10 Easy Ways to Make Your Pool and Spa Safe

While there is no alternative to proper adult supervision over water activities in swimming pools and spas, you can ensure complete safety by keeping in mind other measures that will make these places safer.

Here is a list of safety precautions for pools and spas to make sure that they remain as safe as they possibly can:

1 Have a responsible adult present at all times to supervise everything that is going on in the pool and around it to avoid any kind of mishap.

2 Make sure fittings and fixtures like drains, jets and suction fittings are in place. Ensure current grates and covers essential in preventing body and hair from getting trapped are functional. Ensure all such safety features are properly installed. Check for drain covers that are broken or missing.

3 Diving boards on pools ought to be checked regularly for cracks or weaknesses. All boards, platforms and slides should be duly inspected each time before use. Ensure they conform to prescribed standards and regulations.

4 Avoid all kinds of electrical hazards by having an experienced electrician undertake inspection of all equipment. Make sure everything is properly grounded, bonded, and protected by proper circuits as per constructions codes.

5 Ensure optimum condition of ladders, steps and handrails to make certain that entry and exit points on both ends of the pool and sides of a spa are in ship-shape condition.

6 Take care of measures that restrict chances of drownings. Routinely inspect all installations, fences, self-closing or latching gates, baby-barrier fences, and alarms. Besides alarms for doors and gates leading to pools or spas, install other useful alarms, such as those that: detect movement of the surface water, measure sub-surface pressure waves, monitor the perimeter by lasers and personal immersion alarms for kids that can be locked onto wrists.

7 Undertake a course in CPR. While supervising, have all apparatus within easy reach to help a drowning person. Have rings, shepherd hooks, ropes, safety covers as well as important telephone numbers and phones close by.

8 Ensure that the water is crystal clear in pools and spas to increase visual clarity and help you spot trouble immediately. It also helps people inside water to avoid collisions. Clear water is also an indicator that the sanitizer, circulation, and filtration systems are functioning well.

9 In pools and spas that have heaters, care must be taken to see that the heater is properly bonded and ventilated. Spas and pools with heaters are designed with features to prevent overheating; maintenance is essential at all times.

10 With respect to indoor installations of swimming pools and spas, these need to comply with standard regulations that ensure adequate ventilation and safe use. Make sure your family and guests heed all the warning signs provided by the manufacturer and installer.

Related Information

How to Protect Yourself from an Animal Attack

Facts to Know About Preventing Drowning