Many homeowners dream of installing a swimming pool but are understandably concerned about safety. Whether you have your own kids or grandkids, other family members with special needs, or you’re concerned about neighborhood children and pets, you’re very right to consider the potential risks. Nearly 900 children drown each year in the US, and many others suffer frightening accidents.
And of course, that is precisely the reason so many municipalities impose rules on pool safety. You want to keep everyone safe while also complying with local laws. So, what are your options for swimming pool safety?
Whether you already own a pool and want to make it safer, or you’re considering a brand-new installation, the following safety features might appeal to you.
Fencing. Fencing provides a physical barrier to keep wandering children or pets away from the pool and is usually required for all pool owners depending upon local laws. Portable fencing, consisting of mesh fabric attached to stakes, can provide a barrier against entry. But as we all know, children and pets can be quite determined. A permanent fence is even better. Chain link fencing can be too easy to climb, so a tall (height based on your city/county zone) privacy fence offers the most protection.
Of course, no fence will prevent entry to your pool unless the gate is kept closed and locked. And if objects are pushed up against the side of the fence, they can provide easy access to skillful climbers.
Check your local laws before choosing a fence for your pool area, as type and height are often specified requirements.
Alarms. Your pool can be equipped with an alarm that alerts you any time the surface of the water is broken, allowing you to get outside and respond quickly. However, many homeowners would rather not rely solely upon their own lifeguarding abilities. A second (or even third) alarm system can alert you when your backyard fence perimeter is breached, the gate is opened, or even when the back door to your own home is opened (by a curious child wandering outside). Multiple layers of alarms, depending upon your needs, provide the best protection.
Many homeowners dream of installing a swimming pool but are understandably concerned about safety. Whether you have your own kids or grandkids, other family members with special needs, or you’re concerned about neighborhood children and pets, you’re very right to consider the potential risks. Nearly 900 children drown each year in the US, and many others suffer frightening accidents.
And of course, that is precisely the reason so many municipalities impose rules on pool safety. You want to keep everyone safe while also complying with local laws. So, what are your options for swimming pool safety?
Whether you already own a pool and want to make it safer, or you’re considering a brand-new installation, the following safety features might appeal to you.
Fencing. Fencing provides a physical barrier to keep wandering children or pets away from the pool and is usually required for all pool owners depending upon local laws. Portable fencing, consisting of mesh fabric attached to stakes, can provide a barrier against entry. But as we all know, children and pets can be quite determined. A permanent fence is even better. Chain link fencing can be too easy to climb, so a tall (height based on your city/county zone) privacy fence offers the most protection.
Of course, no fence will prevent entry to your pool unless the gate is kept closed and locked. And if objects are pushed up against the side of the fence, they can provide easy access to skillful climbers.
Check your local laws before choosing a fence for your pool area, as type and height are often specified requirements.
Alarms. Your pool can be equipped with an alarm that alerts you any time the surface of the water is broken, allowing you to get outside and respond quickly. However, many homeowners would rather not rely solely upon their own lifeguarding abilities. A second (or even third) alarm system can alert you when your backyard fence perimeter is breached, the gate is opened, or even when the back door to your own home is opened (by a curious child wandering outside). Multiple layers of alarms, depending upon your needs, provide the best protection.
Pool covers. A pool cover seems like an obvious safety solution but be careful to choose an appropriate one. Some are designed only to keep debris out of the pool, and not with safety in mind. Look for a pool cover that is ASTM F1346-91 certified, meaning it won’t collapse when people walk on it, nor allow a child to crawl underneath.
A pool net can be easier to maneuver and allow you to actually see if anyone has slipped under it. But children and pets can become tangled in them, making nets a riskier option if not used in conjunction with fencing and alarms.
Safety guidelines. Accidents can happen even with adults present. In addition to a smart security system, make sure you’ve purchased the appropriate rescue equipment. Ask parents to take turns as designated “water watchers” at pool parties, and never assume that someone else is watching the kids if you must step away. Communication and vigilance are key to keeping everyone safe around water, particularly small children.
If you’re considering a swimming pool installation, or already own a pool, contact us about the safety options available. We can help you design a beautiful backyard pool, while also keeping it safe for the whole family to enjoy for years to come.
A pool cover seems like an obvious safety solution but be careful to choose an appropriate one. Some are designed only to keep debris out of the pool, and not with safety in mind. Look for a pool cover that is ASTM F1346-91 certified, meaning it won’t collapse when people walk on it, nor allow a child to crawl underneath.
A pool net can be easier to maneuver and allow you to actually see if anyone has slipped under it. But children and pets can become tangled in them, making nets a riskier option if not used in conjunction with fencing and alarms.
Safety guidelines. Accidents can happen even with adults present. In addition to a smart security system, make sure you’ve purchased the appropriate rescue equipment. Ask parents to take turns as designated “water watchers” at pool parties, and never assume that someone else is watching the kids if you must step away. Communication and vigilance are key to keeping everyone safe around water, particularly small children.
If you’re considering a swimming pool installation, or already own a pool, contact us about the safety options available. We can help you design a beautiful backyard pool, while also keeping it safe for the whole family to enjoy for years to come.
