How do you childproof a pool?
It’s a common question people ask when they’ve just invested in a brand new swimming pool, and it’s a very important part of being a pool owner. Unfortunately, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-14, and this goes to show the importance of pool safety for kids.
The Importance of Pool Safety for Kids
A pool is something that can bring endless hours of joy to your family. When the weather’s nice, there are few things that beat being out in your yard and cooling off in the water. However, a pool comes with great responsibilities.
Swimming pools can be dangerous if the right precautions aren’t taken. Luckily, there are lots of little things you can do to make yours safer.
While there will always be dangers associated with the water, these ten pool safety tips can answer your question of “how do you childproof a pool,” ensuring a safer environment for everybody.
How Do You Childproof a Pool: 10 Pool Safety Tips
When it comes to childproofing a pool, it’s important that you incorporate different pool safety tips to create an extra level of protection. These ten pool safety tips can play an important part in keeping your swimming pool safe.
1. Protect All Entryways
A swimming pool is an appealing thing for young children, and if entryways aren’t protected, then it’s easy for them to be enticed towards the water. The entry points to your yard and pool should be secured, meaning neighboring children don’t have easy access to the water.
For your own children, you can also alarm entry points from the house to the yard so you’re aware of when people are around the pool.
2. Fence Off Your Pool
Even if your yard is protected by fencing, it’s well worth fencing off your pool as well. The right aluminum fence can make your pool look very appealing but crucially add an extra layer of protection.
A pool guard fence is easy to put up, and it’s a quick way to childproof your pool.
3. Add a Pool Cover
When people ask “how do you childproof a pool,” it’s often recommended that the best thing to do is create multiple barriers. A cover is another important element of pool safety equipment, and when combined with good fencing it can make your swimming pool much safer for children.
Not all pools will be the right size or shape for a pool cover, but it’s something that’s worth exploring.
4. Use Pool Alarms
Another good way to childproof a pool is with pool alarms. These alarms are designed to detect when larger objects breach the water and can alert you if there is unexpected activity in your swimming pool.
Often the limitation with these devices is that you need to be within range of the alarm, but they can be a good early warning system nonetheless.
5. Remove Toys from The Pool When It’s Not In Use
Children will naturally be drawn towards toys, so if you leave them in the pool when it’s not in use, then it’s an extra temptation. To limit the draw of the swimming pool, you should make sure all toys are removed and put away when it’s not in use.
Keeping these items out of sight removes temptations and is a good pool safety measure.
6. Store Pool Equipment Safely
Keeping pool equipment safely stored out of the reach of children is an important part of childproofing your pool. Make sure you have a good storage area and most importantly, that it’s out of reach of little hands.
Children are inquisitive, and if pool equipment gets left out then it can be dangerous.
7. Remove Trip Hazards
It’s not just the water that poses a threat to children around pools. Trip hazards and slippery surfaces can also lead to injuries.
This is why most pool safety tips will include making sure you have well-maintained flooring around your pool (non-slip) and that it’s kept free from hazards. This will help stop slips and trips that can lead to more serious injuries.
8. Ensure Adult Supervision
One of the most basic elements of pool safety for kids is adult supervision. While children can be strong swimmers, it’s always important to have an adult on the scene who is accountable and can act in the event of an emergency.
Vigilance is an important part of childproofing your pool, so make sure there’s always an adult present when children are playing in and around the water.
9. Swimming Lessons
A great way to make your pool safer for your kids is to invest in swimming lessons. You can start teaching children how to be safe in the water from a young age, and it can greatly aid their confidence around the water.
Accidents can happen to even the strongest of swimmers though, so it’s important this is just part of your strategy to keep your pool safe.
10. Set Clear Rules
It’s important you set clear guidelines for how you expect your pool to be used.
Basic rules like no diving in the shallow end may seem simple, but it’s important that you make everyone aware of them. Making the rules clearly available and reminding kids of what you expect is another good step towards childproofing your pool.
Conclusion
Childproofing a pool is about creating multiple layers of protection – every extra step you take makes it that little bit safer.
One of the first steps you should take when building your pool is ensuring you have the right fencing. Aluminum fencing is a perfect option for both your yard and your pool, combining elegance with practicality, and it can become a real feature for your property.
This, combined with other steps such as investing in swimming lessons, writing out clear pool rules, and ensuring adult supervision will make your pool much safer for children.
To take the first step, buy fencing today!
