Having a swimming pool at home can be an oasis for you and your family during the sweltering summer months. Owning your own pool doesn’t just mean fun in the sun though, it can be a big responsibility when it comes to care and safety.
Keep reading for a checklist of pool essentials to keep everything safe.
1. Establish Pool Safety Rules
Just like any other play area, the pool needs to have some rules to keep everyone safe. Kids need to be taught why it’s dangerous to be rough with each other in the pool or run around on the pool deck.
If your pool deck becomes slippery, it might be time for pool deck resurfacing which will help keep your family or guests from slipping and falling on the deck or into the pool.
If you establish a set of rules early on, then everyone who uses your pool will be aware of what the expectations are while they are having a fun time. Of course, they will still need to be reminded from time to time, but that is to be expected especially if you have younger children who might forget once they are having a good time.
2. Adult Supervision
When you have guests over or are having a pool party it is important to pay attention at all times to those who are in or around your pool. This can be difficult when there are multiple children so make sure and remind your adult guests to keep an eye on the children who are in or around the water.
If there are very young children or swimmers who are still learning there must be a competent adult within arms reach at all times.
If you are hosting a party, keep an eye on any intoxicated adults who might have a hard time keeping an eye on their children or might be at risk of falling into the water themselves.
3. Swim Classes
One of the best ways to maintain pool safety is by making sure everyone in your family learns how to swim. Taking swim lessons will increase your family’s ability to not only be strong swimmers but will also learn important swim survival techniques as well.
Swim classes will benefit you and your kids but do not assume that once they have successfully finished their lessons that they are safe to leave in the pool unsupervised.
Swim survival lessons will be beneficial for your young children in the event of an accident but supervision is still necessary at all times when around the water.
4. Add a Fence
Having a fence around the pool can stop a child from getting to close to the pool and falling in. These fences should be at a minimum of four feet high and the spaces in the fence should not be wide enough for children or small animals to squeeze through.
If you have an above ground pool and use a chain-link fence, then the mesh should be no larger than 1 1/4 inches or children can climb it. If the mesh is too large use vertical slats to close the openings and avoid providing footholds.
Every state is different so study these guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission before installing a fence around your pool.
5. Pool Covers
Another great way to prevent an accident from occurring is to invest in a pool cover. Pool covers are sturdy enough to keep children from getting into the water.
There are automatic covers that retract by using a remote control. These are easy to use and convenient but can be a bit expensive. Also, make sure you leave the remote out of reach of younger children.
Covers that have to be laid manually can be either stretched across the pool by hand or a crank mechanism and then anchored to the pool deck.
Besides a pool cover, there is also a pool safety net that can be stretched over the pool and anchored down around the perimeter. These nets are made of strong material which can support a child who may slip and fall in. Your pool cover could be helpful as well as safe if you install a solar pool blanket. Not only will a pool blanket prevent children from falling, it will prevent water from evaporating as quickly and keep your pool warm year round.
6. Safety Equipment
Sometimes even the most experienced swimmer may experience some trouble in the water. That is why it is important to have a life preserver and safety hook nearby in the event of an accident.
When an adult is struggling in the water they may panic and pull the person who is trying to save them down under the water with them. Instead, it is better to throw them a life preserver to hang onto and will help them become calm while you either go for help or try and help them yourself.
A pool safety hook is also important to have if a person is struggling because it gives them something to hang on to. To avoid being pulled in yourself, lay down on the deck and pull them towards the side of the pool.
A pool safety hook is also great in the event a small animal falls into your pool, you can gently pull them to the edge so they can save themselves.
7. First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit on hand is always useful in the event there is an accident in or around the pool.
It is important to keep bandages and disinfectants in case of cuts or bruises. A first aid blanket should also be included in the event someone was pulled from the water after nearly drowning. They may be in shock and will need it for warmth and comfort.
Learn More About These Important Pool Essentials Today!
Safety is an important aspect when owning your own swimming pool and can not be taken lightly. Be sure to follow this checklist for your pool essentials and keep your friends and family safe.
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