The
following devices are some options for protecting children and preventing
accidents:
Pool Alarms
Pool alarms can be used in a number of ways, and many affordable options
are available. Placed on a backyard gate, a pool alarm can alert you to
unauthorized access to the pool area; a perimeter alarm can be placed
along the inside of pool fencing and will detect motion; and a surface
alarm can notify you of any movement in the water.
Safety Fencing
Fencing around the pool area is one of the best ways to limit access and
protect small children and pets from water-related accidents. For maximum
safety, the backyard fence should be five feet tall, and objects that might allow a
child to climb into the pool area should not be located near the fence.
Fences should include gates that are self-closing and self-latching. A
lock on the gate may also help prevent unauthorized access.
Pool Covers
Pool covers can do more than protect your pool from dirt, leaves, and
other debris. Pool safety covers can effectively close your pool when it
is not in use, helping to keep children out of the water. A safety cover
should be able to bear the weight of two adults and a child in case of an
emergency. Both manual and motor-operated pool covers are available and
may come in solid waterproof materials or mesh nets.
Rope and Float Line
Place these across your pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the
deep end from the shallow end of the pool.
Rescue Equipment
Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd’s hook should be placed near
the swimming pool in an easily accessible spot.
Posted Emergency Information
Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as
the emergency phone number – 911 – near the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub.
Outside Telephone
Be sure you have a telephone in case you need to summon help.
Also, Drain Covers can provide
added security to a pool or spa, helping to protect children from
entrapment. Anti-entrapment drain covers can help prevent hair, clothes
and other small objects from being tangled or trapped in the drain. Our drains and drain covers meet ASME/ANSI performance
standards.
But none of these are fool proof. Please use due diligence and always supervise your pool! We care! ----Rob and Toni
Consumer awareness information is
available from the following sources:
The Association of Pool and
Spa Professionals (APSP) 2111
Eisenhower Avenue,
Alexandria, VA22314, Tel. 703-838-0083, www.APSP.org
The Sensible Way to Enjoy Your
Aboveground/Onground Swimming Pool
Children Aren’t Waterproof
Layers of Protection
Pool and Spa Emergency Procedures
for Infants and Children
Copies of the above brochures are
available free from The APSP at 1-800-323-3996. To request copies of the
ANSI guidelines regarding pools, spas, equipment, and water chemistry, visit
the APSP at www.apsp.org/135/index.aspx
or the ANSI at www.webstore.ansi.org/.
