25 Essential Tips For Better Pool Safety

Here are 25 essential tips for ensuring better pool safety. Many of the products listed here as advice are readily available on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or chat with us for help.

• Supervise Children: Always keep an adult within arm's reach of children in or near the pool.
• Install a Pool Fence: A fence with a self-latching gate around the pool perimeter can prevent unauthorized access, especially by young children.
• Learn CPR: Ensure all adults and older children know how to perform CPR in case of emergencies.
• Use Pool Covers: When the pool is not in use, cover it with a secure, properly fitted pool cover.
• Keep Rescue Equipment Nearby: Have life rings, reaching poles, and a first aid kit readily accessible by the pool.
• Establish Pool Rules: Set and enforce rules, such as no running, diving in shallow areas, or roughhousing around the pool.
• Designate a Water Watcher: Assign a responsible adult to watch the pool whenever it is in use, even if lifeguards are present.
• Avoid Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can impair judgment and swimming ability, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Use Life Jackets for Inexperienced Swimmers: Provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers or those less confident in their swimming skills.
• Check Pool Depths: Clearly mark pool depths to avoid diving in shallow water and ensure swimmers are aware of where it is safe to dive.
• Install Pool Alarms: Equip the pool area with alarms that alert you if someone enters the water unexpectedly.
• Practice Water Entry Caution: Teach children to always enter the water feet first, especially in unfamiliar or shallow areas.
• Ensure Proper Drain Covers: Make sure all pool drains are fitted with anti-entrapment covers to prevent accidental entrapment.
• Keep Electrical Devices Away: Maintain a safe distance between the pool and electrical devices, and use only ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for poolside outlets.
• Maintain Clean Pool Surfaces: Keep the pool area free of clutter, toys, and debris to avoid trips and falls.
• Follow Weather Alerts: Exit the pool immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder, and wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before returning.
• Teach Children to Swim: Enroll children in swimming lessons to teach them water safety skills and build their confidence in the water.
• Avoid Prolonged Breath-Holding: Teach children the dangers of prolonged underwater breath-holding, which can lead to hypoxic blackout.
• Keep Chemicals Secure: Store pool chemicals in a locked, well-ventilated area away from children and pets.
• Maintain Proper Water Quality: Regularly check and adjust the pool's chemical levels to ensure a safe swimming environment.
• Establish Emergency Protocols: Have a clear plan in place for pool-related emergencies, including how to call for help and direct emergency services.
• Limit Night Swimming: Ensure the pool area is well-lit for any swimming after dark and that visibility is not compromised.
• Avoid Diving in Shallow Areas: Prohibit diving in areas that are less than 8 feet deep to prevent head and neck injuries.
• Never Swim Alone: Encourage a buddy system and ensure no one swims alone, regardless of age or skill level.
• Inspect Pool Equipment Regularly: Check that pool ladders, handrails, and other equipment are secure and in good working order to prevent accidents.