As the weather warms up, it is time to jump in the pool for a refreshing swim but remember to do so safely. Here are the top safety tips for using your swimming pool safely this summer:
Check your pool is safety compliant
Your pool should now be registered with your local council, and you would have had a safety compliance certificate issued to you. If you have not done this, get onto it as soon as possible. If you do not register your pool, you risk large fines.
By obtaining your safety compliance certificate from a qualified pool safety inspector, you are ensuring your pool is functional and safe for your family and friends.
Education is essential – Learn skills that can save lives
CPR is a skill that is better to know and never need it than to need it and not know. One of the requirements of a compliant pool fence is clear and easy to read CPR instructions are displayed. Although displaying instructions is a good start, being confident in technical skill could save a life. Courses are available through a range of providers and is a skill that needs to be renewed every year. If you choose, you can complete your full first aid certification, which includes CPR. The course generally only takes one day.
If you have children in your home, teach them about pool safety from an early age. Many accidents can be prevented through early education. Make it clear to the children in your household that the pool area is only for swimming, not for general play and that the fence is not to be climbed or left open. Encourage children to look out for one another and to get the attention of an adult in an emergency.
Be vigilant
One of the safety checks performed during the safety inspection is to ensure there is no furniture or play equipment near the pool fence. Children can easily use these to climb over the fence or reach the gate lock. Furniture and play equipment can be moved around, make sure you remain vigilant as to where your items are in your garden.
While it is tempting to prop your pool fence open on hot summer days for easy access, always close the gate behind you. Do not prop the gate or tie it back, to ensure the maximum safety. Open gates are open invitations for children to be in the pool area without supervision. Limit non-pool related activities within the pool enclosure, such as eating and general play.
Maintain your pool
Although you have your compliance certificate, remember to keep regular maintenance on your pool. Either check your chemical balance or have a professional do it for you, scoop leaves and most importantly, keep your equipment functional. Over time, your pool fence may be subject to harsh sun and erosion so inspect often and repair and replace as necessary. Some styles of pool fence last longer than others, so speak to your fencer to find the best style for your pool.
While doing your regular maintenance, clean out your drains and filters.
Remember that toys are only toys
Small children often rely on toys such as floaties and pool noodles to help them gain confidence in the water. Remember that these are only toys and do not replace proper adult supervision. Always be within reaching distance of children when you are in and around the pool. Where you can, teach your children to be confident in the water and attend swimming lessons if they are available in your area.
Toys that are left in the sun can fade and become damaged. If this occurs, floatation devices become brittle and ineffective. Do not use floatation devices if they are damaged. If your child relies on a floatation device, take the time to fit it properly and replace if damaged. Children grow quickly, so research the best ones for your child’s height, weight, age and swimming ability.
Don’t forget sun safety
Your pool is glistening and ready to dive in, but there is more to safety than just your equipment. Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. Slip-on a shirt, slap on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade where you can and slide on some sunglasses. When applying sunscreen, often reapply and use the highest UV sun protection you can obtain. Check the expiry date for maximum protection.
Even though you are in the pool, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Chlorine and salt – as well as other chemicals in your swimming pool – can dehydrate you so drink extra to help keep you well hydrated.
Now you are ready to enjoy your pool this summer. Keep these safety tips in mind and have a safe and fun summer.
For professional advice and assistance with safety and pool inspections, contact our friendly team today.