Last Updated on August 14, 2017
Having a pool in your backyard can bring your family and friends a great deal of pleasure, especially on hot summer afternoons. A backyard pool is also a great way for you and your family to get exercise and increase the resale value of your home. However, pools can also be a safety hazard if you have young children. As a parent, you likely do everything you can to keep an eye on your child, and you probably already know that children should never swim without adult supervision. Still, you can’t watch your children every second of every day. Safeguard your pool and family by taking proper pool safety measures.
Install a Fence
Installing a fence around your pool is your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your children from drowning and injuries that can occur if they play around the pool without supervision. The fence that you install should go all the way around the pool, and it should be tall enough that your children can’t easily climb it. The bottom of the fence should also extend to the ground around the pool so that children can’t go under it. Make sure the fence you install around your pool also has a lock that you children can’t access. An open door is an invitation for many kids.
Pool Covers
A pool cover can help keep your children out of your swimming pool when you’re not around if they manage to get past a fence. Look for a heavy pool cover that will actually keep your children from entering the water – not just one that will keep falling leaves and debris from getting into the pool. Hard-top pool covers that can only be removed via a locked electronic mechanism are best.
Pool Alarms
Pool alarms are designed to go off when somebody is near the water or a gate or fence leading to the pool has been opened. Many pool alarms go off when motion is detected. While this can be a little annoying for some homeowners, pool alarms are essential for protecting your child.
An alarm system should also be triggered when doors leading to the pool area are opened when set to do so. That way you’ll know when your children are exiting the house toward the pool, allowing you to keep an eye on them or stop them from going near the pool.
