Understanding pool safety is crucial to ensure fun is done responsibly. Homeowners should consider these pool safety tips to ensure the wellbeing of everyone since a pool can be the center of the fun, exercise, and family time in your backyard.
Having a pool at home is great fun for the whole family. It can increase your property value and provide the perfect place for social events ranging from Saturday night parties to festivals, such as Thanksgiving.
Owning a swimming pool is, however, a big responsibility. According to the CDC, around 3,500 Americans die due to non-boating drowning accidents each year in the United States. This blog will address some pool safety tips that can help you avoid problems related to your swimming pool.
Install a pool fence alarm
Doors and windows can’t provide much safety for children. They can easily climb out windows, slip through doggy doors, and even walk out unlocked doors within seconds. It would be best if you
consider installing a pool fence that will prevent children from entering the pool unsupervised and neighborhood kids from using your swimming pool without permission.
Here are some guidelines for a safe pool fence:
- Space between vertical slats should be four inches or less.
- The pool fence should be four feet high with a self-closing gate. Its latch should also be out of the reach of children.
- Ensure there are no handholds or footholds for climbing.
- Keep objects that a child can use as a climbing aid away from the pool fence.
As per the law, if a child who cannot understand the risks involved in their actions is injured, the homeowner will be held liable even if they didn’t give permission. Therefore, securing your pool with a fence is one step to help reduce this risk.
For added security, it’s advisable to install a pool fence alarm. This alarm will let you know when it detects surface motion in your pool. It’s a great way to get early notification when children enter the pool area without permission. It can also help safeguard children from falling when you’re not around the pool area.
Set up pool rules
Besides installing a pool fence alarm, you can heighten safety by making pool rules to protect your family and visitors. Here’s a list of general rules that can help protect your friends and family.
- Keep first-aid kits within reach.
- Deflate floating toys when not in use.
- Don’t allow riding toys, such as tricycles, around the pool area.
- Never allow electrical appliances near the pool.
- Keep potential tripping hazards clear from the pool edge.
- Prohibit running on the pool deck.
- Forbid roughhousing near the pool.
- Don’t allow diving in a pool that is not deep.
Follow other pool safety concerns
As a homeowner, you are responsible for improving other pool safety concerns, such as chemical and mechanical risk. Try asking yourself the following questions:
- Is the pump’s shutoff easily within reach during an emergency?v
- Are plumbing gates and suction fitting secured in place?
- Are pool chemicals secured in a locked store?
- Do you know proper procedures if a chemical hazard occurs?
Call Town & Country Pools
If you are looking for a high-quality pool company that works with honesty and integrity, please contact Town & Country Pools. We would love to speak with you about your pool safety concerns. Contact us online or give us a call at 281-252-6337 for a free consultation.