Backyard pools are a great way to unwind and relax with loved ones but can pose risks when people don’t follow the rules. Here are 10 pool safety tips to keep your family safe while having a blast this season.
Keep Watch on Children at All Times
Drowning can occur in as little as 10 seconds, so keeping little ones in arms reach at all times is an essential pool safety tip. Be alert and available to small children. Let the phone ring, have someone else BBQ, and keep your attention on the pool to ensure everyone stays happy and safe.
Use Inflatables Wisely
Inflatables are a lot of fun for kids and adults alike, but to maximize safety, limit the number of inflatables in the pool at one time so you can easily see all the swimmers in your pool. Keep alert as inflatable toys can overturn easily. To risk the temptation for young children to reach in, always remove inflatables from the pool when not in use. For filling inflatables on the go, check out our plans for this handy air compressor cart.
Install a Fence
Ensure you have a secure fence, with a self-locking gate, installed around your pool. Check your local building laws for height and material restrictions. If any sliding doors enter directly onto a pool deck, install a door alarm to alert you if a little one enters the pool deck alone.
Feet First
The vast majority of home pools are not made for diving. Have a feet-first policy, especially down slides. Diving head-first into a shallow pool can result in significant neck and spinal injury, so encourage safe water entry for all guests as a basic pool safety rule.
Teach Your Kids to Swim
All children should learn to swim—especially if you have a pool at home. Invest in swimming lessons with an accredited provider to ensure your children are taught pool safety from an early age.
Restrict Access
Drain the water from small, inflatable pools when not in use and remove ladders and stairs from above-ground pools to prevent curious little ones from falling in. For larger pools, install a pool safety cover when not in use to prevent accidental entry.
Accompany All Guests
As the homeowner is ultimately responsible for the safety of those using their pool, be sure to be present at all times while to pool is being used. Better yet, be prepared—ensure at least one homeowner is trained in first-aid and CPR.
Never Swim Alone
Even seasoned swimmers can have emergencies. Never swim alone. In the event of an emergency, such as a cramp or heart attack, you may not be able to get out of the pool safely. Be sure someone else is at home and knows where you are.
Be Prepared
At a minimum, be sure to keep rescue equipment, a first-aid kit and CPR instructions at the poolside. Keep emergency numbers and a phone close to the pool to call for help in the unlikely event of an emergency. Being prepared will help everyone have a relaxed time and enjoy your backyard pool.
Establish Rules
Have a family meeting to create some easy-to-remember pool safety rules, and ensure your visitors are made aware. Better yet—post your family pool rules in a visible location as an easy way to remind your family and friends, as needed.
