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Pool safety demands good fencing as well as supervision to reduce the risk of drowning, but what about all the injuries that may happen around the pool, not just in it?

Avoiding injury around the pool certainly includes avoiding slips and falls. But falls are not the only hazard. Below is a guide to help you increase pool safety and avoid injury around the pool. Some methods are suited to pools still in the planning stages, but most can be used for pools which are already installed.

SURFACES

Non-slip rubberized edges can be painted on, or permanently glued, and are easily installed around the pool. Also consider anti-slip treatments for the entire tile or surrounding surface area. This can include scoring, sand blasting or a less damaging option - but not as permanent - a topical anti-slip treatment.

LIGHT

You cannot avoid something which you cannot see. Install outdoor lighting to light up the pool area. Underwater lights are great for night-swimming and in-pool safety, but these won't light up the deck. Individual solar-cell lights are inexpensive, are simple to install, and will lend a little bit of light on even the darkest of nights. If you can afford it - and especially if you intend to swim at night - consider a more permanent, stronger deck-lighting option.

ELECTRICITY

It can be tempting to have electrical things near the pool - who doesn't love to listen to a bit of music on a warm Summer afternoon? Consider wireless pool-specific products, but in the likelihood that mains electricity could have any place near your pool, have a licensed electrician install RCD's or RCCB circuit breakers on all your electricity sources. Used for more than just avoiding injury around the pool; they could be a life saver.

LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENT

Think carefully about the surrounding environment. Leaves do more than simply clog up your filter. By removing deciduous trees and leafy plants, and replacing them with less slippery options, pool safety will be easy. You should still have shade nearby to avoid heat-stroke. Gazebos can provide the protection you need, and just think of all the time you will save on cleaning!

CHEMICALS

Avoiding injury around the pool includes thinking of all the possible sources of injury. Securely lock away pool chemicals. Have the appropriate protective gear stored with them, ready and waiting, to encourage regular use of safety gear.

POOL TOYS

Keep toys out of reach in a toy box and not underfoot, in order to reduce tripping hazards. Do, however, think

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