Having a pool in your backyard is a great addition to your home and can be a fun place for your family to enjoy warm summer months.
However, with the fun of owning a pool, there also comes a great responsibility.
To help prevent injuries involving the pool at your home it is important to take a few proper precautions: * The material surrounding your pool can make a big impact on the number of injuries caused by slipping.
It is important to use non-slip materials on your deck, diving board and ladders.
Also, be sure to tell swimmers to walk carefully on the deck and to avoid running.
* When installing ladders and steps, it is important that ladder rungs be at least 3 inches thick and that steps are coated in a non-slip material.
* Be sure to monitor and do periodic checks of your pool's equipment to make sure that everything is in smooth working order.
Damaged pumps, filters and other equipment can be hazardous for swimmers.
* Teach your kids the importance of pool safety and how to swim early on.
This will help them be more independent in the water, feel more comfortable, and most importantly - safe! Never leave small children alone in the water and always be aware of when children of any age are swimming.
Discourage rough play such as pushing people into the pool, running around the edge of the pool and other such activities.
* Whether you have small children or not, surrounding your pool with an aluminum fence that can be locked when the pool is not in use, is highly recommended to help prevent accidents.
A gate can mean the difference between life and death for a small child who has wandered into the pool area unattended.
* Be prepared for accidents by having a flotation device in or around your pool at all times.
Accidents often happen when you least expect them, so it is important that you are always prepared.
* Be sure to always remove the pool cover completely prior to swimming to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
* Prepare yourself for an emergency situation by taking a CPR course.
Although you hope you never have to use it, you will feel confident in knowing how to do it in case of an emergency.
Pools are a great place to have fun and relax - just be sure to use common sense when swimming!
However, with the fun of owning a pool, there also comes a great responsibility.
To help prevent injuries involving the pool at your home it is important to take a few proper precautions: * The material surrounding your pool can make a big impact on the number of injuries caused by slipping.
It is important to use non-slip materials on your deck, diving board and ladders.
Also, be sure to tell swimmers to walk carefully on the deck and to avoid running.
* When installing ladders and steps, it is important that ladder rungs be at least 3 inches thick and that steps are coated in a non-slip material.
* Be sure to monitor and do periodic checks of your pool's equipment to make sure that everything is in smooth working order.
Damaged pumps, filters and other equipment can be hazardous for swimmers.
* Teach your kids the importance of pool safety and how to swim early on.
This will help them be more independent in the water, feel more comfortable, and most importantly - safe! Never leave small children alone in the water and always be aware of when children of any age are swimming.
Discourage rough play such as pushing people into the pool, running around the edge of the pool and other such activities.
* Whether you have small children or not, surrounding your pool with an aluminum fence that can be locked when the pool is not in use, is highly recommended to help prevent accidents.
A gate can mean the difference between life and death for a small child who has wandered into the pool area unattended.
* Be prepared for accidents by having a flotation device in or around your pool at all times.
Accidents often happen when you least expect them, so it is important that you are always prepared.
* Be sure to always remove the pool cover completely prior to swimming to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
* Prepare yourself for an emergency situation by taking a CPR course.
Although you hope you never have to use it, you will feel confident in knowing how to do it in case of an emergency.
Pools are a great place to have fun and relax - just be sure to use common sense when swimming!
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