On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than splashing around in your custom swimming pool. But your backyard oasis can pose a safety hazard for kids if you don’t take the right precautions.
The best way to prevent accidents is by knowing the factors of swimming pool safety. Keeping your pool safe by taking multiple precautions will help eliminate risk and save the lives of those enjoying your custom pool.
Let’s start by discussing some general water safety tips.
General Water Safety Tips
As a custom swimming pool owner, it is up to you to know water safety. If you own or are building a custom pool, here is what you can do to keep everyone safe.
- Learn CPR: Parents and children supervisors should know about cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an accident.
- Enroll your children in swimming lessons: Although swimming lessons don’t eliminate the risk of drowning, knowing how to swim is crucial to keeping your children safe.
- Ensure adult supervision: Be vigilant – never leave children unattended while near or in the pool. A designated supervisor should keep kids at arm’s length, whether they can swim or not. Don’t rely on any toys or air-filled devices to keep your children safe.
Top Safety Tips for Custom Pools
1. Install a safety fence to surround the pool
One of the first safety measures you must take when building a custom pool is installing a fence. The fence will form a barrier between your child and the pool, especially when you are not around to supervise.
Although there’s no federal pool fence law, Utah has enacted laws to specify fence requirements. Utah law requires that all pools have a fence of at least six feet surrounding the complete perimeter of the pool.
The law also specifies that the fence “may not permit a sphere greater than 4 inches” through any part of the fence. You must also have a self-closing or self-latching gate that requires a key, electronic sensor, or combination to enter.
While the law requires a six-foot fence or higher, our custom pool builder at SBI recommends choosing a fence height that ensures no children can climb over. So, the taller your fence, the better.
2. Get a pool cover
Want to ensure safety while you aren’t occupying your custom pool? A pool covering or shell is one of the most practical items you can install on your new pool. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a pool cover adds another layer of safety to prevent drowning. It can help keep your children, neighborhood kids, pets, and loved ones safe when the pool is not in use.
Along with improving swimming pool safety, here are a few other reasons to install a cover:
- Acts as a protective barrier
- Keeps debris out of the pool
- Reduces chemical use
- Decreases the load on the water pump and filter
- Reduces water evaporation
- Reducing heat loss from evaporation and heat radiation
- Lowers heating and energy costs
- Keeps your pool cleaner
- Eliminates the need for a dehumidification system
3. Set up an alarm system
Knowledge is power, especially as a custom pool owner. Receive a signal every time someone approaches your pool by installing a door alarm. These alarms come equipped with distinct sounds that go off immediately when someone opens the door leading to your pool.
You can also set up other alarms to add another layer of protection, like a pool alarm. These alarms will signal if any waves or water movement is detected. That way, you will know when something or someone is in your pool.
4. Have rescue equipment available nearby
One of the best swimming pool safety tips you should follow is to have rescue equipment readily available. Keep a life preserver, rescue tube, or life hook stored near your custom pool. According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, any of these items should also be clearly marked and periodically inspected to ensure it is in good condition.
You should also have a first aid kit on hand, stocked with any medical essentials that could help during an emergency.
5. Inspect the pool area regularly
One way that kids (and adults) can drown in your pool is by falling in. You should inspect your pool area regularly for no-slip hazards. Keep your pool floats, inflatable tubes, toys, and cleaning equipment stored away from the pool whenever you aren’t using them.
Along with inspecting your pool area for toys, you should check your drain covers. An underwater drain has suction pressure that can be a death trap for young children.
Keep these areas clear of any toys or debris. You should also place a rounded cover on top of your drains without any cracks or missing screws.
6. Set rules to keep everyone safe
Swimming conditions can be unpredictable. Setting your own rules can keep your loved ones safe as they enjoy your backyard oasis. Here are a few rules our Utah pool builder recommends setting:
- No swimming without adult supervision
- No running near the pool
- No diving in the shallow end
- No glass in the pool area
- Store pool toys when not in use
- No infants in the hot tub or jacuzzi
- No dunking or holding anyone underwater
- Tell an adult if something is wrong
7. Ensure your pool builder is a safety advocate
Before you install a custom pool, ensure that your pool builder will be an advocate for your family’s safety.
Your swimming pool builder has the experience and knowledge you need to ensure that your family can enjoy your new pool for years to come. Together, you can design plans that meet all your safety concerns.
Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns, either. Your builder should keep you well-informed on any safety equipment you should implement during the installation process.
Safe Custom Pools from Stevenson Brothers
Since 1983, Stevenson Brothers, Inc. has been building the highest quality resort-style environments for residents throughout the state of Utah. Our Utah pool builder is committed to making safe swimming pools for our clients.
Throughout the design and installation process, you can count on us to be transparent. Our designers will outline which custom pool designs will make the most out of your outdoor space, including which products will improve pool safety. From there, we will make the custom pool installation easy by working quickly and efficiently.
Whether you need a new custom pool or want to update your current one with improved safety features, our team is an expert in Utah pool construction. Working with us, you can find a swimming pool design that keeps your family safe.
Get started today by requesting a quote from our pool builder at SBI.
