NEWS
LOOP-LOC Safety Pool Covers Earn Certification From France's National Testing Laboratory
posted: 03-19-09
LOOP-LOC, Ltd., of Hauppauge, NY, has recently earned certification for its line of safety swimming pool covers from the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE), the official state-owned testing laboratory attached to the French Ministry of Industry. The achievement is similar to earning UL listing in the U.S.
Through independent testing, LNE certified that LOOP-LOC’s products conform to the standards for safety covers as listed in code NFP 90-308 set by the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR), the body responsible for French safety standards, equivalent to ASTM in the U.S.
LOOP-LOC President and CEO LeeAnn Donaton-Pesta noted that “in France, manufacturers are permitted to self-certify that their product has been made in accordance with the AFNOR standards. LNE certification is proof that LOOP-LOC safety covers meet the standards, based on independent testing.”
In addition, LNE has certified that LOOP-LOC safety covers conform to the AFNOR standards at sizes up to 315 square meters. Competitive covers can only claim to meet the standards only at sizes up to 100 square meters. “The difference is our overwhelmingly superior materials and construction,” Ms. Donaton-Pesta said.
LOOP-LOC offers other significant advantages over other brands of safety covers in the market, according to Lee Coleman, exclusive representative for LOOP-LOC in France. “While LOOP-LOC is price competitive to other safety covers in the market, we are the only company to offer a 12-year warranty,” he said. “In addition, LOOP-LOC is the only company that can provide custom safety covers in freeform shapes, and with special treatments such as raised wall, negative edge and cutouts.”
Swimming pool safety has become a growing public policy issue in France. Under French law, all in-ground pools must now have one of four approved methods of security system in place – a security barrier, pool alarm, pool cover or pool abris, which looks something like a greenhouse and is the most expensive option. The system selected must conform to its respective AFNOR standard. The fine for non-compliance is 45,000 Euros – about $57,800. Property owners who fail to comply with the pool safety law can also face criminal charges if a fatality occurs.
The need for reliable pool safety equipment is magnified in France because of the large number of rental properties, Ms. Donaton-Pesta said. “Many people use their homes in France for only part of the year,” she said. “For those with in-ground pools, a LOOP-LOC safety cover, securely anchored to the deck and proven safe and strong enough to support an elephant, is the best way to ensure small children and pets will not be able to gain access to their pool during the months they’re away.”
For more information: in France, visit looploc.fr or email to contact@looploc.fr; in the U.S., contact LOOP-LOC, Ltd., 390 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788; telephone, 1-800-LOC-LOOP (or in N.Y. State: 631-582-2626); website: www.looploc.com.
