Top Safety Features Every Pool Should Have

 
Who doesn’t love lazy days basking in the hot Florida sun next to the swimming pool?  Homes that include a pool can add extra value to a home, especially in a place like Boca Raton. 

It’s very important that we take every measure possible to prevent a tragedy from happening.  That can undoubtedly be the case when it comes to pool safety in your home, the gym or anywhere else a body of water is present. But for now, we’re addressing home pool safety everyone should have.

Adequate Signage: Hanging signs as a reminder to those using the pool may seem like a moot point.  But, that sign is only as good as how well you reinforce the rules.  Signs like “No Diving” and “Walk don’t Run” should be visibly hung in the pool area to alarm people of pool etiquette and safety first, but having someone physically present is imperative to prevent injury.  

Mesh Safety Cover:  The mesh pool cover has many incredible features like protecting your pool from dirt and debris, but when adjusted and secured in place, this pool cover acts as a safety net, preventing anyone from falling in.  Proper adjustment of the net needs to be examined and executed for optimum results and this should never be considered 100% foolproof.

Alarm: An alarm comes in all shapes and sizes.  The alarm that you select should have instant response time when someone enters the designated area.  The wind should not interrupt an alarm’s performance but, they should be the loudest you can stand.  If the alarm comes with a remote control, use common sense.  Throw the remote away.  That’s right, NO REMOTE.  With the convenience of a remote the child is at risk.  Every time the alarm is heard a physical check of the pool area needs be done. Alarms can vary in price and installation.  It’s best to consult a professional for what is the most appropriate alarm for your pool area.

Barriers: A barrier should be a self-closing and latching system that stands approximately 4 feet high or higher. This will prevent people from entering the designated area.  This crucial feature needs to be well thought.  You should also include an additional outdoor lock when not in use.

Ladders and Grab Rails: These two items are necessary to ensure safety when it comes to swimming.  The ladder can create easy in and out points, add balance places to hang onto. Be sure there are enough ladders located around the pool.  Depending on the size of the pool (the larger the pool the more ladders) you can determine how many ladders and hand rails to include.  Ladders with Slip Guard are most popular to prevent injuries.

Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets:  Water wings, floatation device, etc., are not enough when it comes to inexperienced swimmers.  A life jacket that is intended for boating is more adequate.  Life Jackets or Preserves should have a rope that is secured between the swimmers legs and that can prevent an individual from slipping out.  Just a quick note: Even if the swimmer is wearing a life jacket, supervision is still necessary.

Sunscreen:  This may seem obvious, but sunscreen is a must have! Harmful UV rays are present all year round. Using adequate sunscreen prevents overexposure and first-degree burning.  Be sure to buy waterproof products with the highest level of protection.  Children have sensitive and delicate skin, teach them good habits of protecting themselves while they’re young.

Constant Adult Supervision: This goes without saying.  One second can be one second too long.  Make it a rule that no one is allowed in the pool area with a responsible supervising adult. Preferably one with CPR training. Many of the luxury condos have lifeguards on duty during selected hours.  However, if you live in a house or the lifeguard isn’t available it’s up to you to take every precaution necessary to stay safe.

CPR Certification:  This training should be done by EVERYONE whether they own a pool or not!  As one of the most crucial life-saving techniques, there’s no doubt that everyone should have this training. Certification renewal must be done every 2 years.  Anyone that has the luxury of owning a pool has the responsibility to keep it safe.  Classes can be done online with Red Cross as well as many firefighting and police agencies. Depending on the agency, often times you can request someone come to the home that is certified to train you.  Make a night of it with your neighbors and other people that own swimming pools, spas and even ponds. Remember the body of water doesn’t need to be deep to have the potential for tragedy. 

Life-saving Hook and Pole: The Life-Saving Hook is a feature that should never leave the pool.  These poles should be approved by the Red Cross.  Poles like the Shepherd’s Crook are able to hook a person safely and bring them back.

Rope Floats: Rope Floats are reminders of restricted areas for swimmers.  They stretch along the width or length of the pool to remind swimmers; they need to be aware that this could be an unsafe area.  Inexperienced swimmers can be alerted to stay away from the area easily with the marker.

Swimming Lessons: Learning to swim at a place like The British Swim School,  is not only important to the kids, it’s also important to the adults. Any child that lives or visits a place with a swimming pool or Jacuzzi should get swimming lessons at their earliest age possible. Infants are taught to swim with certified instructors and its recommended even someone who has the ability to swim continues to do so with supervision. This will further prevent tragedy from happening.

By taking additional safety precautions, you are lessening the chance of tragedy.  By having these items on hand along with constant supervision, your pool remains a safe fun zone for everyone. 

If you're selling a home that has a pool, be sure to let your luxury home specialist know what you've done to ensure safety. 

Need help locating or selling a property?  Our specialists are always happy to be of assistance.