Essential Pool Safety Tips for Families

Safety issues don't always arise from the pool but also from negligence.

Pools are fun, especially for families. However, slippery or unsafe pools and bad pool practices can dampen the enjoyment.

Here are a few tips to make pools safer for families:

Supervision

Safety issues don't always arise from the pool but also from negligence. Keep a close eye on children in or near a pool. Don't think leaving children unattended, even briefly, is okay.

Learn to swim

It's easier to stay safe when a family member can swim. Enroll children in swimming lessons early to learn water survival skills. It's not only about children, either. Many adults cannot swim, but learning basic water safety is still worth learning.

Drain hazards

Always tell children to avoid pool drains, pipes, or other openings. Of course, all pools and spas, especially public facilities, must have safety-compliant drain covers. But if a family has an at-home pool, then it is the responsibility of the parents to secure all drains and other openings.

Pool fencing

Installing a fence at least four feet high around a residential pool is good practice. It's not compulsory, but it can stop young children from entering the pool when they shouldn't. The fence should go around all the pool's sides and have self-closing and self-latching gates. Furthermore, it shouldn't be easy to climb the fence. After all, if the fence is easy to climb, it defeats the purpose.

Pool covers and alarms

Cover the pool up when not in use. But don't rely on pool covers too much or expect them to replace supervision or fencing. Alarms that emit an alert if someone enters the pool or falls into the water are also worth considering.

First aid

Safety also means being ready for anything. Keep life-saving equipment near the pool, like life rings, ropes, and a first aid kit. If at least one family member knows CPR and basic first aid, it will make everyone safer and less stressful.

Also, place a list of emergency numbers or instructions on a poster or paper near the pool. 

Chemicals

Pool dangers aren't only in the water. Children are curious and often not completely aware of the dangers of chemicals. Keep pool chemicals locked away and unreachable to kids and pets. Be careful when using them, and watch the bottles and containers sitting out while cleaning.

Clean pools

A clean pool is a safe pool. Keeping everything pristine the DIY route isn't unheard of, but hiring a professional is even better. Contact a pool cleaner and see how they can enhance the pool's safety.

Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012