Pool Safety Devices for Toddlers
A home swimming pool can be an oasis from stress and the outside world. For toddlers or small children it can be a hazardous place, if lacking proper safeguards to keep them out of the water. There are a variety of home pool safety systems available to homeowners; the best solution for toddler safety is a combination of safety systems to offer redundancy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Fences and Gates
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Most municipalities require fences around home pools. Check with local authorities for fence requirements. Gates installed in fences must be self-closing with latches installed at the highest point on the gate. Latches are available that must be pushed down or pulled up for access, which are effective in keeping out toddlers. If your pool is installed indoors or on a lanai or porch, an isolation fence is needed. Isolation fences are removable fence posts and netting to establish a safe area away from the pool. These fences must be installed before allowing a toddler near the pool. They are easily removed and should not be considered child-resistant for older children. A house door may be an effective toddler deterrent if the door is self-closing and the door latch is at least 54 inches above grade. Sliding doors or screen doors should not be used for toddler protection because they are too easy to open.
Safety Covers
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Pool safety covers may provide protection, with some restrictions. Loose covers or solar covers should never be used for child protection. The child can fall in and be smothered by the cover. Pool covers may be manually or electrically operated, but must be designed to support 485 pounds per ASTM International specifications.
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Alarms
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Alarms should be installed on doors leading to the pool and any pool gates accessible to toddlers. Alarms can use a keypad or other device to cancel the alarm for adults. Pool alarms are available that give an audible signal if the water is disturbed by someone entering the pool. Pool alarms are available that send a wireless signal to a receiver worn by an adult in the home. Perimeter alarms may be useful to cover wider areas not suitable for fences or other deterrents. Perimeter alarms use laser or infrared light beams that send an alarm signal if anything passes through the beam. For enclosed pools, an infrared motion sensor connected to an alarm can be used for toddler protection.
Entrapment Protection
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Children and adults drown every year because pool drains and filters create suction that can suck hair or clothing into them and prevent release. The Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2008 requires public pools and spas to have entrapment prevention devices installed on pumps and drains. Private owners should also retrofit existing pools with these devices. Common devices include new drain covers with smaller openings, or suction-release valves and sensors on pumps that shut down the pump or reverse its flow if entrapment is detected. These devices should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
Other Preventive Measures
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Never use floating chlorine dispensers in pools; they look like toys to children. Remove floating mats or toys from the pool when unattended. Never allow children to play near a pool without fencing installed. Never allow children or adults to dive into a pool. Teach children to ask for adult supervision before entering a pool.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit boy at a pool image by Jakub Cejpek from Fotolia.com
