Top 3 Ways to Keep Your Residential Swimming Pool Safe
Swimming pools are extremely popular in the Sunshine State of Florida, but they also leave the gate open for swimming pool accidents and premise liability cases.
To combat injuries and lawsuits, keep these tips in mind before you open your swimming pool for the summer.
1. Keep Your Eyes Open
Generally, at-home swimming pools don’t come with lifeguards. That means it’s up to you to keep your eyes on your visitors – especially children.
Some factors to consider include:
- Making sure no one runs or even walks too fast near the side of the pool.
- Keeping the children away from the “deep end” of the pool.
- Outfitting all children who don’t know how to swim with arm “floaties,” life jackets, or some other sort of safety flotation device.
- Keeping inexperienced divers and swimmers off the diving board.
- Not allowing anyone who’s consumed alcohol in the swimming pool.
- Keeping children away from pool drains, pipes, or any other openings to avoid entrapment.
- Making sure the pool doesn’t get overcrowded.
- Learning CPR for emergency situations. Also consider keeping a first-aid kit close by.
- Having a cell phone close by in case you need to call 911.
2. Keep Your Pool in Good Repair
It should go without saying that you must keep your pool and all related equipment in good repair. Any run down, damaged, or otherwise derelict equipment can lead to serious swimming pool accidents.
Make sure:
- All drain and pipe covers properly cover any openings.
- The steps to get in and out of the pool are tightly secured.
- Any diving board also is tightly secured.
- There are no damaged or missing underwater lights for nighttime swimming.
- The pool cover properly opens and closes (and locks!).
- The pool’s water isn’t murky, dirty, or over-chlorinated.
If you’re not sure that your pool’s safety equipment is up to par, consider hiring someone who specializes in swimming pool installations or repairs to have a look.
3. Install Safety Equipment
In addition to making sure your basic pool equipment is in good repair, consider adding some additional safety equipment.
For example, consider installing:
- Slip guards on the side of the pool and on the diving board.
- Signs that warn swimmers not to run.
- Signs on the side of the pool that clearly state how deep the water is in that particular area, in addition to signs warning swimmers not to dive in shallow ends of the pool.
- Safety lights around the pool area for nighttime swimming.
- A safety fence around your pool to keep out trespassers when you’re not home. Think about adding a pool covering, too, for extra protection.
- Pool alarms to let you know when someone has entered the area.
Again, if you’re unsure about your swimming pool’s safety equipment, considering hiring a professional inspector to come take a look and make safety suggestions.
Have You Suffered a Swimming Pool Premise Liability Injury?
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, visit glotzerlaw.com or contact Glotzer & Kobren, P.A. at 561-361-8677 to discuss your rights. Serving Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach & throughout Florida.
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