Your new pool will be an endless source of summer fun and activity. Not only will your pool be a place to cool off, but it can be a great hang out for your kids, friends, and family. However, every pool should come with many safety features to prevent accidental injury and drowning. Here are some safety features every pool owner should consider installing.
1. Warning Signs
Every public pool has warning signs reminding swimmers of rules like no running, no diving in shallow water, or no swimming without an adult. These signs are not required for private pools, but posting one can be helpful to limit horseplay and dangerous activities like diving. Many private pools do not have a deep end, so diving and similar deep water activities can cause serious injuries.
2. Fencing
Fencing is essential for pool safety. You should at least have the backyard fenced to prevent young children from neighboring homes from entering the yard and possibly entering the pool. A pool fence is even more effective. With a secure pool fence that has a safety latch that children cannot open without help, you can let kids play in the other areas of the yard without worry about them falling into the pool. Each day, an average of ten people die from accidental drowning. 20% of these deaths occur in children younger than 14 years old.
3. Non-slip decking
Slips and falls naturally occur where there's water. Instead of choosing smooth tiles of slate for your pool decking, consider a rougher surface that will provide grip for swimmers of all ages. Concrete surfaces can be textured and acid washed to look like stone while providing the texture you need.
4. Drain Covers
Larger pools have powerful suction drains to filter water. These drains can be very dangerous to swimmers, especially children, who come near the drain. Some people can lose hands or even suffer damage to internal organs if the drain is not covered properly.
5. Full Pool Covers
Finally, many people like the look of open pool water, or they cover the pool with a small bubble cover that floats on the water. It's more safe to have a full cover that attaches to anchors in the deck, stretching the cover tight over the edges of the pool when it is not in use. These covers can also help prevent snow and debris from piling in an unused pool over the winter.
For more information, contact a pool contractor in your area, such as KrisCo Aquatech Pools & Spas.
