How to Make Your Pool Safe

A backyard swimming pool is a great source of fun and the best way to cool off during the hot summer. The swimming pool can also be a dangerous place. Safety rules need to be followed in order to keep your pool a safe, fun and happy place.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Keep a cordless phone out by the pool in case of an emergency.

2. 
    

   Children NEED to be supervised by an adult who can swim. Adult supervision is the most critical part of a safety plan. Adult eyes cannot be taken off a child even for a second. If you have to go inside the house for any reason, make the child get out of the pool and come with you. Even if you have a kiddie pool with ny water in it.

3. 
    

   All household member who do not swim, need swimming lessons. Non-swimmers and young children need life jackets or approved personal flotation devices, not pool toys.

4. 
    

   Never swim alone. Never swim in the presence of lightning.

5. 
    

   Keep a first aid kit near the pool and all swimmers who are old enough should learn CPR.

6. 
    

   Keep a life ring or life saving flotation device along with a shepherds hook near the pool.

7. 
    

   Keep tripping hazards away from the edge of the pool such as toys and pool hoses.

8. 
    

   Install a filter cut off switch in a convenient to reach place. In older pools that have bottom drains the suction can pull a swimmer under the water and they can drown.

9. 
    

   Keep radios, TVs and other electronic equipment away from the pool. Do not allow glass near the pool.

10. 
     

    Do not allow diving if your pool is not at least 8 feet deep. Even then, dive with caution. Do not install tall diving boards or diving boards with more spring than is recommended for the depth of your pool.

11. 
     

    Buy a pool alarm. This device floats around your pool when the pool is not in use. The alarm will sound if the water is disturbed alerting you to a possible accidental fall in or unauthorized swimmer.

12. 
     

    Install a fence around your pool. For maximum safety install a 6 foot tall privacy fence around you entire backyard. Make sure all fence gates have locks.

13. 
     

    If you have underwater lighting in your pool, have a professional change light bulbs.

14. 
     

    Install motion sensored lighting immediately around your pool.

15. 
     

    Do not swim while intoxicated or impaired.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide

[karileighk]

on 7/11/2009 Keeping the phone there is a great idea. Just don't drop it lol.

[delawaregeek]

on 6/19/2009 It's pool season coming up and it's super important that you make your pool safe for little and big ones alike! People sometimes forget about pool safety because they're too busy worrying about having fun. You have to do both and this article tells you how to make safety a priority. Great Job!

[godfather25]

on 6/16/2009 Great article on making your pool safe.

[cclofmead]

on 6/16/2009 Very good information, pool safety is very important!! 5*

[edieness]

on 6/16/2009 Gr8 suggestions on how to get your pool safe.5