A home swimming pool is an excellent source of family entertainment. However, only when the safety guidelines are followed and good maintenance practices are adhered to can such an asset become a safe and fun place for all family members to enjoy.
Parents should take the time to learn swimming pool safety that will help them ensure a safe and secure environment for their entire family. Here are some home swimming pool safety tips every parent should know:
1) Supervise children at all times
The number one safety tip is to not ever leave your child unsupervised around the home swimming pool. Drowning and falling in home swimming pools are some of the leading causes of unintentional deaths among young kids. Even older children who are capable of swimming can drown in just a few inches of water.
2) Have a swimming pool cover
Use a swimming pool cover to protect the home swimming pool from when not in use. When properly installed, quality covers can reduce water evaporation. They can also prevent contamination by fallen leaves and debris blown in through the wind. Aside from helping you maintain your pool to its best condition, pool covers also protect against accidental falls into the water.
3) Maintain proper chemical levels
Properly maintained pool chemicals such as chlorine and pH levels are two of the most important things you can do to keep your family safe around the home swimming pool. Watch out for strong chlorine odors, which may indicate that there is too much chlorine in the water. High levels of chlorine cause burning eyes, red skin, irritation to mucous membranes, and difficulty in breathing for small children. On the other hand, low chlorine levels can lead to bacteria or algae growth, making the water smelly and green.
4) Install fencing around the home swimming pool
Install a fence around your home swimming pool to prevent unauthorized access. It is illegal to have a home swimming pool without a barrier that separates it from public property in most areas. The fence should be at least 4-feet high and have self-closing, self-latching gates which open outwards only. The best type of fencing for this purpose uses concrete or brick pillars sunk into the ground with 1/2 inch by 2 inches galvanized steel rods spaced 6 inches apart all around its perimeter.
5) Stay safe under the sun
The sun’s rays become more direct and stronger during summertime when pool parties are at their peak. This means that exposure to strong sunlight for just a small amount of time can lead to sunburn or skin cancer much faster, so always use sunscreen with a high SPF rating and wear sun-protective clothing while spending time around the home swimming pool.
6) Train for emergencies
Make sure that every member of your family knows what to do in case one falls into the home swimming pool. Learning to do CPR is one crucial skill adults should have. CPR is necessary because it can save lives if administered after an accident occurs until professional medical assistance arrives.
In addition, keep rescue equipment such as lifebuoys, rope ladders, and first-aid kits handy at all times. A first-aid kit should contain sunscreen, medicines, a flashlight with extra batteries in case of a power outage, and a list of emergency telephone numbers. The more items in your safety kit, the safer your kids and family will be.
Learning home swimming pool safety is just as important as learning how to swim. By following these pool safety tips, you can always have a safer and more enjoyable time at your pool. Other than that, you help your children grow into strong, confident swimmers because of practicing good pool safety habits every day.
