The Best Tips on Home Pool Safety for a Fun and Stress-Free Season

 

Owning a pool is a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you have to worry about cleaning and maintaining the pool all season, but you also have to consider water safety. Accidents can happen in and around a pool without any notice, so it's imperative to be prepared.

 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve these circumstances, such as installing a pool safety fence and training your family on first aid and CPR. Pool Supply Unlimited can also be a valuable asset in ensuring you have all the right safety tools and equipment necessary.

 

Drowning is a common cause of accidental death in the United States, with several thousand people (mostly children) drowning in pools every year. While there are many factors at play, the fact remains that it's easier for someone to drown in a pool than you may realize.

 

If you have children, especially those younger than five, pool and water safety is even more critical. Because younger kids don't know how to swim, they can struggle far more than older children or adults. Nonetheless, accidents can happen at any time (i.e., a slip and fall), which can lead to injury or death.

 

Thankfully, by recognizing the dangers and being proactive about preventing a worst-case scenario, you and your family can enjoy the pool season after season. Here are some excellent ways for everyone to experience the water as safely as possible.

 

No matter where you live, all states and municipalities have laws and regulations around pool safety. The primary reason for these laws is to prevent outsiders and children from getting into the water unsupervised. In some locations, pool owners must also install warning alarms whenever the pool access door is opened.

 

While you may have a fence around your backyard, it might be a good idea to install a safety fence around the pool when you're not using it, such as during the off-season. This way, there's less of a chance that a child or critter accidentally falls inside.

 

A safety vacuum release system (SVRS) is an anti-entrapment device that can detect a change in water pressure due to a blockage. The powerful suction in some drains can easily trap children, and even adults. They are required by law for public and commercial pools, but also highly recommended for residential pools.

 

Some parents may want to teach swim safety to their kids as young as one, but the average age is around four or five. The earlier that children can learn how to navigate in the water, the easier it will be for them to stay safe in the pool. In some cases, it might be best to test your kids by having them "fall" into the pool under supervision to see how well they can float and swim to safety. If they struggle, you can practice until they feel comfortable. While this process can be stressful, it can ultimately lead to better peace of mind.

 

A big reason why accidental drownings can happen in a pool is because drowning is a lot quieter than many realize. Instead of someone splashing and yelling, the person may dip under the water and not come back up. One way to alleviate this problem is to have designated water watchers (similar to lifeguards). This way, one person is in charge of monitoring the water at any given time. When too many people are "watching," it's easy for everyone to lose focus or assume that someone else is paying attention.

 

Not all drownings are fatal, although the longer a person is underwater, the more likely they'll experience significant health issues (like brain damage). Fortunately, it is possible to resuscitate a drowning victim with the right combination of first aid equipment and CPR. That said, it's imperative to know the proper steps for administering first aid and CPR to avoid injuring the victim or worsening the problem. So, taking a training course can yield some significant benefits.

 

With traditional solar covers, if a person falls in, they could struggle to stay above water. Pool safety covers allow for better stability in case someone falls in. Additionally, having ladders and handrails along the side of the pool can make it much easier for someone to get out, particularly in the deep end.

If you’re wondering what kind of pool cover you might need, check out our guide on how to choose a pool cover.

 

Don't leave your pool safety to chance. While injuries and drownings are rare, they're also preventable. At Pool Supply Unlimited, we're committed to ensuring your peace of mind with our extensive range of top-quality pool safety devices and pool supplies.

 

Enjoy your pool with confidence, knowing you're prepared for any situation. Dive into our selection today, and when you're ready to make your pool a safer place, give us a call. We're here to help you make the most of your pool, worry-free, all season long.