Make Pool Safety a Priority This Year

It’s never too early in the season to think about pool safety. In Arizona, local building codes include very specific requirements for pool safety in terms of fencing, gates, and door alarms in an attempt eliminate drowning incidents.  Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 in Arizona, and is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 15.

There are a number of ways homeowners can protect their families and keep their pool areas safe.  The number one tool in drowning prevention is supervision.  A child can drown in the time it takes to answer an unexpected phone call or ring of the doorbell.  Installing alarms and self-closing, self-latching devices on doors offers further protection.  Children are prevented from opening doors by themselves, and an alarm will sound when a door is opened.

Permanent, galvanized steel pool fencing is an excellent option for keeping your pool area secure.  If you don’t have children in your home, but perhaps have visiting family or grandchildren, removable mesh fencing is an option.  This fencing can be removed, rolled up and put away when children are not in the home.  An additional option for pool safety is a pool safety net.  These nets stretch across the surface of the pool, so small that children cannot reach the water.  Of course, the homeowner must be vigilant about replacing the net after swimming, so that the pool is never left uncovered. 

Keep your family safe - start thinking about your pool safety plan now.

May is National Pool Safety Month

May 2011 is National Water Safety Month, sponsored by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), World Waterpark Association (WWA), and the American Red Cross.  Here are some reminders from APSP and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The top pool safety tool is for families to supervise pool use and establish firm rules.  Never leave children unsupervised in or near the pool - A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or run to get the sunscreen.  Remember to ensure that babysitters understand the pool rules and the need for constant supervision.  Don’t use flotation devices or life preservers as a substitution for constant supervision. 

Children should be taught water safety and swimming skills as early as possible, but this is also not a substitution for supervision. 

When it comes to your home and property, there are a number of tools and safety barriers families can use to help keep children safe.  Doors that open to the pool area can be equipped with alarms, automatic sliding glass door closers and safety latches installed out of children’s reach so that a child cannot open the door unassisted.

Local pool safety codes vary, and some require permanent, galvanized steel pool fencing.  Gates on your pool fencing should close and latch automatically, and should never be left propped open.  Patio furniture or other large objects should be far enough away from the fencing so that children cannot climb over the fence and gain access to the pool area.

For those who don’t have children in the house on a regular basis, removable mesh pool fencing is an option. Mesh fencing’s transparent look allows a clear view of the pool area at all times.  When not needed, the fencing can be rolled up and stored out of sight.  Pool nets are another safety feature that can be used in this situation or as an additional barrier within permanent pool fencing.  These nets are held securely in place over the surface of the pool with pulleys and clips, and are easily removed.

Please take the time to review pool safety, establish clear rules and upgrade your pool safety equipment this year.  Here’s to a safe and enjoyable pool season!

Pool Safety is Important Year-round

As summer draws to a close we may not be spending as much time out by the pool, but it’s important to remember that throughout the year, pools are a potential hazard for homeowners and should be protected with the proper fencing and other safety equipment. Local building codes include very specific requirements for pool safety in terms of fencing, gates, and door alarms in an attempt eliminate drowning incidents. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 in Arizona, and is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 15.

Pool barrier code varies from city to city in the Phoenix metro area, so homeowners should familiarize themselves with their local ordinances. Homeowners have a number of options for protecting their families and keeping their pool areas safe. A permanent, galvanized and powder-coated steel pool fence can be a beautiful part of your property landscaping, while keeping your pool area safely secured when it is unsupervised. These fences can be custom built to match your home and installed to enhance your existing landscaping features.

Those that don’t have children in the home or want the convenience of a removable fence can consider a pool barrier system. These systems come in a variety of colors and can be used indoors or out, wherever a barrier is needed. They can be taken down and stored when not in use.

Be sure to comply with your local code for pool safety, but more importantly, remember to supervise children at all times because a child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone. Installing pool fencing is the next important step to take in keeping your family safe around the pool all year long.