Pool safety system with side nets

A method, comprising:

• storing an inflatable net in a deflated state along a first side of a pool, the inflatable net having a bottom surface attached to a top surface of a top launch tube, the inflatable net and the top launch tube being independently inflatable;
• initiating, at a control unit, an inflate sequence;
• in response to the initiating, causing a first valve to open which inflates the top launch tube with air from an air tank, causing the top launch tube to extend from the first side of the pool toward a second side of the pool opposite the first side;
• and
• causing a second valve to open which inflates the inflatable net with air from the air tank, causing the inflatable net to rise toward a surface of the pool.

An apparatus, comprising:

• an inflatable net configured to rest in a deflated state on a bottom of a pool;
• one or more load sensors attached to a bottom surface of the inflatable net, the one or more load sensors configured to detect weight applied to the inflatable net;
• a control unit configured to:
• receive sensor data from the one or more load sensors;
• determine, based on the sensor data, that a detected weight exceeds a predetermined threshold;
• in response to determining that the detected weight exceeds the predetermined threshold, cause the inflatable net to inflate with air.