Comparison with suppliers of aluminum or PVC swim platforms?
- PoolDocks offers more design selection than the competition and more color optionsA
- Pooldocks platforms are lightweight and easy to take out of water and store
- Pooldocks are easy to assemble
- Pooldocks are "modular" which allows for customerDIY design modifications
- Damaged parts are simple to replace
Why do we need to use ballast weights?
PoolDocks are not anchored - they rest on the bottom of the pool using simple weights (weightlifting plate weights, scuba weights etc) See more - ballast/weights.
Why do you not sell ballast weights?
- There are customers who already have some type of weights, and do not want to pay extra.
- We do not have the purchasing power of Walmart, Target, Amazon etc.
- We have to charge you much more for the "same" weights.
- Special packing and extra shipping for the weights will also add considerably to your costs
- If we offer weights of a certain size, color and shape, customers will invariably ask for different sizes, colors or weights.
Can the platforms be used for older kids or adults?
 The actual structures are very strong and can support hundreds of pounds, but, each panels has a weight limit og 110 pounds ( 55 Kg) .
Caution: Do not bounce or jump on the panels or they may crack. They are not "trampolines"
To increase weight limits on platforms, some customers have reported attaching large sheets of 1/4" plexiglass or phenol to the top of the whole platform with stainless steel screws. Prior to using, all the corners and edges of the plexihave to be rounded off so users do not get cuts or scratches. We have not tested this method and cannot recommend.
How safe are the the structures?
The pool platforms are rugged and designed to work in an adult supervised environment. Safety is 100% the responsibility of the users and/or supervisors. See our page on Safety
Can kids swim under the pool platforms?
Supervisors, instructors, parents, etc are fully responsibility for safety when using the pool platforms. There is always the the possibility of kids trying to swim underneath the platforms so we have created "CLOSED" platform models to increase safety and kids canno swim underneath.
How easy is it to assemble the pool platforms?
We provide detailed step-by-step, level-by-level instructions. Assembly requires basic handyman skills. The smallest designs may take 30 minutes, the larger ones may take a couple of hours. It all depends on the size and type of platform, the number of installers and their skill.
Storing the pool platforms?
Depending on the available space, you can easily store the platform flat, on their sides, on their end. Do not hang the platforms from walls or ceilings. You can also take apart and re-assemble for the next season.
How do you get the platforms out of the water?
1. Remove the ballast weights. 2. Push to the edge of the pool. 3. The larger the platform, the more people are needed to help. 4. Push and tip the platform out of the pool and let the water drain out. 5. Do not "PULL" the platform out of the water or you will stress the connections.
Are the pool platforms easy to move on land?
Generally, the smaller units weigh 20-50 lbs and can be moved by a single person. You have to let the water drain out of the structures before moving.For large units, use more people to move the platfom.
Do NOT drag the platforms on the sides of the pool or you will scuff and add wear to the components.
You may wish to use furniture sliding pads underneath your platform to move on land. Available at most stores that sell home furnishings and supplies.
Can you use a pool vacuum with a PoolDock in the pool?
Yes - best if you purchase the "closed" version. Since these models are completely enclosed under water, the vacuum will just bump into it as if it were hitting the pool wall. If you have "open" models, there is the possibility the vacuum head can get caught up in the platform.
What if my pool slopes or has rounded sides?
Could be a deal-breaker, or just a minor problem. See the page on Sloping Pool. We cannot change the design of our platform to accommodate non-flat pool bottoms.
Is there color fading?
The components are made from thermoplastic which contain UV inhibitors. However, exposure of the tubes and panels to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time will eventually result in some fading Even if there is eventually some color fading, it will not affect the quality or durability of the components.
How do you ship?
Each system is shipped as an un-assembled kit (tubes, connectors, panels, screws etc) packed in cartons and normally delivered by Fedex. The cost of shipping will vary with the size/weight of the cartons and the destination. We ship across the USA and to Canada.
International shipping?
We ship Fedex ground to Canada
For Central and South America and the Caribbean we only ship to a USA port to the address of a freight forwarder you provide.
We do not ship outside of the Americas.
Can platforms be used on vinyl liners?
Basically, yes - assuming that you have a firm, flat and smooth base underneath the liner. All the PoolDocks components are "rounded" - and have no sharp edges to cut or damage the liner. Also each structure has a broad footprint to spead out the weight of kids standing or sitting on it. But we cannot guarantee that over time if the platform is left in exactly the same place and after some period of time (months/years), there "may" eventually be some wearing of the liners.
Are the panels slippery?
Panels do not have a non-slip surface. Try first with just the basic panel surfacing. The panels are made of smooth polyethelyene and do not have a pebbled or non-slip surface. You have the option of spray painting with a on-slip plastic paint (eg Plastikote) or applying shower/bathetub non-slip stickers. We do not supply either the paint or the stickers.
How do you clean?
You can use any non-abrasive household cleaner. If you use abrasive cleaners it will take the shine off the thermoplastic.
Can they be used in chlorinated water?
Yes. The components are made of thermoplastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) and can be safely used in all types of water including salt and chlorinated water. Over time the tubes and panels may exhibit some discoloration doe to exposure to chlorinated water.
Can the designs be modified?
Yes. The modular system allows you to change the design any way you want. Many of our customers have downloaded the 3-D program and created their own tot docks from scratch. Think of our system as a "large scale" Lego set - completely modular.
Can you make a custom design?
Yes we can, if we have time - but it will cost you "up front" for us to modify designs or create new ones. We only work on larger custom models. Small design changes can be made by the customer. Visit the Customization FAQ's
What happens if a component breaks?
Simple. Take it out and replace it with a new piece. The system is totally modular. You can order extra components from us.
Feel free to Contact Us if you have any other questions. |
