Introduction

A Loop-Loc safety cover is one of the best investments you can make for your inground pool, but to enjoy its full benefits, a proper fit is essential. Whether you have a standard rectangular pool or a custom freeform design, accurate measurements ensure your cover provides maximum safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Measuring correctly might seem like a small detail, but it is the foundation of getting the long-lasting protection and sleek look that Loop-Loc covers are known for.

Understanding Why Measurements Matter

Every inground pool is different, and even small variations in size and shape can impact how a safety cover performs. A properly measured cover not only enhances safety but also prevents gaps where debris can sneak in. With Loop-Loc’s custom-fit options, precision guarantees a tight, secure fit that holds up against the elements and keeps your pool area looking neat all winter long. Without accurate measurements, you run the risk of getting a cover that sags, shifts, or fails to provide the protection your pool needs.

Step 1: Identify Your Pool Shape

The first step in the process is determining whether your pool is a standard shape such as rectangular or oval, or a custom design like a kidney, lagoon, or freeform. Standard pools often use stock-size covers, while custom pools require a more detailed measurement process. Knowing your shape is essential because it helps determine whether a simple template can be used or if you need to follow the full A-B measurement system. Taking the time to classify your pool’s design upfront ensures you are starting with the right method.

Step 2: Use the A-B Measurement System for Irregular Shapes

For freeform or irregular pools, Loop-Loc recommends the A-B measurement method. This process begins by establishing two straight baselines along one side of the pool and then marking points labeled A and B every few feet along those lines. From there, you measure the distance from each A and B point to key points around the pool’s edge. These measurements are then plotted on a scaled diagram that allows the manufacturer to recreate your pool’s unique shape and craft a perfectly tailored cover. While the A-B system may seem more complex than measuring a standard rectangle, it is the only way to guarantee accuracy for pools with unusual curves or edges.

Step 3: Measure Steps, Spas, and Special Features

It is also important to account for details beyond the main pool shape. Built-in steps, attached spas, raised walls, or other unique features require additional measurements so the cover can be manufactured to accommodate them. These areas may need extra panels, cutouts, or adjustments to the anchor points. By recording their exact dimensions and placements, you prevent gaps or sagging that could compromise safety. Overlooking these details is one of the most common mistakes pool owners make when measuring, which is why careful attention to every feature is critical.

Step 4: Double-Check and Document

After completing your measurements, it is always wise to double-check them. Even a small error of a few inches can lead to a poorly fitting cover. Go back through each measurement, confirm accuracy, and make sure all notes are clear. Document everything in detail, including diagrams, labels, and any special instructions. The more thorough your documentation, the easier it will be for the manufacturer to create a cover that fits perfectly. This final step may take a little extra time, but it ensures peace of mind once the cover is installed.

Conclusion

Taking the time to measure properly ensures that the investment you make in your cover will provide years of dependable protection and style. With precise measurements, your Loop-Loc cover will protect your pool through every season while maintaining a polished look in your backyard. At Big Becks Pools and Pavers, we utilize the latest CAD technology and on-site precision to ensure your cover fits like a glove the first time.

CLICK HERE to schedule a professional measurement with our certified Loop-Loc technicians and secure your pool today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Precision Measuring & CAD Design

Can I measure my own pool for a Loop-Loc cover?

While you can provide your own measurements for a basic rectangle, we strongly advise against it for custom shapes. In 2026, the tolerance for a safety cover fit is incredibly tight. An error of just two or three inches in your A-B plotting can result in a cover that won’t reach the anchors or has dangerous “slack” in the middle. At Big Becks, our certified technicians take full responsibility for the measurements, ensuring that if it doesn’t fit perfectly, we make it right at no cost to you.

How does CAD technology help in making my pool cover?

Loop-Loc was a pioneer in using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for pool covers. Once our team submits your A-B coordinates, the software creates a 3D model of your pool. It then calculates the exact placement of every strap and spring to ensure equal tension across the entire surface. This prevents the “puckering” or “bridging” often seen in lower-quality, hand-cut covers, and it’s why a Loop-Loc cover looks so sleek and professional on your deck.

What if I have a raised waterfall or a decorative stone wall?

We use a specialized technique called “Hardware Treatment.” For raised walls, we install a stainless steel cable system that the cover “zips” or clips onto. This creates a flush seal against the stone so that leaves (and curious pets) cannot slide under the cover where it meets the wall. We also use “Gapguard” foam inserts to fill the small spaces around uneven rock surfaces, maintaining a 100% safety rating even on the most complex “natural” builds.

Do you need to measure my pool again if I’m just replacing an old Loop-Loc?

If your previous cover was a genuine Loop-Loc and you have the original serial number (usually found on a tag sewn into the bottom of the cover), we may not need to re-measure! Loop-Loc keeps a digital archive of every custom cover they have ever manufactured. We can often use that unique ID to order a perfect “duplicate” that will line up exactly with your existing brass anchors, saving you time and avoiding the need for new holes in your deck.

How far back from the pool edge do the anchors need to be?

Standard anchor placement is typically 18 to 20 inches from the water’s edge. However, if you have limited deck space or “planter” areas, we can use “Long Springs” or “Stake-In-Pipe” anchors to secure the cover into grass or gravel. During the measurement phase, we identify these “non-concrete” zones to ensure the manufacturer provides the correct hardware to keep the cover taut and safe.