Skamper Ramps & FURminators

Animal Pool Safety & Reduce Shedding

Instructions

Skamper-Ramp® provides a means of water escape for animals up to 45 lbs.

The Skamper-Ramp Big Dog™  accommodates pets over 45 lbs.or is the size required for any size pet to get   back on most docks and some boats. 

Note: Some ingenuity is required for boat use! The ramp was designed for  pools, so the regular installation instructions  do not apply.....and the ramp can not work if  it doesn't have about 5-6" of vertical surface to brace against.  Please read the FAQs for some recommendations on boat installation.

 

All Kits Include:
1 folded ramp with deck attachment rope
2 plastic wing support strips
1  Componet bag containing nylon nuts & bolts, 2 flat washer disc stops, 2 metal D-ring clips

NOTE: The anchors/bolts used to attach the D-ring to the pool deck are not included due to the variety of pool deck surfaces.  Check with your local hardware store or pool service company for the correct selection.

Training a Pet to Use Your Skamper-Ramp®
Just a note about pets and animal safety.  Although wild animals seem to know instinctively how to use Skamper-Ramp in an emergency, some of our more domesticated pets, like dogs and ferrets, might need to be shown how the ramp can help them when in peril.

We suggest you take your pet into the pool with you and “help” them see how they can climb out of the pool using your Skamper-Ramp. This is facilitated by putting one of their favorite treats on the ramp near the pool edge and another on the pool deck, so they go up the ramp trying to get at the treat. It’s fun to take them in for a second demonstration and see how well they have learned the “drill” during their first visit.

Vinyl Liner Pools
Skamper-Ramps are designed to keep an animal’s claws from slashing the plastic walls of vinyl liner pools as they attempt escape. 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. If that is not possible you could tape the edge of the ramp that will be closest to the pool wall with duct tape or waterproof vinyl pool /repair tape. We are in the process of developing a vinyl pool kit for this. 

lightweight ramp, pet safetyRamp Assembly (Figure A)

Push in the two tabs on each of the ramp “wings.”

b. Attach the support braces to the wing tabs by inserting the nylon bolts through the holes and securing them on the underside of the ramp with a nylon nut . 

c. Finish attaching the wing brace-strips by securing the middle portion (two holes per brace) with the bolts and nuts. Again, the nuts should be on the underside of the ramp.  NOTE: The side wings should not screwed in so tight that they are perfectly perpendicular, but rather should "splay" out at a slight angle when you push down on the upper surface .

Attach D-Ring Clip to Deck
Hardware for attaching the D-ring-clips to the pool deck HAS NOT been supplied due to the wide variety of deck types and materials. Please consult with your local hardware store or pool service company to make the appropriate selection. We suggest a 1/4" pan-head stainless steel screw that is 1 5/8" long and a plastic or lead concrete anchor for sinking into your deck.

easy to assemble, durable, ramp

There is no single right way; however, we suggest that you:

a. Find a spot visible from all parts of the pool, with minimal deck traffic and activity.

b. Install the D-ring-clips, flat side down, approximately 3-6" from the pool edge, and approximately 8" apart.

Attach Ramp to D-Rings (Figure B)

a. Run a rope end through the mounted D-Ring
and pull/position the ramp snug to the wall with about 3-5” of the nose end under the recommended level of water (see Positioning the Ramp).

b. Thread the rope through one of the nylon washers up to the D-ring opening and place a simple knot behind it. The washer keeps the knot from pulling through the D-ring.

For Pools with Deep Coping, Overhangs, Vinyl Liners, or Return Edges
drowning, protection, boats

  1. Before installing, rethread the rope to run through the ¼” holes located under logo, about 3 ½“ below the normal mounting holes. (Figure C)
  2. Ensure that both sides of the mounting rope are even. Tie a simple knot at each side of the ramp to prevent the ramp from shifting when in use.
  3. Proceed with regular instructions. Be sure the ramp "box" end fits snuggly under the coping.

Note: For vinyl lined pools-- to prevent wear on liner--adhere an extra layer of vinyl on pool where ramp will be installed and/or tape the edges of the ramp with vinyl repair tape.

Positioning the Ramp
Tighten the mounting ropes until the wing end swings against the pool wall, so the nose end is 3-5” below the waterline and the ramp is at an angle that is approximately
30° below horizontal. Check tightness of the mounting rope by pressing firmly down on the ramp near the wall. It should not deflect downward more that 2 to 4 inches.

Your Skamper-Ramp is now installed! Keep in mind that it can be flipped out of the pool when you are swimming. Just remember to flip it back in once you are out for the day.