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Pools are meant to be fun outdoor places, especially for all ages, but without safety measures for kids, a swimming pool might be dangerous.
If you have a swimming pool for kids, chances are you always have your little ones plunging in on it. After all, pools are meant to be a fun, carefree way to enjoy the water, especially during the summer. So, how do you childproof a swimming pool for kids, and what safety precautions should you take as a homeowner?
Guidelines for Childproofing a Swimming Pool for Kids
Other than educating your family members on the dos and don’ts of swimming pools, having physical safety equipment is much better. If you’re clueless about what to do, you can always count on a professional pool service provider for guidance. They’ll be able to help homeowners with pools like you, including pool maintenance tips.
With that said, here’s a guide to childproofing a swimming pool for kids:
Install Fencing and gates
Have a fence installed at least 4 feet high that completely surrounds the pool area. The fence should also have at least self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward, away from the pool.
As for the gates, they must be equipped with locks or latches that are out of reach for small children. Have a gate alarm installed so that when your child opens the gate, it will make a loud sound. Furthermore, chain-link fencing should be avoided as much as possible since it can easily be climbed. Have a solid material that can’t be climbed, like wrought iron or vinyl installed by the pool.
Other than that, the fence should have no gaps or openings larger than 36 inches. The child can most likely squeeze through those openings, so keep them small enough not to let them fit.
Have Pool Covers and Alarms
A motorized pool cover should hold a child’s weight when the pool is not in use. Keep the cover locked so the kids won’t get in without you seeing. Installing pool alarms with motion detectors should also help, alerting you of any child or object that falls in. If you’re willing to invest more, you can also have a pool alarm triggered by breaks in the water’s surface.
Extra Supervision and Access
Make sure children are supervised by the pool, even for a brief moment. There should always be a designated, responsible adult whenever the pool is in use. Furthermore, take out any steps, ladders, or other objects that could enable a child to access the pool. More importantly, keep the pool toys, floatation devices, and other items stored away from the pool area when no one’s using them.
Drain Covers and Suction Outlets
Make sure that all drain covers and suction outlets are in good condition. Remember, they should be compliant with safety standards to prevent entrapment. There should also be multiple drains or a safety vacuum release system to prevent suction entrapment.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep a phone, life preserver, reaching pole, and other rescue equipment when you’re on the poolside. Moreover, it’s best to learn first-aid and CPR to prepare for emergencies. Most importantly, post or keep emergency numbers and remember pool safety rules in a visible location.
Following these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and other pool-related accidents. Childproofing a swimming pool for kids should also include maintenance and constant inspection. If you prioritize pool safety, guarantee a secure, supervised environment.
Why Do We Need to Childproof Your Pool?
Honestly speaking, children and swimming pools are a deadly mix. Anyone with a pool, be it you or some neighbors, should be hyper-vigilant about their kids near pools. After all, hundreds of children die from drowning due to various reasons, including them being unsupervised.
Even if your child can swim, there’s no guarantee they’ll survive pool incidents. That’s why having multiple layers of protection is still the way to prevent accidents.
Pool Safety Guaranteed with Picket Fences!
Childproofing a swimming pool for kids requires the work of a pool construction and planting service in Chula Vista. Pool installation professionals like Picket Fences have specialized knowledge and experience in designing and constructing pools. Moreover, this company has consistently followed pool safety standards and regulations. Picket Fences knows everyone should have equal fun in the pool without worrying about potential dangers.
Aside from pool construction and installation services, Picket Fences also specialize in landscaping, outdoor lighting, and ecoscaping. Their expertise in these areas is proven in the following environmental certifications below:
We highly recommend you visit their website to learn more about their home improvement services. For more information, call Picket Fences at (619) 571-2006. Keep the pool safe and fun for everyone with the help of the team at Picket Fences!
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