How to Tie a Pool Safety Net Central Tension System (CTS) – Advanced Installation Guide
Homeowner wondering what to expect? See Pool Safety Net Installation: what to expect, parts and options.
Overview
This advanced guide explains how to tie a Central Tension System (CTS) into a pool safety net. This tutorial is designed for experienced installers looking to master the tying process themselves. A properly installed CTS ensures your net is easy to tension and remove.
What You’ll Need
- Pool safety net with center point marked
- 12 pulleys (with riveted side facing down, finished side up)
- Pulley string (we recommend using a visible color like brown for training)
- Scissors or cutting tool
- Heat/burning tool (to seal the final knot)
- Marker for net positioning
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Locate the Net Center
Net shipped from All-Safe® will arrive with a marker at the center. From that center:
- Count out 7 squares in each direction.
- Mark the center two squares to the left and right of the centerline.
- From each of those squares, count three knots left and mark.
- Repeat this on all four sides to define your 14-square CTS area.
2. Begin Tying the Pulley String
- Start at a corner knot you’ve marked.
- Tie an overhand knot around the net intersection.
- Skip to the next square and loop the string under and around, creating a diagonal loop.
- Pass the string under the diagonal and back up through your loop.
- Leave slight slack so the string can tighten under tension during use.
- Repeat this process for each square until you reach the marked centerline.
3. Install the First Pulley
- At the centerline square, tie two overhand knots onto the net.
- Feed the pulley onto the string with the finished (smooth) side facing up.
- Tie two additional overhand knots to secure the pulley in place.
Recap Pulley Placement: Two knots → Pulley → Two knots → Tie to net intersection
Repeat this pattern along the centerline and around all four sides.
4. Continue Around the CTS Square
- After installing each pulley, skip the next square and tie a basic overhand knot (with slight slack).
- At each 45-degree corner, use a three-finger width (~2.5 inches) to measure spacing and tie diagonally.
- Tie another pulley at the midpoint between each corner knot on a 45-degree line.
Continue the same tying method until you complete all four sides.
5. Finish the Loop
- Once you return past your original starting knot, tie two final overhand knots.
- Use a burning tool to trim the excess string and melt the final knot onto itself for security.
Tip: Do not allow the burning tool to touch the net itself, only the string.
Final Notes
- Double-check all pulleys for smooth movement and centered placement.
- Ensure your knots are secure but allow flexibility for final on-site tensioning.
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