With summer just around the corner, pool owners are busy getting their pools set up and ready for the kids to enjoy. While maintaining the pool and making sure the water is in good condition is important, it is also important to make sure the pool is safe for children.
This is vital for families that have children under the age of 5. The majority of pool-related accidents that happen involving children involve children under the age of 13 and most are under the age of 5. Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure the safety of your children.
Safety Nets
A very simple solution is to install a safety net on the pool when it is not in use. These are great because they can be used for all kinds of pools including above-ground pools. The concept is very simple. You have a few hooks and anchors installed a couple of feet beyond the boundary of the pool and you lay the net over the pool and hook it to the anchors. This way, if a child does fall into the pool they will be caught by the net rather than falling directly into the water.
Fences
Another option is to create a fence around the pool itself or the entire area around the pool. This way you can lock the fence when an adult isn’t in the area and the children playing can’t access the pool. If you live in Perth, WA, this is also easy to do, and according to Pool Fences Perth, it is one of the best options to protect both your children and your pets. The only downside is that it does take up a lot of space and it impacts the aesthetics of the area. However, it is a sturdy solution that provides excellent protection.
Pool Covers
If you want to save yourself from the trouble of laying out the net over the pool and you don’t want to change the look of the space with a fence, then consider installing a pool cover. These are sheets that are laid out over the surface of the pool much like pool nets.
The advantage here is that it is all done automatically, and rather than a net, it is a solid sheet. These work great for pools in a regular shape since the pool cover is usually a straight sheet. Though you can get pool covers for irregular pools, it will require the design of the pool to be modified a little.
Door Alarms
If you have a pool in another part of the property then you can install a door alarm. For instance, if you have a pool in the basement of the property you can install a door alarm on the door leading to the pool area. Similarly, if you have a fence around the pool, you can make a small door in the fence and have an alarm installed there. If the pool is in your backyard and there is a doorway leading to it, install an alarm on that door. You can configure the alarm to notify you in different ways as well so even if you are out of the house you’ll get a notification on your phone.
Drain Covers
Beyond the pool itself, the drains in the pool are also a major safety hazard. In fact, a lot of incidents that take place, even with adults, happen because even though the person knows how to swim they get caught in the drain cover and can’t escape. In the US, it is a legal requirement to have pool drain covers installed. If you don’t already have them, then definitely consider this option. It is a small modification that could save a life.
Wave Detectors
Another great option to consider, even when you have these other measures in place, is a wave detector. These machines are installed on the wall of the pool or in the drains and they detect any kind of major wave movement which indicates that someone or something is in the pool. They will instantly send you an alert.
This way even if a small animal has fallen through the safety net or a child has somehow managed to gain access to the pool, you will be notified as soon as they get into the pool and start moving around.
Even with all these different measures in place, you should have someone physically present whenever the kids are playing in the pool. Moreover, also be sure to educate your children on the best practices for enjoying the pool safely. Have a telephone nearby and make sure everyone in the home knows what to do in the case of an emergency.
