Keeping you and your Family Safe in your Above Ground Pool
Owning a pool is a huge responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially when it comes to the safety of swimmers. Pools are a great source of entertainment for all ages, but they have the potential to be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken to ensure swimmers’ safety. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one unintentional cause of death for children ages 1-4.
To ensure the safety of swimmers in your pool, here are 7 Pool Safety Tips to make your pool the safest it can be and help you limit the likelihood of any unfortunate events occurring.
Teach children and adults how to swim
Although knowing how to swim isn’t a foolproof method of drowning prevention, it is without a doubt the biggest way to drastically decrease those chances. Teaching children and adults how to swim can be time consuming, however, swim lessons are hosted in nearly every community and with a little research, you can find a class near you in which to enroll. Swimming is a lifelong skill you will never regret learning, and it is by far the best way to keep you safe near any body of water.
Install safety ladders
These days, all ladders sold for above ground pools are considered safety ladders. These ladders have features that prevent people (especially children) from being able to climb them into the pool when unsupervised. Most above ground pool ladders are designed for the outside rungs to swing upward and be locked and secured, and some have a way to cover the outside steps with a guard that disallows climbing access to the pool. Make sure that once you and your family are done swimming for the day your safety ladder is locked and engaged to prevent anyone from climbing the ladder back into the pool.
Install fencing
Fences are a great line of first defense when it comes to pool safety. In fact, many municipalities in the United States require a swimming pool to be within some form of fencing for safety. Above ground pool fences, generally constructed of resin, can be installed directed on top of the pool wall. They are easy to install and can be done by a homeowner or a swimming pool professional. In addition to making your pool area safer, accessories can be added to the pool fence such as solar pool lighting.
Hang safety signs and safety equipment pool side
While it may seem silly to hang safety signage for your home pool, keep in mind that you will likely have guests use your pool who may not always know the pool depth, if they can dive, etc. Signs that should be in your pool area can include “No Jumping”, “No Diving, Shallow Water” and “Slippery When Wet”. You should also have basic safety equipment available such as lifesaver rings and a Shepherd’s Crook hung close to the pool and clearly marked should they need used in the event of an emergency.
Install alarms
There are several types of alarms available with slightly different functions depending on your needs and desires. They all can alert you whenever a child or pet either gets in or too close to your pool.
Gate alarms are an option if you have a fence circling your pool with gate entry. These alarms can signal whenever the gate is opened and alert you if a person or child crosses the barrier. There are also alarms you can install on doors or windows, so you can be alerted if a child even leaves the house when they aren’t supposed to.
Buoy alarms or in-pool alarms are also available. A buoy alarm floats around the surface of your above ground pool with the ability to sound an alarm if anything enters the water or if anyone tries to remove the system from the pool. Many models of in-pool alarms are also available. Some can attach to the top rail and detect movement at the surface of the pool sounding alarms both at the pool and inside your home. Check out the variety of models on the market to see which kind might work best for your needs.
Use a safety cover
A good quality solid cover that is very well secured all the way around a pool is another good way to prevent critters and children from getting in the water. Any kind of cover for an above-ground pool is only as safe as the way it is attached, how well it’s attached, and what material the cover is made of, but having a cover in place is a great line of defense especially when you are away. Having a safety cover on your pool when you are on vacation, for example, is a great way to keep unwanted critters out of your pool, or even neighbors. You can have peace of mind that no people, pets, or wild animals will make their way accidentally into your pool and have a tragic accident.
Emphasize the Importance of Adult Supervision and the Buddy System
Let your kids (and other family members) know the importance of adult supervision when using the pool. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so it is important to always keep an eye on children. Running inside quickly, mowing the grass, doing yard work, or socializing with friends away from the pool area while your kids are swimming does not count as adult supervision. Pools can be dangerous for kids if they don’t have an adult looking over them.
Teach your kids that in order to go swimming they must be with a buddy (an adult) and their buddy must be present poolside. This way your kids will know when it’s acceptable to be swimming and when it’s not. Make sure all your pool guests know this rule as well.
Always Be Safe so You’re Not Sorry
While the thought of pool ownership can be a bit anxiety producing from a safety standpoint, it does not have to cause immense stress. Exercising proper pool safety practices is not difficult and can keep children, friends and neighbors safe. What’s better, many great products exist to help ensure safety without having to put in a whole lot of extra effort. If you’ve taken many of the precautions mentioned above you are practicing excellent pool safety for you and your family!