How The SafaDeckTM Works
The patented SafaDeckTM pond cover comprises of grid panels (59cm x 49cm) produced in glass reinforced polymer which are clipped into place on black aluminium beams.
Grids can be removed from the pond by detaching the child-resistant retaining clips. This means that access is gained into the pond without having to remove the whole structure.
The black powder coated (for added discreetness) aluminium beams are supported from underneath by legs which can be placed anywhere under the support beams and rest on coned feet to avoid damage to the liner. The legs can be easily cut to length to fit to the required depth.
The beams, in ponds where additional or alternative support is required, such as in sloping sided ponds, or ponds with few horizontal surfaces on which to site the legs, can be suspended into the pond on strong but discreet support line, which extends through each beam and which is anchored to the outside of the pond.
Different fixings enable the support line to be safely secured to any type of pond edge.
The beams and grid panels can be easily cut to shape and extra components are available to protect pond liners from any cut sections.
The grids, which can be placed either just below or just above the water surface, are lightweight and easy to cut, but are incredibly strong. Triangular holes within each grid are designed to allow most plants and fish to exist normally, whilst at the same time preventing a child’s head penetrating the water.
All components are UV-stable and have been tested to withstand the impact of the falling weight of an average 8 year old child. As you will see from some of the photographs on the site, the SafaDeckTM pond guard will normally support the weight of an adult.
Because the SafaDeckTM pond grid is a modular design, ponds of almost any size and shape can be protected. Raised ponds, sunken ponds, round, oval, square and kidney shaped ponds can each accommodate the SafaDeckTM pond safety system.
We haven’t yet found a pond that can’t be satisfactorily protected!
We supply on a regular basis to many different types of customer
These include:
We also install the product throughout mainland UK and can arrange installations internationally
If you choose to have us install your SafaDeckTM, we will give you a choice regarding the positioning of the SafaDeckTM with relation to the pond’s surface.
Any water can be dangerous to small children and as a result both RoSPA and ourselves recommend that the SafaDeckTM is installed above the maximum water level -this way you can be sure that your children will not come into contact with any water.
However, over the last ten years, many customers have asked us to position the SafaDeckTM just below water level, as it is evidently more discreet.
We will carry out this request, up to a maximum of 2 centimetres below water, but only on the understanding that the risk is transferred to the pond owner – don’t forget – any water can be dangerous, and the SafaDeckTM is not a replacement for constant adult supervision – it is a barrier to entry into deep pond water to help keep children safe if they become temporarily unsupervised.
When it comes to the safety of your children there really can be only one choice – SafaDeckTM – proven industry leader, providing quality and level of service that your children deserve.
SafaDeckTM in detail
The SafaDeckTM from the beginning was designed with kids in mind to stop children from entering the water. Careful consideration has been paid to the shape and size of the grid. Our triangular grid pattern has been designed with RoSPA’s recommendations that the grid “should have a grid size of no more than 80mm x 80mm – this size ensures against entrapment.” As you can see from the image the SafaDeckTM meets with RoSPA’s recommendations. Not all grids and meshes comply with this recommendation and should you decide not to choose the SafaDeckTM we strongly recommend that you ensure, for yourself, that any solution complies with RoSPA’s recommendations.
The SafaDeck’s support beam has a patented profile allowing the grids to sit in the channels providing maximum security and rigidity to the modular grid system. The contoured profile has been designed to be fish friendly with no square edges. The beams have been powder coated black to provide maximum corrosion resistance, and to make them as discreet as possible.
The beam cleat is a specially contoured cap used to finish off the end of the support beam. After the beam is cut to length, without the beam cleat it would pose a threat to the pond liner. The beam cleat has a central hole, through which the support cord is passed.
The grid to grid clip brings together one grid in a lane with its neighbouring grid. These can be removed for servicing and easy access into the pond. These grid to grid clips add strength to the overall cover
The floating beam clip is used to attach grids to the first and last beams in the pond imparting additional strength and regidity to the end beams.
The child proof beam clip is used to clip the grid to the beam. Normally one beam clip is located in each corner of the grid, meaning on average 4 beam clips are required for each grid. Beam clips are also placed over any join in the beams. These specially designed clips were developed to allow repeated removal without failure, aiding routine maintenance of pumps and filters etc…
The universal cut end bumper is used to protect butyl and PVC liners from any cut sections of grid. It has a smooth curved side and an open side.
The cut end support is used in the rare event when a section of grid cannot be adequately supported by beams on either side.
The specially developed adjustable sliding support joins the top of the leg to the underside of the beam. It slides along the beam so that a support leg can be positioned at any convenient point. The adjustment means that the legs don’t have to be cut to precisely the correct height and that it is easier to achieve a perfectly level finish.
The foot is inserted into the bottom of the leg section and rests on the base of the pond. Rounded edges of the foot reduce the risk of the foot damaging the lining of the pond.
The shield anchor is used in pond edges such as brick, solid slab edges or solid stone surrounds. A 6.0mm hole is drilled at the relevant point to receive the shield anchor. The support cord is then passed into the hole and a simple knot tied to give added support to the ends of the beams.
An alternative to the Shiled Anchor the specially designed stakes are used to secure the support cord when there is not a solid fixing (eg. bricks or stones). These are made from galvanized steel and are 25cm long. The concave face of the stake faces the pond. The support cord passes through the central hole, then into the side hole, over the ‘U’ shaped cut in the top of the stake and down into the loop created. It is then tightened as necessary and hammered into the ground.
The joiner has been designed to match the profile of the beam and helps position one beam into the next.