Having a swimming pool at home has plenty of benefits, however, it also comes with a certain level of responsibility. It’s crucial to be aware of anything that could be a danger to you and your family. Pools can provide a lot of fun and entertainment but there’s also potential for accidents, serious injury and even death.
You need to ensure the pool water is clean and safe enough to swim in, and you must take precautions to keep anyone from getting hurt. Being prepared now could save a life in the future. Here are the most important factors to consider to keep your pool safe for you and your loved ones.
Keep the surrounding area clear
To prevent any accidents, make sure the surrounding area of the pool is always clear. Any area near water will often end up wet, and if someone were to trip, a wet surface would make it easier for them to fall.
Keep any pool toys or inflatables out of the way, and if you have children, explain the importance of keeping the pool area tidy. Ensure any guests who visit are aware of the hazards and keep their belongings clear from the poolside too.
Use the right chemicals
It’s essential to keep up regular chemical treatments in your pool. For example, chlorine must be added to keep the water free from microbes like E.coli, which can cause digestive upset or even kidney failure in some cases.
Chlorine can also prevent the build-up of algae spores. While not dangerous in the same way as a bacterial infection, algae can quickly take root in your pool and once it’s spread, the water is much less appealing. Algae treatment and removal can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s best to avoid an outbreak.
Add pool chlorine tablets to keep your water safe and check the instructions on the product to find out how often the treatment should be carried out.
Keep a strong swimmer around
You should only use your pool when a strong swimmer is present. A child could easily fall into the pool, and it can take as little as 30 seconds for them to drown. Babies and young children can drown in just a few centimetres of water so it’s crucial to ensure a confident swimmer is on hand should any accidents happen.
If you have several children in or around the pool, ensure you have enough adult supervision to go around. If you can’t find enough people to supervise, leave the pool alone and find another activity to do. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
