Swimming pools can be great fun and entertainment for the whole family, but they also present some safety risks. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children ages 1-4, with an average of ~4,000 fatal drownings occurring yearly. With this in mind, it’s essential to make your pool as safe as possible. To help, we’ve outlined tips, tactics, and best practices to help keep your family safe.
5 Pool Safety Tips to Help Keep Your Family Safe
Tip 1: Secure The Perimeter
Tip 2: Invest in a Pool Cover
Tip 3: Establish The Pool Rules
Tip 4: Teach Children How To Swim
Tip 5: Keep Your Pool Clean
Tip 1: Secure The Perimeter
The first step to ensuring a safe and secure pool is to install a fence surrounding the entire pool perimeter. As a best practice, it’s recommended to build the fence at least 4 feet high with slats no longer than 4 inches wide. This height/slat-width combo will help to keep small dogs and toddlers from either squeezing through the fence or trying to climb over it.
A traditional backyard fence most likely won’t cover it for pool safety. It may keep unwanted guests from accessing the pool. However, you still need a barrier to help keep your family safe, especially if you have small children or pets. If you don’t want to add a fence around your pool, consider installing a safety pool cover that creates an impenetrable barrier over your pool. More on that in our next tip.
If you opt for a fence around your pool, consider installing lockable gates/doors to offer additional security with your outdoor fence. It may seem bothersome to have to unlock the family pool every time you want to use it, but this added step can help to deter children from accessing the pool without your knowledge.
A further step would be to install an outdoor security camera to keep an eye on your pool when you aren’t home. This way, you can spot-check if someone is using the pool and take action accordingly.
Tip 2: Invest in a Pool Cover
While it might be a bit of a hassle to remove a pool cover every time your family wants to take a swim, pool covers can go a long way toward preventing accidents. A good rule of thumb is to use a pool cover if you know you aren’t going to use the pool for an extended period. Today, many pool covers can be removed or put back on with a simple flick of a switch, thanks to automatic pool covers.
When selecting a pool cover, opt for a tight cover that fits appropriately onto your pool. Be sure to keep any snow/ice/leaves from accumulating on top of the cover, as they could push the surface into the water, making its protection moot.
Tip 3: Establish The Pool Rules
Once you’ve taken steps to secure your pool from accidental impromptu swims, it’s crucial to establish pool rules that everyone must follow. As you build these rules, you must train your family on their adherence.
A couple of standard rules include:
- No Running Around The Pool
- Controlling Horseplay In and Out of the Water
- No Diving in Shallow Areas
- No Glass in the Pool Area
Tip 4: Teach Children How To Swim
If you have children in the house and you have the pool, make sure they feel comfortable in the water and getting out of the water. You don’t need to start training them for the Olympics but ensure they have a handle on the basics.
You should also help them understand the dangers of the water (drowning, slipping, falling, etc.), not to traumatize them but to ensure they have a healthy respect for the pool. CPR training may also be a good practice to work into the training. Consider taking water safety classes or courses with your children, so they know the basics of pool and swimming safety.
Tip 5: Keep Your Pool Clean
Finally, you’ll want to ensure your pool is regularly cleaned and inspected for potential issues. This includes checking the water’s chemical balance and inspecting the pool equipment. Regular maintenance can help to keep your pool in top condition and make it as safe as possible.
You’ll also need to keep your pool tools organized and stored when not in use. A carelessly tossed diving baton or float could result in an unfortunate slip and fall. Dry your toys/floating devices before storing them to ensure they don’t grow mold.
By taking these safety steps, you can help ensure your pool is a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Remember: water safety should always be a priority for swimming pools. With the proper precautions, you can help ensure your family stays safe, making beautiful memories in your home pool.
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