Pool safety is an important part of being a responsible pool owner. In addition to the four basic steps we mentioned in a previous article, you can increase your pool’s safety component by considering implementing even more careful pool-side policies, as suggested by the American Red Cross.
Supercharge Your Barrier
No, not just any fence surrounding your entire back yard will do as well as any other. A 4-sided fence surrounding only the pool area has been proven to be over 80% more successful in preventing drowning than the typical 3-sided back yard fence. To make this important barrier even more effective, make sure it’s at least 4 feet high and includes a self-closing, self-latching gate. In addition to the fence, make sure to use a safety cover whenever your pool is not in use. You can also add even more security to the equation by having a pool alarm installed. Such an alarm would alert you whenever a person enters your pool.
Add Security to Supervision
In addition to careful supervision of young children, the Red Cross recommends that you implement a policy that regardless of age and swimming ability, no one is allowed to swim alone (or without another person in the pool area). An additional suggestion is to require anyone who is not a strong swimmer to wear a life jacket that’s been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Carefully Maintain Your Pool
You may not realize it, but pool maintenance has a safety aspect to it. No, a dirty pool may not lead to drowning, but it can lead to rashes or earaches. To keep the water clean and clear, be sure to monitor and maintain proper chemical levels and filtration systems.
Post and Rehearse the Rules
The more ways someone comes into contact with any given standards, the more likely they are to remember them. You may want to make or order a sign with your pool policies. In addition to the safety recommendations already mentioned, here are a few basics:
• Absolutely No Diving
• Leave Drain Covers Alone
• Please Walk Whenever You Are in the Pool Area
You may want to have children read the rules aloud (or repeat them after you, if they’re pre-readers). Of course, rules are only helpful if people know they’ll be enforced. Be sure to delineate the consequences when you introduce the rules. (Perhaps a certain amount of time away from the pool would be appropriate for a first infraction.)
Be Prepared and Well Trained
Of course, no matter how many policies you put in place, you can’t fully eliminate risks. Be proactive and ready to respond in case of an aquatic emergency by having safety equipment on hand and easily accessible. You can also take classes on CPR, first aid, and water safety from the Red Cross as well as a Home Pool Essentials class from the National Swimming Pool Foundation®.
Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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