There’s no denying just how inviting a nice, clear swimming pool can be, especially for children, which is why it is absolutely vital to make sure the area around your pool is safe and the rules around who can use it and when are strictly imposed. Domestic pools are a worryingly high cause of death by home accidents especially in the under fives, and an unsecured pool can also lead to issues with pets and adult guests. Here are some tips for keeping your pool area safe without compromising on fun!
Don’t Even Consider a Pool Without a Fence
Even if you are a single adult or adult couple who feel relatively confident that you can avoid falling into your own pool and drowning, don’t consider having a pool without a high, secure fence. This is because other people, including neighboring children, can wander into a pool area where they don’t have permission to be and get into trouble, and if somebody is harmed on your premises you may be legally liable even if they are technically trespassing. It isn’t just people, either – dogs and other pets can come to harm if they can get to your pool, and again, you may be held to blame.
Have a Lockable, Self Latching Gate
As well as a good, strong fence that people aren’t going to be able to climb, make sure the gate to your pool area is very secure and latches shut behind people. This is especially important if you have kids or other family members and friends who are likely to be coming and going all day in summer – it can be easy for a child who is trusted to use the pool to forget to close the gate.
Keep the Area Tidy and Free of Trip Hazards
Put away all pool toys and other potential hazards every day after using the pool. A pool surrounded by fun looking noodles and inflatables is far more appealing to a young trespasser than a neat, tidy area with no toys, and you’ll also be removing anything people could potentially trip over (as well as keeping pool toys clean). Repair any damaged paving or decking around the pool, as well as pruning any plants or trees that can also present hazards.
Have Clear Rules Everyone Who Uses the Pool is Aware Of
Make a sensible list of rules, similar to the ones municipal pools use and make sure everyone knows what they are before using the pool. What you allow may vary depending on the swimming ability and ages of your guests, but you must always make sure people don’t run, don’t dive in shallow areas, and babies and toddlers are always supervised and wearing life vests. You may also consider having policies for older pool users around banning alcoholic drinks by the pool and making sure cell phones and other electrical devices are kept away from the edge.
Make Sure You Cover Your Pool Securely When Not In Use
Whenever your pool isn’t in daily use, make sure it is well covered with secure fasteners holding the pool cover in place. This will stop people and animals being able to fall in and can also keep your pool free of dangerous contaminants and normal debris.
Attached Images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Marshall Stinson, the author of this post, is a blogger who likes to blog about home improvement tips and techniques. He works at a shop that plumbing and pool supplies shop. He likes sports and outdoor activities such as swimming.
