When it comes to swimming pool safety, it’s best to overdo it. 390 children die in swimming pools every year, so taking the time and making the investment could be life or death.
Remember, every state has regulations on safety, so make sure you check to see what is legally mandated for safety in Arizona.
But here are our general tips to help get you started.
Gate should be in good working order with a self-closing latch.
The bars shouldn’t be too far apart, and optimally there will be mesh over the bars, making it impossible for little people to squeeze through. Also, the bottom of the fence and gate shouldn’t be more than a few inches above the ground.
Chairs and stools should be kept far away from the pool area. Patio furniture is a major culprit in this. If you have it, try to find a place where it’s too far away from the pool gate to use. Some people even have metal patio furniture bolted to the concrete.
Try an alarm. A little alarm on the gate can notify people in the house that someone is using the gate. This will be especially useful in the winter, when people aren’t using the pool much. The alarm will be a novel sound and people will be more alert to it.
All outlets in the pool should be covered by drain covers.
Covers should be in excellent repair, no cracks or missing pieces.
Children should be warned about the drains. Their hair or clothing can get caught below the water level, causing injury or drowning.
There should always be a life ring in a safe place, where kids won’t use it unless it’s needed for life saving. It should be attached to a rope and easily accessible.
A first aid kit could be useful, but could be kept in the house
Loose handrails are worse than no handrails. Make sure all handrails are securely fastened to the concrete and watch for rusted parts and bolts.
Check the steps for sharp pieces of plaster than could be jutting out and make sure the steps are not slippery.
The deck should be the right material. If it gets too hot in the summer, people will be more inclined to run on it, risking slipping and falling. Cool deck is light colored and tends not to get very hot. Also, make sure there is no major chipping in the deck. Water can seep into the cracks and the damage will get worse.
Electrical equipment, while needed, is dangerous around water. Make sure all outlets have a ground fault. This means that, if tripped, it will instantly shut off, preventing extended electric shock.
Pool lights should be on when swimming at night.
Don’t bring other electrical things out to the pool area, such as heaters, stereos, or other plug-in appliances.
A swimming pool, while it can be a lifesaver in the summer, is a liability that you can’t take lightly. Buy the right equipment, check all possible safety problems, and make sure your water is balanced. We can help you to keep your pool BRIGHT and CLEAR, all year round.
Call 623-566-9150 or sign up for two free months pool service. Our technicians will assesss your pool and give you helpful advice on keeping your pool safe for children.
