How to Make Your Pool Safer

children jumping into pool

Your swimming pool is a great place to have fun and cool off—at least until someone slips or drowns, that is. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 300 American children under the age of five drown in swimming pools every year, with most victims usually only having been missing for less than five minutes.

Follow these tips to make sure that your pool remains a fun, safe place for everyone.

Have a pool barrier.

Pool barriers are, perhaps, the best investment for preventing pool-related deaths and injuries. Since most drownings occur when nobody else is around, being able to keep people out of the pool while there isn’t supervision can help ensure that nobody (especially children) goes into the pool area without supervision.

Install a pool alarm.

Even with a pool barrier, children and animals can still find a way into the pool area and, potentially, fall in unnoticed. In this case, it’s always good to have a backup—and a pool alarm is one great option. Pool alarms go off the moment someone enters the pool or pool area, which can help save precious minutes in the case of drowning.

Use a net or cover to close off your pool.

Nets and covers can also help keep people out of the pool and catch them if they fall in. Some covers can also help keep out animals, debris, and insects from entering the pool, which can help save on maintenance in the long run.

Unlike pool barriers and pool alarms, nets and covers completely prevent water access. This solution is often ideal for homes with pools integrated into landscaping, patios, and backyards.

Securely store pool-cleaning chemicals.

Even though they keep your pool clean, cleaning chemicals pose severe health hazards when they’re consumed or come into direct contact with the skin. While most adults know better, children and animals usually don’t.

Store and secure cleaning chemicals the same way you would any other toxic substance; keep chemicals in a locked container or room, preferably on a high shelf or surface out of reach from children.

Keep first-aid/rescue equipment nearby.

Unfortunately, pool injuries are bound to happen at some point. Be prepared by keeping a complete first-aid kit in the immediate pool area, which can help save precious time in the event of a major emergency.

For extra safety, consider enrolling in first aid and/or CPR training, and make sure both you and your family know how to properly apply bandages and other forms of first aid. It could save someone’s life!

Inspect your pool’s drain cover.

Improperly installed or poorly designed drain covers can cause undue suction and, in some cases, trap people underwater. While most modern drain covers are probably safe, make sure that your pool’s drain cover is rounded and free of cracks or missing screws.

Maintain your pool deck.

up close shot of pool deck

Maintaining your pool deck is essential for avoiding trips and falls. Apart from cleaning and basic maintenance, consider investing in pool deck waterproofing, waterproof deck coatings, and a pool deck drain to help keep walking surfaces dry and slip-proof. If you’re installing a new pool deck or replacing an old one, you may also want to consider a durable, waterproof concrete pool deck.

Waterproof Your Deck to Keep It Safe

In all cases, waterproofing is essential for pool deck safety. For more information on our pool deck waterproofing and pool deck resurfacing services, call our Los Angeles team at 424-339-0953.