1. Determine the purpose of the platform
a. Teaching? ... key factors include numer of kids, portability, water depth
b. Recreation? .... larger platform are designed to stay in the water for longer periods
2. Do you plan to take out of the water on a regular basis (daily, weekly)?
- smaller units are easier to remove from pool, drain and move around
- larger platforms are more or less semi-permanent. Not designed to be moved in and out
3. Open vs Closed platforms?
a. Open platforms are better when there is a high level of supervision and frequent removal from pool
b. Closed
platforms are better when there is limited supervision or for recreational pools
4. How many kids at same time on the platform?
- rule of thumb is 1 child per 2 squares
- adults generally stand on the floor of the pool and not on the platforms
5. Depth of the water?
- do you want top of platform above, below or near the water level?
- our units are made with fixed size tubes so mini adjustments are not possible
6. Future modifications?
- all our systems are "modular"
- you can re-design to meet your specific needs (within safety limitations)
- additional components are easy to purchase
7. Distance from pool edges?
- you can place the platform right against the edge of the pool
- have at least 3 feet between the pool and the platform in case child falls off platform
- BUT ... do not leave small gaps between the platform and the pool edge - hazardous
8. Adults?
- these structures are designed for young children
- the main structure is very strong, but the panels are designed to hold kids up to 110 lbs
- we are working on some type of reinforced panel to hold the weight of adults
9. Sloping pool bottom?
- we cannot design structures to accommodate a sloping pool bottom
- see instructions regarding SLOPE
Also see our SAFETY GUIDELINES |
