Last year in the U.S. over 10,000 family pets drowned needlessly in swimming pools and walled lakes, along with countless millions of other creatures – raccoons, possums, squirrels, frogs, chipmunks, mice, etc.
This simple to use hi-tech ramp attaches to the side of the pool, walled pond, or even most boats and docks. Because all living beings see 550nm (white), animals can see it—day or night—and they "skamper" out on the ramp.
The Super Skamper-Ramp was developed because so many customers asked for a solution that was easier to assemble, was even safer for vinyl-lined pools, would work for most any sized animal including for very large pets, and could also be used on floating docks and even for some boats.
With those challenges in mind, along with the original intent - as a KISS (Keep It Simple Solution) to an age-old problem, animal water drowning - we came up with an engineered, blowmolded polyethylene piece that snaps together - we've removed the need for nuts and bolts - and can be used with, or without, its extension. A
Besides working to provide escape from water entrapment for unwanted animals and pets, it can be used more frequently and stand up to the regular use. Just like it's polymer cousing polypropylene, this Super Skamper-Ramp will not yellow, become scummy, grow barnacles, or mildew when left in water (salt water, fresh water, pool water...) becasue it is UV- and chemical-resistant. The Super Skamper-Ramp is lightweight with excellent strength-to-weight ratios, low-cost, and simple. It attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, stock tank or water trough to prevent unwanted wild animals from drowning as well as pets!
Because all living beings see white, animals can see it—day or night—and, even if they can't use a step (ducklings, snakes, baby possums), they can "skamper" out of the water on the ramp by themselves.
Specs and Facts -
The Super Skamper-Ramp is a blowmolded, white polyethylene assembly, recyclable, chemical- and UV-resistant, with nylon rope, washers, and non-rusting D-ring-clips for attaching.It snaps together but needs to be mounted to the pool deck, walled pond/canal/bulkhead, or floating dock. While it was designed for emergency escape it will withstand more frequent use, even the weights of very large pets and animals.
Super Skamper-Ramp® - SKR3 - is a blowmolded polyethylene assembly
Weight
Super Skamper-Ramp® - SKR3 - 5.95 lbs (~ 2.7 kg) boxed, and 4.75 lb (2.2 kg) when assembled.
Size
Super Skamper-Ramp, assembled - 42" x 13" x 6.5" (106 cm x 33 cm x 16 cm)
Applications
Super Skamper-Ramp is versatile enough for infrequent or frequent use by most any size animal in pools (commercial or private), walled ponds, reservoirs, most docks, many boats. It was designed for emergency escape--that is still its purpose--but it was also designed to hold larger animals and better protetct vinyl pools. It can be used with, or without, snapping in the extension.
Even in winter, leaving it hanging down insde a pool that is partially drained down, under a winter cover, or on top of a non-permeable cover, can prevent accidental animal drowning by giving them an escape route.
Attachment - For detailed Super Skamper-Ramp assembly instructions, click on the link.
We suggest attaching the ramp to the pool’s deck by bolting (if wood) or sinking an anchor (stone, poured, etc) to hold the stainless steel D-ring-clips and rope provided. The ramps have a knot tied as close to the ramp surface as possible in order to maintain its orientation and not slip along the rope.
The only additional part you will need and must purchase separately is the 1/4" stainless stell pan-head screw about 1.25" long (and concrete anchor) required for your pool deck surface.
Some people choose to use existing railings, pool cover anchors, or water leveler covers, rather than drilling into their deck. In this case, be sure the rope tie-downs are not spread much farther apart than the width of the ramp for optimal performance.
The ramp should float/hang in the water at an angle that is approximately 30-degrees below horizontal so that the ramp’s round “nose” is submerged by a few inches.
There are two sets of holes in the ramp for threading the rope through, in order to have a snug fit to the wall (including under a deep coping, such as with a steel sided vinyl wall.)
In the case of thick coping/a deep overhanging deck, be sure to rethread the rope through the holes below the logo, in order to pull the ramp snugly under the overhang, and close to the pool wall.
Lead-plug or stainless steel anchors with non-rusting screws are suggested for poured/solid decks; non-rusting bolts and nuts with a lock washer are suggested for hollow decks. Customers should check with their pool service company if they are unsure what method to use!
Vinyl Liner Pools
All Skamper-Ramp models are designed to keep an animal’s claws from slashing the plastic walls of vinyl liner pools as they attempt escape, however the Super Skamper-Ramp is probably the best solution because of its smooth construction . Each corner radius is designed to protect--not puncture--the vinyl liner.
While we haven't had anyone report a problem but we understand and respect the fear of replacing a liner. In order to minimize rub, if you have it or can get it, we suggest doubling the vinyl wall layer in the area where the ramp will be installed.