DIY Pool covers???

[JohnT]

There is concrete all around the pool, I'm noy sure it's 36" in every direction, will check and get back. LoopLoc site claims only 18" required.

18" from the pool is where the anchors are set. Steps and corners can get tricky, so 3 ft is good to have. Get a good, accurate drawing of your pool and the concrete, including steps, diving boards etc.. They will custom design a cover for you and send you a drawing to show where holes need to be. You can put posts in the ground outside the pad if needed.

I got a Loop-Loc for my 20X36 grecian from poolcenter.com for around $1275, which included everything needed to install. I bought a new 3/4" hammer drill bit for around $30 at Lowe's that did a fine job on the 36 holes I needed. Even if you have to buy the drill, installing it yourself is the way to go.

[waste]

Mariner, a word of caution - it's probably best to keep your e-mail address from the boards, there are a lot of ***holes out there, I'd suggest editing and removing your info. Ben has closed registration because of 'hackers', don't open yourself up to any that haven't been removed That said; I usually prefer to keep my advice 'on the boards', for 2 reasons - 1) If you have a question, someone else probably has the same one, so the info is not 'case specific' and posting it here may save someone having to ask a question. 2) I may 'misspeak' myself or offer some questionable advice that someone else here would catch and correct, getting just 1 source of info can be a bad thing! However, if for some reason, you'd prefer to keep things private, pm me and I'll give you my e-mail address and phone #.
John's response was correct (as usual - can't give 'rep' anymore but can say that someone gave a great response ) I want the 3' as a safety measure (some manufacturers give an 'uneven' overlap on the cover, so 'playing it safe' keeps the need for the 'lawn-stakes' out of the picture). But, all other things aside, John and I can probably talk you through the installation, if you decide to DYS. (and others will chime in with advice)

[noworries]

I'm in need of a pool cover as well, but don't need anything as fancy as a loop-loc. I had to google it to find out what it is--man is that chick on their website ANNOYING. Any advice for a DIYer who needs a pool cover, but has no dogs or kids to worry about? Any recommendations on where to buy online? I'm guessing I'd want to get a reel locally due to shipping costs? Should I start another thread?

[waste]

noworries, sounds like you're looking for a solar cover (I've never seen a winter cover that goes on a reel).
Whichever cover you're looking for, if you have steps that extend beyond the wall of the pool, include their length in the size of the cover (eg. 18 x36 IG pool with 8 x 4 steps in the center of the shallow end should be measured as a 22x 36 pool) Some companies make covers with a 'step flap' included, but if you don't include the steps, you could end up with a cover that falls a little short That said, a new thread might have been a good idea.