6 Simple Rules for Swimming Pool Safety at Home
A home swimming pool is an absolute joy to own during those scorching days, but unfortunately, it can all too easily become a source of tragedy where pool safety is vital.
Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers and young children in the US today, much of this happening in home pools.
Even without this unthinkable extreme, swimming pools can still cause injury or illness if people fail to take care when they use and maintain them. Luckily, you can significantly reduce the risks by following a few simple tips.
Physical Security
You should try and remove all open access to your pool, whereby unwary visitors could get into trouble. Whether you surround the immediate pool area with a gated fence or make sure that your yard is sealed from the neighborhood with a wall, doing what you can to block unauthorized access is the first way to reduce the risks a pool presents.
Similarly, if possible, you should securely cover the pool when it’s not in use and remove ladders, diving boards, and other ways of entering the pool.
Install an Alarm
Even after building a wall or fencing, it’s still possible for curious children to make their way to the pool’s edge. Combat this by installing a pool alarm which will alert you if someone enters the water when it’s supposed to be empty and unused.
Proper Supervision
It goes without saying that children should have adequate supervision when they’re in or around the pool, but it’s also a good idea always to swim in groups in case of a mishap. Of course, it’s entirely your choice to take a solo morning swim if you know and accept the risks, but for younger family members and guests to your pool, it’s best to err on the side of caution and insist on a “buddy” swimming system.
Proper Training
If you have a pool, you must ensure everyone in the household is a competent swimmer – at least as far as possible for their age. However, it’s also an excellent idea to give everyone some training for use in emergencies, whether this is life-saving rescue techniques or how to contact someone responsible in situations they can’t handle quickly. Family members should also be given first aid training and know how to use the safety equipment around your pool.
Set Ground Rules
It’s important to lay down acceptable standards of behavior for the poolside, and make sure you enforce them, especially with younger swimmers. These rules could include a ban on running and restricting jumping or diving to pool areas with enough depth for safety.
Keep It Clean
Lastly, it’s essential to keep your pool hygienic, including paying attention to the balance of chemicals in the water. For example, too much chlorine can cause eye and throat irritation, while too little can lead to cloudy water. Both of these situations increase the risk of accidents compared to clean, clear water and being unpleasant to swim in. If you’re at all unsure how to do this, or if you genuinely can’t spare the time to keep on top of the job, consider hiring a professional to maintain your pool in peak condition for both safety and enjoyment.
Improve Your Pool Safety at Home
A home swimming pool is an excellent way of dealing with the hotter months of the year, and no one’s trying to spoil your fun by imposing needlessly strict rules. However, it takes only a little care to vastly improve safety for you, your family, and your guests. Observing these few pool safety rules will help make sure your pool is a highlight of the hotter days and not an accident waiting to happen.
If you need any information regarding pool safety, construction, and outdoor living features, please get in touch with Precision Pools and Spas. Contact We are located in Sugarland and Magnolia, Texas, providing complete pool services for Houston and surrounding areas.