A Safe Pool is a Happy Pool
Your swimming pool is a refreshing retreat that provides months of fun-filled relaxation and enjoyment. With these advantages come responsibilities to pool safety—for you, your swimmers and your environment—that you should never take for granted.
Learn to swim. And be sure everyone who uses your pool also knows how to swim. For those just learning, constant, individual supervision is necessary.
Rules are for everyone. Post pool rules and enforce pool rules. Set an expectation for pool use—no rough-housing, no running, no inappropriate toys, no diving, etc.—that you abide by with no exceptions.
Never leave a child unattended. Never. Enough said.
Proper protection. Surround swimming areas with a fence that meets or exceeds local code requirements. Install a self-locking gate that is kept secured when the pool is not in use. Remove objects that could allow the fence to be scaled. (ladders, chairs, tree branches, etc.)
Mark the territory. Clearly indicate pool depths at every available vantage point, and mark where the “deep end” begins.
Objections. Keep glass objects, heavy objects and sharp objects well away from the pool.
Shock isn’t just a chemical. Keep electrical devices like CD players and radios away from the pool and wet surfaces. Any electrical outlets in the pool area require ground fault interrupters that should be tested frequently.
Plan layers of safety. You can’t “overdo” safety—rather than use only one of the following, try having ALL at your disposal: A pool cover, fence around the pool, rescue equipment such as life rings, roped rings, buoys, poles and a well-stocked first aid kit.
In case of emergency. Keep emergency phone numbers and a working telephone within easy access of the pool. Seriously consider having all supervising swimmers trained in first aid and CPR as well.
Maintain. Protect your swimmers by monitoring your water’s chemical balance and filtration system. Also maintain walking areas such as decks by keeping them free of clutter. Install non-skid materials as necessary.
Never assume. Flotation devices and swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision. Approximately 25% of all drowning victims have had swimming lessons.
In’s and out’s. Never enter the pool when feeling tired or exhausted, and certainly don’t allow anyone in who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Get out of the pool when it rains. Thunder and lightning also mean “everybody out”.
And while every pool is different, we hope every pool owner thinks exactly the same way:
Safety first.
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