When it comes to pool safety, there are several things to keep in mind. Make sure all of your children are familiar with how to swim. Children should take swimming lessons at least once a year, and inexperienced swimmers should wear life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Never use “floaties” as these can lead to dependency and to risks that children are not ready to take. To avoid this, consider taking a water safety course and learning CPR or first aid. If you are not an expert in these fields, keeping rescue equipment nearby is a great idea.
Aside from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, you should also make sure your pool meets the standards set by your state. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is one such example. It is also helpful to research the swimming pool safety rules and regulations in your state or municipality before purchasing your own pool. You should be familiar with the rules that apply to your locality. This way, you will be sure to avoid a potentially fatal accident.
If you have an above-ground pool, you should consider getting a power safety cover for it. These covers are easy to install and close and prevent young children from getting into the water. These covers should also comply with ASTM F3146(2003). Lastly, you should lock stairs and ladders leading to the pool. Make sure to educate your babysitters about the dangers of swimming and the protective devices. The last thing you need is an injury or death.
Another important safety tip is to have a safety net on your swimming pool. The safety net should cover the entire pool and should prevent your child from slipping under it. Children can drown in less than two inches of water, and they can get trapped by the suction of a drain. In addition to the safety cover, you must make sure to install special exit ramps in your pool. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act also requires that you have an anti-entrapment drain cover. Small children can drown in a suction of the pool drain, especially if they have hair.
Another pool safety tip is installing an alarm. Most of these alarms do not sound unless an object heavier than 15 pounds is dropped into the water. Because most objects in the pool will weigh more than fifteen pounds, this alarm will not alert you if someone enters the pool. To avoid false alarms, the underwater motion pool alarm uses sonar. This system is a great primary security system for any size pool. One drawback is that it needs to be switched on all the time and must be put in a sleeping mode.
Barriers are another essential safety precaution. They provide additional layers of protection, giving you more time to find your child if necessary. The barrier can be a fence or a wall. It must be at least four feet high, and it should be free of protrusions and footholds. It should also have a painted line marking the deep end of the pool. If you cannot afford a barrier, there are other pool safety tips to consider.