How to Keep Your Pool Safe

This summer keep your pool safe to avoid accidents. Swimming pools are a place that accidents and injuries can happen quickly. The tips in this article will help you to have a safer pool so you can enjoy the relaxation and fun this summer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure your pool has a fence surrounding it, and if there are gates, each gate will need a lock. The fence can be part of a larger enclosed backyard or it can simply surround the perimeter of the pool area.

2. 

   Mark the depth of the water on the edge of the pool. Swimmers who are new to swimming in the pool will have a better understanding if the depth of the water is over their head or too shallow to dive into.

3. 

   Keep the walkway around the pool clear of toys and obstacles. A free walkway around the pool creates a safer environment to avoid tripping hazards.

4. Get a life ring and mount it near the pool area. Even if the pool is smaller, children or people who cannot swim can throw the life ring into the water to aid someone who is struggling to swim. A life ring is a universal symbol for someone who needs help if they are having trouble swimming. They are inexpensive and can save a life.

5. 

   Make sure everyone who is envited to swim understands that there is no running allowed on the walkway around the pool. You can so this by either posting a diagram or written sign or by verbally communicating to each person who swims in the pool that no running is allowed around the pool area.

6. Install a pool alarm. Everyone has probably heard a story of a young child falling into a swimming pool and drowning whild no one was paying attention. Pool alarms, when properly installed can detect an object falling into a pool or splashing around in the pool. Find a pool alarm with 2 units, one that hangs into the water and a separate remote unit. Both units should sound an alarm when the surface of the water is moderately disturbed. Place the remote unit inside of your home or inside where someone will hear the alarm.

7. If you use a pool or solar cover make sure the cover is completely removed before anyone can enter the pool. Place the pool alarm under the cover before you install the cover.

8. 

   Keep the chemical levels in the pool water at safe levels. The pH level must be between 7.2 and 7.6. Maintain an alkalinity level of 80-120 parts per million (ppm). Depending on which chemical you use for sanitizing, the chlorine level must read between 1-3 ppm and bromine must be between 2-4 ppm

[bryguy99]

on 5/31/2009 Thanks for the help with pool safety. The pool alarm sounds like a must have. 5* rec

[ginafur]

on 5/27/2009 Swimming pool safety is one of those things people often look over. Thanks for sharing the wonderful tips.

[skyedanzer]

on 5/26/2009 Terrific pool safety tips. 4* and Rec