Your pool can be a wonderful addition to your home, and there is no doubt that your family enjoys it. But there is also no doubt that having a pool presents certain risks. There is always a chance of something going wrong. To prevent a tragedy, keeping your pool safe should be a top priority so you and your family can continue to enjoy it.
Keep it Fenced
The best way to keep your pool safe is to limit access to it. Putting a fence around your pool will allow your children to play in the backyard without worrying that they might accidentally fall in. This will also discourage people from wandering by and using your pool whenever they want to. Make sure there are no gaps in the fence that are large enough for your children or pets to slip through and that the gate has a lock that is out of their reach.
Monitor Children
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is vital that you have someone properly supervising when children are using the pool. Asking your teenage children who are also swimming to watch out for their younger siblings is not enough. They may have good intentions, but they can be easily distracted. Have an adult who can swim well who is not in the pool watching when anyone is in the pool. If the children are not strong swimmers, have them use flotation devices. They might not like it, but they will be safe.
Use an Alarm
Just as you have a solid security system for your home, you should extend the protection to your pool. Placing motion-activated cameras and lights will allow you to keep a good eye on your pool. You can also place alarms on the gate or buy a specific alarm for your pool that will alert you if something breaks the surface of the world. Many security companies offer customizable security packages that allow you to add the things you want, so look into getting these alarms added to your regular set.
Keep Safety Devices Nearby
No matter what precautions you take, sometimes accidents happen, and you need to be able to respond quickly. Always keep emergency flotation devices near your pool and easily accessible. If you have a flotation device that could be used in emergencies, test them to make sure they won’t cause problems. They may not be able to support the weight of someone who is struggling or they could actually trap them underwater, so experiment with a few different scenarios. Life jackets and pool rings are the most effective when it comes to helping someone who is struggling.
No matter what you choose to do with your pool, making sure that you are aware of what is going on is key. Take the proper steps to make your pool a safe place to be and you will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
