subject: Pool safety should always be front of mind [print this page] While pools are a great way to spend time with friends and family, they also bring with them safety risks and hazards that must be minimized.
It's been reported that in 2007, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drowning in the United States; that is an average of ten deaths per day, and more than 900 children between the ages of one- and 14-years-old die each year in drowning accidents. Even though those are frightening statistics, you certainly don't want to play the odds but you don't have to drain the pool and shepherd the family away as long as you play it safe. One way to enhance the safety of your pool area (in addition to your pool fences and gates) is to install a pool alarm. As a matter of fact, pool alarms may be legally required by local ordinances check with your pool installer as he or she will know the rules and regulations for your area.
Your pool, whether above- or in-ground, should be equipped with a fence and in addition to fencing; you should have a pool alarm to help prevent an unwanted tragedy. Remember, in less than two minutes, an unsupervised child can slip or fall into your pool unnoticed and lose consciousness and drown. These tragedies can be minimized if not completely eliminated with the installation of a pool alarm.
A pool alarm is an electronic device one that either floats in the pool or is a wired, immersible device. The alarm sounds automatically when a disturbance is detected in the water whether from a pet or a child falling in.
A good pool alarm has a loud, pulsating sound that is heard at the unit and in the house with a remote receiver. The remote receiver typically has a range of 200 feet and usually comes with a 12-volt power supply. The pool alarm itself uses a 9-volt battery.
If you'd like to offer protection to your children, and pets, before they even had the opportunity to fall into the pool, consider a perimeter pool alarm. These alarms are placed strategically around the perimeter and can be adjusted to the height of your child and/or dog. With this alarm you may want to shut if off when you're at the pool with the child that may set off the alarm. Remember, though to re-set the alarm once you exit the area.
Pools offer a place for your family to hang out, have fun and entertain, just make certain you always remain vigilant to keep your loved ones safe.
