Creating a safe swimming environment for the entire family
Own a pool in your own backyard? By now, you must be aware that hand in hand with the joy it provides come many worries and concerns. At the top of the list is the safety of family and friends. Every summer we hear of unfortunate tragedies that could have been avoided by meticulously observing essential safety procedures. In order to maintain a safe pool environment, we gathered important guidelines for you to implement during the swim season but also when the pool is not in use.
Access to the pool:
- Wherever possible, it is recommended to design the pool so it can be fully visible from the house at any given moment.
- Children must be continuously supervised when they are in the vicinity of the pool. Enforce a 'no running zone' around the pool to avoid slipping and falling into or around the pool.
- The pool must be fenced and secured to prevent children from independently accessing its area. Security measures must prevent access by crawling or climbing over the barrier.
- A locked gate must be installed including automatic latching (a gate that will automatically close shut when left open). The lock must be installed high, out of reach of children.
- It is recommended to install an alarm that will sound when the pool gate is opened unsupervised.
- A pool cover can substitute gates and barriers. Today, there are quite a few pool covers that totally prevent entering the water when closed. Some can even send an alert to your cell phone when opened. These pool covers also prevent wildlife from entering the pool. The pool cover must be fully removed or opened prior to using the pool to prevent children from getting tangled under it.
- Avoiding climbing on Above Ground pools - safety measures must be taken to prevent children from climbing on the pool and obtaining access to the water. Ladders must be removed when pool is not in use.
- Bikes, scooters and various other toys on wheels should be moved away from the pool area.
Maintenance -
- Every water suction opening should be locked tight.
- The electrical system around the pool must be sealed and water proofed.
- When handling various chemicals protect yourself with safety gear - rubber gloves, safety glasses, plastic suit and rubber boots.
- Chemicals should be stored away from children. Kids must not handle these substances including "helping" insert them to the pool.
- Chemicals must not be added to pool water when bathers are using it. Pool water sanitation can be automatically performed by a salt chlorinator and dosing acid pump during swim time.
- While chemicals are being added make sure the circulation pump is working.
Storage -
- Chemical used to clean and sanitize the pool must be stored in a closed, shaded and vented place. The area must be locked and a sign should indicate the storing of dangerous substances.
- Materials must be clearly labeled and separated.
- All substances must not be mixed during storage and when in use.
Observing these guidelines and procedures is vital to creating a safe and pleasant environment.
