by Paisley Parmer

Created on: June 07, 2010

Whether getting ready for a dip in your own backyard or a community pool, there are some basic swimming pool rules to keep in mind for the health and safety of not only yourself, but also those around you. While each pool may have their own pool safety regulations posted on pool rules signs, the basics often remain the same.

Shower Before Entering

Keeping swimming pools clean using chemicals such as chlorine or salt water processes takes a lot of work. Help ensure the pool is maintained properly by showering before each time you enter so that you are not bringing dirt or residue off your skin along with you. You want to go for a swim in the water, not a pool of suntan oils.

The Pool is not Restroom

This rule is basic; do not urinate in a swimming pool. No one wants to open his or her eyes while swimming under water in a pool of pee. Take five minutes out of your time to get out of the pool and walk to the restroom. Keeping children from urinating or even worse defecating in a swimming pool can prove a bit trickier, but is possible. Plan on potty breaks and take children to the restroom whether they insist they do not have to go or not, children are often too wrapped up in the fun of the moment to admit when they have to go. For children who are not potty trained, do not put them in the pool unless they have on a swim diaper with elastic legging to hold in accidents. Never place a child in a pool with a regular disposable or cloth diaper on.

Supervise Children

Generally children younger than 16 are not permitted at a swimming pool without adult supervision. If your child is not yet a strong swimmer, or just learning to swim, you should be in the pool with them at all times, within arm’s reach. Placing a floatation device on a child who cannot swim and watching them from a pool deck is not adequate adult supervision. Do not rely on other adults for your child’s safety in pool either. Though they may be within arm’s reach of your child, it is not their responsibility to ensure their safety.

Walk, Do Not Run

Hazards are inevitable when running occurs around a swimming pool. Whether you simply scrape your knee on the pool deck or worse bump your head on the edge of the pool and fall in. Pool decks are wet and slippery and there is just no way around that. If you find your children have extra energy to burn and swimming in the pool just is not accomplishing it for them. Direct them to location away from the pool where they can safely run for a while.

Keep Prohibited Items Out

Many items are prevented from swimming pools and their surrounding areas as part of pool safety rules. Alcohol is one of the prohibited items, as one may not realize when they have become too intoxicated to swim safely. Smoking is also prohibited from many swimming pools as a health courtesy to others using the facility. Finally, do not bring your pet to the pool.

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