Housing News
9 Tips to Keep Your Swimming Pool Safe This Year
June 6, 2019
On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than taking a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. Splashing around in the pool is fun for the entire family, but it can become dangerous if proper safety measures aren't met. Here are 9 pool safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer season.
1. Watch the kids!
The pool is a place for fun, but it can also be dangerous, so you may want to teach your kids how to swim at an early age. Children tend to wander around and might find their way into the pool area. If your house opens directly into a pool area, install a door alarm to alert you when someone enters the pool area.
2. Install a fence
Building a secure fence, with a self-locking gate installed around your pool will help keep kids and pets out of the water when you're not outside looking after them. It can also help keep unwanted critters out of the pool.
3. Use inflatables wisely
Inflatables are a lot of fun, especially for children, but to keep everyone safe, limit the number of inflatables in the pool at one time, so it's easier to see all of the swimmers in your pool. Remember to stay alert as inflatable toys can overturn easily. To avoid any temptation for young children to reach in and grab the items, always get rid of the inflatables from the pool when there not being used.
4. Feet first
Most home pools are not made for diving, so have a feet-first protocol, specifically if you have a water slide. Diving head-first may cause an injury, so encourage water safety for all guests by coming up with a basic pool safety rule.
5. Be prepared
Be sure to keep rescue equipment and a first-aid kit near the pool. Being prepared will help everyone have a relaxed time and enjoy the swimming pool. You should also consider keeping a phone near the pool, in case you need to make an emergency phone call. This will allow you to do so quickly in case any emergencies occur.
6. Restrict access
Drain the water from inflatable pools when not in use and discard ladders and stairs from above-ground pools. For larger pools, install a pool safety cover when the pool is not in use to avoid accidental entry.
7. Repair any damage
Make sure pool ladders and railings are secure, so no one gets hurt getting in and out of the pool. Also, repair any damage to the pool deck to prevent people from tripping.
8. Store chemicals safely
Pool chemicals help protect swimmers by killing disease-causing germs in the water, but they can also be dangerous if they are left out of the reach of children. Store pool chemicals in a safe place, where children can't get to them.
9. Set pool rules
Educate yourself and your family members on what pool conduct is and is not acceptable. You may even want to create a list of "pool rules" that includes the following:
- Don't run on the pool deck
- Don't dive into the pool
- Don't push anyone into the pool
- Don't swim without an adult
- Don't dunk or hold anyone underwater
Taking a dip in the swimming pool is a great way to cool off during a warm summer day. Keeping a few safety precautions in mind can ensure that swimming is a fun activity where no one gets hurt and your pool is safe for you, your family, and your friends.
