Staying Safe Around Your Swimming Pool…

Most homeowners see their swimming pool as “a memory-maker.” What else can bring so many fond memories of babies, children, teenagers, and adults having fun with friends and family? Yet in all this delight, we must remember that a swimming pool has risks, just like any other item in your home.

The good news is that over the years, the swimming pool industry has made great strides in improving the safety of swimming pools. Many years ago, the industry created non-slip surfaces, to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls. Fences and alarms added another layer of protection. Most cities, in fact, have specific requirements for fencing around a swimming pool.

New pools are expected to have at least two of these three options:

Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers – These specially designed drain covers distribute the suction into a “safe zone,” making it nearly impossible for anyone to become entrapped. Standard on all new pools, these can also be retrofitted to most older swimming pools. Important — you should never let anyone enter a swimming pool that has a loose or missing drain cover. If you see a problem with your drain cover, you should close the pool and notify your builder or local pool service company right away.

Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) – When a drain becomes blocked, the SVRS provides a rapid vacuum release which disables the pump’s suction ability, so that the body or object causing restriction can be freed.This safety upgrade is available for older pools that only have one main drain. Contact us if you would like to add this upgrade to your pool.

Our Smart Pool includes Dual Drains, Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers and an Atmospheric Vent Line to reduce suction if the main drain is covered or blocked.

Layers of Protection
As members of the APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals), we support the concept of “layers of protection.” This means the pool, spa, or hot tub is equipped with several devices to delay unsupervised access, or to warn of a child’s presence. Following are some options identified by the APSP for protecting children and preventing accidents:

1. Fencing: A fence is designed to keep out kids and uninvited adults. There is a fence for any taste and budget; may include chain link, aluminum, wooden picked, or other materials permitted by the local code. Fences should be a minimum of 4 feet high or higher depending on local codes.
2. Safety Covers: Pool covers add another layer of protection, blocking access to water when there is not supervision.
3. Alarms: Alarms are available for doors, fences, in pools, and as a clip-on for children. Alarms detect unwanted entrances to your pool, spa, or hot tub.
4. Rope and Float Line: Intended to alert children and swimmers of a change in the slope of the pool floor towards the deeper water.
5. Rescue Equipment: Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd’s hook should be placed near the pool in an easily accessible spot.
6. Posted Emergency Information: Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency telephone number – 911 – near the pool, spa, or hot tub.
7. Outside Telephone: Be sure to have a telephone in case you need to summon help.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POOL SAFETY, PLEASE VISIT:

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals

Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Swimming 

Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition: Layers of Protection, Drowning is 100% preventable

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