Q: Why are the poles not included with the Flexnet Dome purchase and need to be purchased separately by the customer?
A: (Our most asked question.) The inexpensive Schedule 40 PVC pipe poles are to be purchased by the customer separately because the pipe cannot be economically shipped anywhere. The only way we are able to bring Flexnet Dome to market is to have the customer purchase the poles separately. The descriptions for the listings contain the specifications for the poles so that the customer can determine ahead of time the cost of the poles. The Owner’s Manual included in the kit contains all the specifications for the poles and links to your local hardware store. So to keep the price you pay at a reasonable level, we decided it was much more cost effective, for you and us, to have you purchase them locally.
Q: Will the Flexnet Dome save time and money on cleaning and chemicals and other supplies?
A: We received this comment from Donna Sachs, owner of a Flexnet Dome:
“Love your pool net. It has saved us a ton of money on supplies and cleaning! We only need to use our pool robot twice a week instead of once or twice a day!"
Q: What are the pole sizes for each pool size and shape?
A: The descriptions on each of the Amazon and eBay listings contain the specifications for the poles so that the customer can determine ahead of time the cost of the poles. The Owner’s Manual included in the kit also contains all the specifications for the poles. Since the ½” diameter Schedule 40 pipe only comes in 10’ lengths you will need to have the remaining length that is over 10’ cut from a 10’ section and connected to a 10’ section with the couplings provided in the kit. The ¾” Schedule 40 pipe comes in 20’ lengths. You can use one continuous piece of the length specified on the chart, or you can make up the poles with more than 2 pieces of pipe held together with one of the couplings provided in the kit. There is 1 coupling provided for each pole required. (If you do that, be sure that the shorter piece is placed at the bottom.)
Q: What is the longest pole needed for a 15’ diameter pool?
A: A 15’ diameter pool uses a 12’ pole. The ½” diameter Schedule 40 pipe specified for the 15’ diameter pool only comes in 10’ lengths. You can have the hardware store cut the extra 2’ from a 10’ pipe and connect the 2’ sections to the 10’ sections with couplings provided in the kit. The number of couplings provided equals the number of poles required.
Q: How hard is it to put the kit up?
A: It's really easy. I've done the small ones by myself. That was one of my goals (besides stopping the doggone bugs!) when I designed the system. As an engineer, I've found that the simplest solutions are almost always the best. The Owner’s Manual contains easy assembly instructions as well as a chart with all the requirements for the poles and links to your local hardware store for purchase. Two adults can assemble your FLEXNET DOME on your pool in under an hour because there are no bolts or screws.
Q: How does the dome do in the wind?
A: I was also concerned about that as in Starbuck, being not far from the huge Columbia River, we can get some pretty strong gusts. Within a couple of days of when I first put up my prototype we had gusts somewhere around 40 mph, maybe stronger. The system just bent over and flexed. When the wind quit, you'd never know there had been one. The net stood like it was installed and no bugs or crud were in the pool.
When installed per the Owner’s Manual, a 40 mph wind is no problem. The FLEXNET DOME releases most of the wind thru the net and flexibility of the poles. As you can see in the photos on the "Shop" page, the wind and sun go thru the net so you still have the outdoor experience. Worried about big storms? With no bolts or screws you can dismantle the FLEXNET DOME in 30 minutes, or if the storm isn’t too big just remove the net and replace after the storm.
Q: My pool is 12’x24’ but my ladder is on the side because my deck runs along the side. It looks like the zipper is on the end so I would want a net with the zipper on the side to the right if I’m looking at the pool from the side.
A: The net part of the FLEXNET DOME is simply placed over the frame. The net part is round so you can place the zipper any location you want. When you have the net part placed over the frame with the zipper at your access location, on the long side, you then connect the net to the top of the pool. Since the net part is round you will have more fabric hanging over on 2 of the sides. You can either trim the net (BEING CAREFUL NOT TO CUT THE ZIPPER PART), or just roll the extra net up to the top of the pool. The net part is only connected to the top of the pool with a cord and clamps provided in the kit. This information, including photos, is included in the Owner’s Manual with the FLEXNET DOME
Q: Can I still get sunburned or a tan through the net?
A: You sure can! Like all outdoor activities, especially for kids, use sunblock as though there is no net. We want everyone to have a good time in their pool, but be safe as well. For your tan, use your favorite tanning lotion and get that golden glow going along with your Vitamin D!
(Caution - excess sun is hard on your skin, and some may have serious problems with over exposure.)
Sandy Answers Your
FREQUENTLY ASKED
FLEXNET DOME® Questions!
Q: How does the screen attach to the poles?
A: There is no physical connection between the screen and the poles. The screen rests on the pole frame system. The net part is only connected to the top of the pool with a cord and clamps provide in the kit. The lower edge of the screen can be rolled up and clamped to the stretch cord placed on the outside of the top of the pool. The net screen will stay in place during windy conditions and can be easily removed and reinstalled.
Q: We love your net but would love a plastic cover too!
A: We do not provide or recommend a plastic cover for the Flexnet Dome. The net allows most of the wind to pass thru. This means the pole frame does not have to hold most of the wind load that hits it. This allows the Flexnet Dome to be light with some flexibility to move and return to its original form after the wind dies down. A plastic cover would catch ALL of the wind, and higher winds would tear it all apart. With just the nylon net, it can stand winds up to at least 45 mph.
Q: Can someone with low visibility put the Flexnet Dome Kit together?
A: Yes, as long as the person can read the Owner’s Manual that comes with the kit a person with low visibility should be able to put the Flexnet Dome Kit together. I have put it together myself but I have found it easier to have two people so that is what we recommend in the Owner’s Manual.
Q: Is it possible to purchase just the net for a 20-foot round pool?
A: We do not sell the net separate. The material, manufacturing, and shipping is by far the most costly part of the kit,. And supplying the other parts that we buy in bulk is the least expensive way to get them.
Q: Does the Flexnet Dome keep out clover mites?
A: We wish it for sure could! Clover mites are about the size of a pinhead. Attached is a photo of the net material with a tape measure. The holes are about 1/16th of an inch. The internet indicates clover mites are smaller than 1/16th inch. Technically clover mites could get thru but it should keep most of them out.
Q: How long is the screen guaranteed for?
The screen is made of top-quality nylon mosquito net material with a top quality zipper for easy access thru the net. We have not put a time guarantee on the net, but I have had it on my personal 16’ diameter pool since I invented the Flexnet Dome in 2019, in hot summer sun. I have found that as long as I am careful when installing and removing the net (making sure not to snag it on something and then try to pull it off without care) it stays in perfect condition. I have snagged it over the years by making the mistake of putting the net on when it was windy and having the net fall on the adjacent barb wire fence on our farm but have ignored the small tears and still do not have any bug problems. I like that it is so lightweight because when I am in the pool I still feel like I am outside enjoying the sun, the surrounding views, and breezes. Where I live, we have a lot of dust in the air, so the net does get dirty. It is washable so I simply put it in my washing machine, and it comes out like new. The nylon has some stretch to it, so I like to pull it snug when connecting it to the cord which makes it not only look nice but makes the net almost clear to see thru.
Q: What about snow on the net?
A: Like wind, the net stands up to light snow loads with no problem, it will sag a bit but as the snow melts it pops back into position. That said, if you are expecting heavier snows, it's a good idea to take the net off until the storm passes. But I'm guessing most of you won't be using your pool much when the serious snows and cold start, so it would be a good idea to simply take the system off, about a 30 minute job, and store it for the winter.
Q: Can the screen be removed for winter storage.
A: Yes, the screen is only connected with clamps to the cord that goes around the outside top of the pool. The frame can stay in place over the winter as it can easily withstand loads put on it by most weather conditions, falling leaves and small branches. We do recommend taking the frame down if there are high winds predicted. My husband and I put up and take down the entire Flexnet Dome system in under an hour.
Q: We have an Intex 16' x 32' x 52". Anything for that?
Our largest Flexnet Dome currently is for a pool that is 24’ round or 12’ x 24’ rectangular. We are a new company looking forward to expanding and have to supply sizes that allow us to buy in bulk, or the cost becomes excessive. We are researching popular sizes and have found a 16’ x 32’ is very popular, so we anticipate specifying it to our manufacturer and stocking it the next time we order nets. We will keep you on our list and let you know when your size becomes available.
Q: I am returning my Flexnet Dome. When will I receive my refund.
The funds for a returned Flexnet Dome are released to you by Amazon following:
1. Once we receive the returned kit with everything included and undamaged we immediately (our goal is 24 hours) return the funds back to Amazon.
2. Amazon reviews the return and then releases the funds back to you. They are usually fairly quick, but we don't control that time. We receive an email from Amazon indicating they have refunded you which usually occurs the day following the day we release the funds to Amazon.
