By Rebecca Blain
For many young adults and children all over the world, there is nothing more enjoyable than spending a beautiful summer day at the pool.
As pools provide a healthy and fun method of cooling off, more homes have taken to having pools of all types installed.
While they can be fun and entertaining, there are many child and adult deaths per year due to the presence of pools in the yards of homes.
Despite this, more are being installed every year as the summer heat becomes more intolerable for many people.
In order to be able to enjoy the luxuries of a swimming pool without the risk, there are steps that you need to take to ensure swimming pool safety. Below, you will find various aspects of pool care and safety, along with information on how to best protect your children, family members and pets.
- Above Ground Pools
- In ground Pools
- Filter, Pumps, and other Mechanical Parts
- Chlorine and other Pool Chemicals
- Seasonal Pool Care and Maintenance
- Enjoying your Pool
Above Ground Pools
One of the most common types of Pools are the above ground variety. These pools come in all shapes and sizes, as well as colors, and adorn many backyards all over the world. They tend to lean towards being more obtrusive than in ground, as well as provide a variety of different safety hazards.
First, when you set up the pool, you need to make certain that the ladder to get in and out of the pool is extremely secure and stable. Falling from the ladder of an above ground pool is one of the leading causes of injuries, so you need to make certain that your ladder is set up in a way to minimize chances of injury.
In addition to this, you should always enforce the rule that your guests and children should not sit on the railing of the pool. This is dangerous for many reasons. First, falling off and hitting the ground can cause injuries. Second, if you are really unfortunately, the pool could collapse. If this occurs, injury is a real likelihood.
In ground Pools
The in ground pool is one of the most desired pool types for home owners. These pools are elegant in appearance, easier to care for than the above ground variety, and give you more options for depth. However, there are safety risks involved with having an in ground pool.
First, you need to make certain that there is always someone watching the pool when there are children around. Child death due to falling into an in ground pool is greater than the risks with above ground. This is why keeping the area fenced, or the pool covered with boards or other impenetrable materials is a necessity if you have small children. While this problem is still present with above ground pools, this is the largest risk associated with this pool type.
Also, you need to make certain that you enforce the rule that there should be absolutely no running around the pool. Slipping on wet concrete is a real concern, and injuries as a result tend to be severe. With a few precautions, injuries shouldn't occur with any pool, including above and in ground pools.
Filters, Pumps and Other Mechanical Parts
One aspect of pool care and safety that many neglect to consider is the maintenance of their pool filters, pumps and other mechanical parts. These parts, all of them electronic in some fashion, can cause injury or death if not used carefully. A pump with a soured cable, for example, can cause electric shock to those using and working with it.
When you are working with this style of equipment, you need to make certain that you read all of the safety warnings for that particular unit, and keep them out of the reach of children. If your pool is closed for the winter, you need to make certain all of the parts are put into the proper place over the winter, so that no injuries can be caused by them.
Chlorine and Other Pool Chemicals
One of the most important things you need to do when you have a pool is to make certain that you keep all of the pool chemicals and toxic materials used to keep the pool clean out of the reach of children. These chemicals are very dangerous, and should be treated as such.
While chlorine is used in water for pools and even the tap, you need to remember that the amounts are a lot less concentrated in the tap than in the pool. Consuming straight chlorine can be deadly, so you should be careful not to expose yourself or your children to toxic amounts of it.
Seasonal Pool Care and Maintenance
When you own a pool, caring for it is a job that will take up a great deal of time. However, neglecting to clean or care for your pool can cause very bad side effects. First, a non-treated and cared for pool is a perfect breeding ground to mosquitoes and other pests, some of which can carry diseases that can be transmitted to your family members.
On account of this, you need to make certain that your pool is either covered, or that you clean out all of the leaves and debris and treat it on a weekly basis. Uncleaned and untreated pools also contain bacteria and algae that is unacceptable for your children and family members.
If you do not clean the pool, you should not be swimming in it, as it can pose a health hazard. If you keep up on the cleaning and maintaining of your pool, you and your family can all enjoy the benefits pools offer.
Enjoying your Pool
With all of these swimming pool safety rules in mind, it can sometimes seem like enjoying your pool is a lot of work. It is, but well worth it. Lazy summer days spent drifting on floats, or luxurious swimming through clean blue waters can be very relaxing.
If you keep the safety rules in mind, you won't get hurt and can fully enjoy your investments. By not diving in no dive zones, and avoiding running, you can make certain that you can fully enjoy your pool experience without high risk of injury.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about Hayward swimming pool pumps, Sta-Rite pool heaters, and everything swimming pools!
