This article comes from Angie’s List.

Preparing For Summer With Pool Safety Tips

Many homeowners dream of adding a swimming pool their backyard, but just like a new puppy, once you get one, you take on a lot of responsibility. Here are some safety tips to make sure your family gets the most enjoyment out of it.

Upgrade your drain covers.

If you have the flat, old-fashioned drains on your pool, upgrade to the one that falls under the new federal standards. These drain covers are especially good at preventing hair from getting caught in the pool and will greatly reduce the risk of someone drowning in your pool from entrapment.

Don’t get sucked in.

Install an automatic suction cut-off device on your pool’s pump. When the device detects an increase in pressure, which is what happens when the drain is blocked, it will automatically shut off the pump and release the pressure.

Having this device is always a faster way to release pressure than having an adult run over and turn off a pump. If you’re going to a friend’s house to swim, check out the suction on the drain before letting any children near it.

Fence your pool correctly.

Your swimming pool should be enclosed with a fence at least 4-feet high. Pool gates should open away from the pool and should be self-closing and self-latching.

Get the right cover.

A pool safety cover that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials specifications will provide an added layer of protection. The cover also reduces heat loss and water evaporation.

Be sure to secure the cover on all sides and corners so a child cannot slip under. Don’t let water accumulate on the cover.

Alarm your pool.

In-pool motion detectors and alarms will let you know if someone is in the water. They are available for doors, fences, in pools and as a clip-on for children or pets.

Rope it off.

Place a rope across the pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow end of the pool.

Add another drain.

If you’re building a new pool, install two drains. This will cut the pressure from each drain in half. Often the suction from a lone drain can hold down 400 to 500 pounds, which is too great a force for a young child, and many adults, to escape.

Post emergency instructions.

Make sure you have CPR instructions, warning signs and emergency numbers, such as 911, posted near the pool. Have a telephone handy in case you need to summon help.

Lock up your chemicals.

Store all pool chemicals in a locked location.

Practice active supervision.

Never leave children unsupervised in the pool or outside the pool. Do not count on barriers to keep children from reaching the pool. No barrier is foolproof.

Learn how to swim.

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many homeowners with pools have family members who can’t swim. If you have a pool, make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim.

Children are never too young to be enrolled in a swimming program.

Contact us today to learn about our pool opening services!