by Wes Joyner

Created on: December 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 31, 2008

Owning a swimming pool makes your home an attractive spot for friends and family to unwind and have a great time. As a homeowner, safety is your responsibility, so you'll need to take necessary precautions to create a pool environment that will help everyone avoid injuries.

Pool safety starts on the pool deck. Pool furniture should be a safe distance from the pool to provide a wide area for unobstructed foot traffic. Keep this space around the pool clean and free of obstacles that may cause someone to trip. Ask your guests to refrain from running or engaging in horseplay around the pool, and explain that their safety is your primary concern. You should have a first aid kit handy to deal with any minor scrapes and cuts that may result from the occasional slip.

Drowning is a potential hazard for any swimmer, particularly children. The best way to prevent a tragic accident is to refrain from swimming alone. Fences and secure screen enclosures can effectively restrict access to your pool to ensure children do not swim unsupervised, and it is always wise to have a buddy nearby who can assist a swimmer who finds himself in trouble. Your pool should have sufficient steps and railing to allow for quick, convenient exit from multiple locations. Provide adequate safety equipment for your guests, including flotation and rescue devices to assist distressed swimmers and prevent drowning.

Hire a professional to routinely inspect your mechanical and electrical equipment. Pool heating, lighting, pumps, drains, and filters can prove dangerous if not properly maintained. Malfunctioning electrical equipment poses a risk of shock, and the powerful suction of a pool drain can cause severe injury. Ensure your drain covers meet rigid anti-entrapment standards, and ask your guests to maintain a safe distance from drains. To prevent tripping over hoses, be mindful that any automated cleaning equipment does not obstruct foot traffic.

Avoid biological and chemical hazards by correctly maintaining the water in the pool. Imbalanced pH or chemical levels can cause mild to severe irritation or lead to bacteria and algae growth that may pose health hazards to swimmers. Whenever possible, shower prior to entering the pool to avoid spreading bacteria to the water, and shower after swimming to rinse off residue from chemicals such as chlorine. Do not allow anyone in your pool with open wounds or sores, as this may contaminate the water and lead to health injuries that cannot be immediately detected.

Remember that you are responsible for the safety of the people using your pool. A comprehensive safety plan, necessary safety equipment, and a few rules for your guests will help everyone avoid injuries that might otherwise dampen the fun.

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