Pool Safety Tips
Electrical Safety
Sometimes safety components may have failed during the offseason and are creating a hidden danger for you and your guests. GFCI protection, pool lights, electrical bonding, to mention a few, should all be checked and operable. On some older homes, particularly those built between the late 70s and 80s, the presence of hazardous electrical panels that may fail in an emergency because of potential issues with non-tripping of circuit breakers. Consult with your pool contractor or electrician to make sure your pool is mechanically safe and ready for the upcoming season.
Drain Cover - Entrapment
Make sure all entrapment hazards present are mitigated. Pool drains should be updated with the most up to date pool drainage system, which incorporates a dome cover and safety vacuum release. Suction pressures from pools have caused many injuries and fatalities. Make sure all your friends and family know to never sit on drains, suction pipes, etc., as well as the procedures necessary should an incident occur.
Barriers and Fences
It is our experience that barriers designed for pools are always better than fences, as they completely surround the pool and are only accessible through a child-proof gate which should be self-closing devices on the entrance gates. Children entering the rear yard from inside still have open access to the pool and associated equipment. Whether a barrier or a fence, make sure the right systems and training are in place for you, your family, and friends. Check for any damage or tears in the fence mesh, broken sections, locks, and that the fence is at least 48” high. Regularly check safety components also.
Deck / Trip Hazards
Remove trip hazards and repair cracked decks. If you have pressure treated woods, make sure the treatment and stain finish is functional and not causing undue risk of personal injury from splinters or falls.
Exit Alarms / Doors
Make sure all exit doors to the pool area are facilitated with working exit alarms and locks designated for pool use. These must be high enough to be out of kids reach and functional. All exit doors should be self-closing and latching. If you have no younger kids and are accustomed to keeping the door wedged open, make sure these customs are changed when visitors are present with younger children.
Window Locks
Make sure all window locks are functional, and any opening entering the pool area IS equipped with audible alarms. Regularly checking and making sure locks are operational is essential for the safety of you and your visitors.
Pool Toys
Toys are an immediate attraction for younger children. When the pool is not in use or supervised, make sure all of temptations are removed from the pool and stored in a safe place. There are also self-worn toys for younger kids such as mermaid fins, which are very concerning if used without upper flotation devices and strict supervision. Toys are always fun but can create undue risk if not monitored.
Broken Glass
Broken glass in a pool is extremely dangerous, and most do not know until it is too late. Broken glass in a pool is an expensive proposition to correct properly and one that cannot be ignored. The most appropriate solution to remove broken glass is to drain the pool, sweep it clean and refill completely! Yes, this is correct. While removing the large parts and then relying on the vacuum can have some success, it can never be guaranteed to remove all of the glass splinters. It is our recommendation to have policies in place with regard to the use of glass around pools. Simply put, have your stack of plastic cups ready when entering the pool area!
Water Quality
This is an everyday job particularly in the height of the summer season. Maintaining the water quality will prevent undue illness to your kids and inhibit damage to the marcite surface of your pool. This applies to both salt and chlorine pools.
Pool Lights
Always make sure your pool light is on during night time use. Regularly check GFCI protection if any equipment is connected to the same plug.
For more information on maintaining your swimming pool or for help on selecting a swimming pool contractor to install or maintain a pool, please email info@inspectiondepot.com