Taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer's day is a great way to cool off and enjoy the wonderful weather. But if you happen to be a pool owner with young children around, making sure your pool is safe and childproofed should be your first priority. Drowning may be the number one cause of death in the United States for children under the age of five, but there are several simple precautions pool owners can take to ensure that their pool is secure, safe and fun.
Fences. Not only is fencing around the pool a smart and effective way
of keeping small children and unwelcomed visitors out of your pool when
no one is watching, in most cases they're also mandated by law.
Although regulations differ from community to community, it is
generally recommended that your fence be at least four feet in height
and surround the entire perimeter of the pool. Fences can include
anything from your average chain link variety to a more customized look
to match the décor of your backyard. But keep in mind there are
typically other requirements and safety measures you can take beyond
the height of the fence to help keep unsupervised children out.
"There are requirements such as the size of openings for chain link fences to prevent kids from climbing them," Bob Richards, owner of Pool & Spa RX said. "Normally self closing gates with self latching mechanisms and childproof openers are a good idea to have too."
When no one is using the pool, a simple lock and key is another good safety measure parents can incorporate to ensure that their child is unable to access the water without an adult nearby. But gates and fences certainly aren't foolproof, especially when it comes to a determined child hoping to cool off from the summer heat when Mom and Dad aren't around.
Alarms. There are a variety of alarms currently on the market for pool owners, whether to monitor the gate to the pool or the pool itself. And much like fencing, many communities now require all new pools to be outfitted with alarms by law.
"A law was passed in New York State two years ago requiring alarms on all new pools," Richards said, "so any new commercial or residential pools built as of two years ago must have an alarm."
Alarms are an especially good idea if your house acts as the fourth wall in your barrier solution surrounding the pool. If your home provides direct access to the pool in such a setup, ensure that the door is protected with an alarm to alert you whenever someone enters the area. Simple alarms can also be installed on gated entryways to protect your child from harm.
"There are more expensive kinds of alarms too, such as sonar types," Richards said. "Those measure the pool itself, specifically the water displacement within the pool. Supposedly anything greater than 20 lbs in the water will actually set the alarm off."
Remember, drowning accidents are almost always silent, so having an extra warning system installed in your pool is a simple precaution you can take to safeguard your child.
Drains. The drain at the bottom of your pool, if functioning improperly, can be a dangerous hazard for young children and even to some adults. And much like fencing and alarm requirements, drains too are now mandated and regulated by law.
"Federal law as of about a year ago came out and requires us to put a modified style of main drain grate in the pools. It's called the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, and it's designed to prevent bottom drain entrapment - somebody getting caught on the bottom drain," Richards said.
The suction in some pools can be so powerful that it can hold an adult underwater, snagging jewelry, hair or clothing on the grate. Most entrapment incidents involve young children however, who are weaker and more susceptible to the force. Before allowing your child into the pool, take a look at the drain to make sure it is intact and functioning properly. Never allow children into a pool, spa or hot tub with a broken or missing drain cover.
Swimming lessons. You can take as many precautions as you'd like to help keep your child safe around the pool, but perhaps nothing is as useful as making sure your child knows how to swim. If your home is outfitted with a pool or your child has frequent access to one, sign them up for swimming lessons at a local YMCA or with a certified Red Cross instructor. Swimming lessons will teach children not only how to be comfortable around and in the water, but also about the dangers of the water and how to avoid them.
Swimming lessons are of course only part of the solution. But after taking the proper safety precautions and ensuring that there is always a capable adult on hand when young swimmers are enjoying the pool, almost all drownings can be prevented or avoided.
For all your pool needs, please contact Bob Richards of Pool & Spa RX online at www.poolandsparx.com.
"There are requirements such as the size of openings for chain link fences to prevent kids from climbing them," Bob Richards, owner of Pool & Spa RX said. "Normally self closing gates with self latching mechanisms and childproof openers are a good idea to have too."
When no one is using the pool, a simple lock and key is another good safety measure parents can incorporate to ensure that their child is unable to access the water without an adult nearby. But gates and fences certainly aren't foolproof, especially when it comes to a determined child hoping to cool off from the summer heat when Mom and Dad aren't around.
Alarms. There are a variety of alarms currently on the market for pool owners, whether to monitor the gate to the pool or the pool itself. And much like fencing, many communities now require all new pools to be outfitted with alarms by law.
"A law was passed in New York State two years ago requiring alarms on all new pools," Richards said, "so any new commercial or residential pools built as of two years ago must have an alarm."
Alarms are an especially good idea if your house acts as the fourth wall in your barrier solution surrounding the pool. If your home provides direct access to the pool in such a setup, ensure that the door is protected with an alarm to alert you whenever someone enters the area. Simple alarms can also be installed on gated entryways to protect your child from harm.
"There are more expensive kinds of alarms too, such as sonar types," Richards said. "Those measure the pool itself, specifically the water displacement within the pool. Supposedly anything greater than 20 lbs in the water will actually set the alarm off."
Remember, drowning accidents are almost always silent, so having an extra warning system installed in your pool is a simple precaution you can take to safeguard your child.
Drains. The drain at the bottom of your pool, if functioning improperly, can be a dangerous hazard for young children and even to some adults. And much like fencing and alarm requirements, drains too are now mandated and regulated by law.
"Federal law as of about a year ago came out and requires us to put a modified style of main drain grate in the pools. It's called the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, and it's designed to prevent bottom drain entrapment - somebody getting caught on the bottom drain," Richards said.
The suction in some pools can be so powerful that it can hold an adult underwater, snagging jewelry, hair or clothing on the grate. Most entrapment incidents involve young children however, who are weaker and more susceptible to the force. Before allowing your child into the pool, take a look at the drain to make sure it is intact and functioning properly. Never allow children into a pool, spa or hot tub with a broken or missing drain cover.
Swimming lessons. You can take as many precautions as you'd like to help keep your child safe around the pool, but perhaps nothing is as useful as making sure your child knows how to swim. If your home is outfitted with a pool or your child has frequent access to one, sign them up for swimming lessons at a local YMCA or with a certified Red Cross instructor. Swimming lessons will teach children not only how to be comfortable around and in the water, but also about the dangers of the water and how to avoid them.
Swimming lessons are of course only part of the solution. But after taking the proper safety precautions and ensuring that there is always a capable adult on hand when young swimmers are enjoying the pool, almost all drownings can be prevented or avoided.
For all your pool needs, please contact Bob Richards of Pool & Spa RX online at www.poolandsparx.com.
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