.
- Repositioned anchors.
- Refitting of the existing net.
- Modification of the perimeter.
- In some cases, a replacement net.
We will review the proposed changes and provide a quotation for any work required.
Still Have a Question?
Call 1-888-552-8242, send us an email, request an estimated price range, or contact Service if you already own a Katchakid.
Get an Estimated Price RangeRequest Parts or ServiceCall Katchakid
Product review: Clare Esson, Sales & Marketing Director, Katchakid
Technical review: Brad Esson, Katchakid
Last reviewed: 14 September 2026
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