Even though summer is drawing to a close, at Hawaiian Pools we believe in pool safety in and around your in-ground swimming pool. When there’s water, an accident can happen in a second.
We found several items that will help keep those around the pool safe, some that even alert you to people coming into your yard.
The yard alarm:
You can install an alarm on your gate to your pool. If the gate is opened, the alarm will sound. There are different settings from which you can choose depending on your outside activities – from yard work to your pool party.
A pool alarm:
This alarm can be set up on the side of your pool, by the railings or the stairs. When someone or something falls into the water, the ripples ignite the sensor that sits in the water; triggering the alarm on a portable speaker you can have inside the house with you.
Child wrist band:
You can now get a wrist band that has a sensor inside of it for your children. It sets off an alarm when it detects that the wearer enters the water.
While these could be great additions to your pool, nothing is fool-proof. No product beats keeping your eyes on the pool.
Here’s some advice from safety experts in relationship to your pool. We’d encourage you to copy and print these out, and post somewhere near your pool.
Buddy System:
Always ensure that kids swim with someone who can assist them if they begin to struggle.
Whistle alert:
Hang a whistle somewhere close to the pool so the buddy can blow it if there’s an emergency. Parties and neighborhoods are always full of children making all sorts of noises. A shout or a scream can be ignored, but the sound of a whistle is an alert that help is needed.
Stay out:
When there aren’t any adults near or in the pool, the kids need to stay out. No exceptions. When an adult is present, then the enjoyment can begin.
Clean and clear:
Make sure you pool is always clean and clear by maintaining the proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration.
Put toys away:
This may seem unnecessary, but when it comes to any floatation device left in the pool, it can be hazardous as someone can become trapped underneath them.
Assign a pool watcher:
Let’s face it, when there are many adults near and in the pool, everyone thinks the other is watching. Unfortunately, that just isn’t always the case. Assign adults to ‘take turns’ being aware of the kids in and around the pool. If that person needs a break, then make sure they know they need to tag someone else to do the job, even if it’s just for a bathroom break.
Never swim alone:
This applies to all the ‘big kids’. Even seasoned swimmers can face an emergency. At the least, make sure someone else in the home knows you are in the pool.
Always accompany your guests:
As the homeowner, you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your guests. Be sure to be present at all times while the pool is being used.
Swim jackets:
Yes, we know kids don’t like them. Every inexperienced swimmer should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Unaccounted child:
If a child is missing, look in the pool or spa first. Don’t assume anything.
Secure your pool area:
Completely surround your pool with a fence or other barrier that is at least four feet high. Make sure that it has a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on your pool when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used to enter the pool.
Every city has its own pool fence laws that spell out standards, including height, spacing, gate specifications and more. In some communities, you may not be able to get homeowner’s insurance without a gate. Always check with your zoning or building authorities, your HOA’s, and insurance company prior to making any changes or adding new fencing and gates.
If your home serves as the fourth side of a fence, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install widow guards on windows facing the pool.
Establish and enforce rules:
The ‘no running’ and ‘no diving’ rules need to be established quickly and enforced every time someone is in your pool area. Unless you have a diving board, diving into an in-ground pool can be dangerous. Posting signs can serve as a constant reminder, and can easily help the adults to enforce them.
Feet first enforces the no diving rule. No matter if it’s off the edge of the pool, or down the slide. Make sure everyone, including adults, go in feet first.
CPR:
Yes, if you own your own pool, make sure everyone in your home knows how to respond quickly to an emergency by taking water safety classes, first aid and CPR. First aid and safety equipment should be readily accessible in the house and by the pool.
Keep chemicals away:
Just like in the home, your pool chemicals need to be stored where children and adults alike cannot get to them. If you keep them in a shed, make sure it is locked even when you are at home.
Use chemicals with caution:
When putting the chemicals into the water, take precautions for your own safety. Wear gloves and goggles to protect against any spills. Label your bottles with the date you purchased them, and toss chemicals that are more than a year old.
Safety cover:
Install and use a lockable safety cover for your spa. No matter how heavy or awkward you may think your spa cover may be, always keep it secured.
Make sure your pool’s up to code:
Your pool and surround deck can be hazards you don’t even notice. You want to make sure that the pool itself, and the surrounding deck material isn’t cracked, damaged, or dangerous.
It’s critical that you’re prepared and knowledgeable of the dangers. Following as many of these water safety steps as possible is a good way to assure a great experience.
