Home Pools: Essential Tips & Resources

In a perfect world, swimming pool parties and backyard splash-fests would be all fun and no risk. But we all know that this is not a perfect world, and chances are we all know someone who has experienced a near-drowning incident. As the weather gets hot and we find ways to keep cool, we wanted to take this time to share some pool safety tips & resources.

Three Barriers, Minimum

A pool gate may seem like the ideal safety solution, but one barrier is not likely to be enough. The American Red Cross recommends completely surrounding your home pool with a minimum 4-foot height fence that self-closes and self-latches. We also highly advise an alarm that goes off when anyone enters the pool, and alarms on all doors that lead outside.

The Designated Watcher

When pool parties are in full swing, more people often mean more distractions. While the illusion of safety emerges because there are so many adults around – the vigilance can unnoticeably lighten because everyone assumes someone else is watching. Assign shifts to 3-4 adults at a time to serve as designated watchers and take turns at the BBQ and patio tables.

The Timing

Many of us recently read about the tragic drowning of Olympic alpine skier Bode Miller’s daughter… it’s every parents’ worst nightmare. Despite being in the water for a very short amount of time, the 19-month old lost her life to drowning in a neighbor’s pool. This has served as an unfathomable reminder that life can change in an instant. Our sincere prayers and hearts are with the Miller family during this time of utmost grief and loss…

Consider A Course

The American Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation have partnered to offer a very affordable (around $20) Home Pool Essentials Course that offers an action plan for preventing pool tragedy and keeping a well-maintained pool or hot tub. In addition, many local swim clubs (such as AVAC) can arrange for your child’s class or community groups to attend a swim safety session.

Take 10

Take 10 minutes to read these water safety tips from the National water Safety Month Website. While the official 'Water Safety Month' was in May, these tips can help save lives any time of year.

Rules For Reals

The kids may think rules are only for school, but having pool rules is at home is an important part of any safety strategy. Not running on the pool deck, not swimming alone, where/if diving is allowed – see more examples on HealthyChildren.org.

We know that having a home pool can be a huge perk of home ownership, and we absolutely want you to enjoy it! But as always, your family’s safety is paramount to us and we didn’t feel like we’d be doing our best if we did not cover this critically important issue.

Now if anyone has tips on getting sunscreen on the kids without feeling like you are wrestling an alligator… please let us know!

~ Mark & Jason