subject: Swimming Pool Safety Tips [print this page] A swimming pool is a fantastic addition to a home and provides endless hours of fun and entertainment. However, there is also a lot of responsibility involved in owning a swimming pool, especially if there are small children in the home or even in the neighborhood. Here are some essential swimming pool safety tips that every pool owner should know.
Pool Area
The pool deck, any ladders and diving boards should be covered in non-slip material and children and adults taught to walk, not run, when near the pool.
Position a pool slide in the deepest area of the pool instead of a shallow area, and never allow children to use the slide unsupervised.
A fence should be present on all sides of the pool, manufactured so that the fence is not easy to climb or cross over. In addition, the fence slats or links must be small to keep children from squeezing through, and the bottom of the fence must be close enough to the ground to keep children from crawling under. Check the pool fence laws in your state to be sure you are in compliance.
The gate on the pool fence should have a childproof lock and all openings near the latch should be small enough to prevent children from reaching in to release the lock.
Keep all lawn and garden furniture away from the pool fence so that children cannot use the furniture to climb up and over the fence.
Pool
The pool steps should be wide and slip-resistant with a handrail installed next to the steps.
A ladder should be present on each side of the pool.
Check the area in and around the pool frequently for sharp edges or hardware that might cause injury.
Install a safety cover during the off-season when the pool is not in use.
Add the appropriate pool alarms to alert you to unauthorized access to the pool area and pool.
General Pool Safety
Children should know how to swim and be taught the basics of water safety. However, even children who know how to swim should have constant adult supervision while near or in the pool.
Adults should know CPR for both children and adults.
Keep a first aid kit and a charged telephone near the pool at all times in case of emergency.
