DIY Katchakid
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If you do not have a Katchakid Distributor or Installer in your area, or you want to save some money by installing this excellent Safety Net yourself, there is a simplified Do-It-Yourself version.
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- DIY Katchakid is sold only for pools up to 40ft long (13m).
- Installing a DIY net requires some knowledge of using a power drill and standard hand-tools.
- Installation is a physical job, and requires some strength, but is within the capabilities of most DIY enthusiasts.
- A Pool Safety Net uses horizontal tension across the pool so the decking or coping (where the anchors are placed) must be sturdy, solid and in good repair.
- Fitting a Katchakid can be time-consuming and relatively detailed, as pool safety nets are shaped to the pool during the installation process, but excellent step-by-step instructions are included with each DIY Katchakid, including a colour Installation Booklet and a DVD.
The Concept of installing a DIY Katchakid
Imaging your pool in a rectangular box; cover that box with a rectangular mesh (The Katchakid Net).
Keep all mesh running-lines as straight and square as possible.
The net is then custom-shaped to fit the individual pool.
The Process of installing a DIY Katchakid
- Installation should take between 4 and 6 hours so only begin installation when you have sufficient time to complete the job.
- Ensure you have a dry day to install the DIY Katchakid as you will be working with electricity.
- Installing a DIY Katchakid can be broken down into the following phases:
Planning
- Anchor placement and installation
- Positioning and securing the Katchakid
- Trimming the edges of the net
- Binding the edges of the net
- Closing the fasteners and 'finishing' the net
- Setting the Central Tensioning System
- Assembling the EZ-Roller
- Attaching ASTM Safety Labels
Tools and equipment required:
- Scissors
Hammer
Heavy duty hammer drill* (or even better; a diamond core-drill)
Soldering Iron and extension cable with Ground Fault Interrupter
Tape measure
Clear PVC solvent adhesive for assembly of the EZ-Roller
Hose-pipe, if you are using a core-drill
*Katchakid recommends a heavy-duty hammer drill but for the best possible results use a core-drill with a diamond-tipped drill-bit. These tools can be rented on a daily rate from many hardware stores or a Tool Hire company
When using a core-drill it is useful to make a wooden template to prevent the drill from sliding or slipping on the surface of the coping. Make a template by drilling a 19mm (3/4") hole in a piece of timber and hold the template still by standing on it during the drilling operation.
DIY Katchakid Net - components
- I x Katchakid Pool Net with pre-installed Central Tensioning System
- Sufficient anchors and fasteners for the size of net supplied
- EZ-Roller components – simple assembly
- Pulley rope and binding braid
- 2 x clasps for connecting Ratchet system and EZ-Roller
- 1 x Start Disc
- 1 x Instruction booklet and 1 x DVD or Video (both in English)
