The heat on a hot summer day usually gives both kids and pets a good enough reason to jump into a swimming pool. While a pool is often the best way to cool down during the summer, accidents can happen if your pool is unprotected and/or if pets and children are left unattended. Home pools require a greater amount of responsibility, particularly when it comes to making sure they are fun and safe places for everyone. Drowning is one of the main causes of death for children under five, and pets can also fall in by accident, get stuck in filter pumps, or drink harmful pool chemicals. The following are some useful safety tips for protecting your kids and pets around a pool.
Swimming Lessons
Possibly one of the best things you can do to prevent children or pets from drowning is to make sure they know how to swim. If your pet is obedient, they should be able to learn easily. However, it may be best to have a dog trainer provide the swimming lesson. Fortunately, dogs have somewhat of natural ability to swim. Young children definitely need to be taught to swim if you have a pool.
Install A Pool Fence
A fence around your pool is also one of the best ways to ensure the safety of kids and pets. There is a variety of pool fencing available to meet your needs without sacrificing the look of your pool. Floating covers should be avoided, as they increase the chance of drowning if pets or small children fall and get stuck under it. A pool fence offers protection without you needing to constantly supervise children and pets. Make sure the fence has a child safety gate that only adults and older children can open.
Non-Slip Surfaces
While you should be sure to teach kids not to run near the pool, accidents do happen. Cover the side of the pool with a non-slip surface or choose a better pool deck, it can help prevent kids and pets from accidentally falling into the pool.
Keep the Poolside Tidy
Children and pets can be lured to side of the pool by toys, noodles, floats, and other various objects. Be sure to always put these objects away and keep the poolside tidy. This will also prevent people from possibly tripping over them and falling into the pool.
Life Vests
Putting a life vest on pets and small children when they’ll be in or near the pool can prevent those with little or no swimming experience from drowning if they fall into the pool. A life vest can be particularly important for older pets that may get tired easily. Choose a color that is easily noticeable in the water.
Lock Away Pool Chemicals
Be sure to keep any pool chemicals locked away and out of reach of kids and pets. Chemicals used in pools are extremely poisonous if swallowed.
Keep Lifesaving Equipment Handy
Any lifesaving equipment should be kept easily accessible, such as rescue buoys, first aid kits, and long poles. These need to be able to be used in a hurry. It can also be greatly beneficial to know CPR.
Author’s short bio:
Authentic Plaster and tile was founded by Diane Pierce and her family 35 years ago in Texas. Their specialty ranges from simple remodels with pool surface, tile, coping to complete swimming pool replastering and resurfacing in Houston TX by adding tan ledge, benches, water features and more. Also their own developed and manufactured pool surface material, Hydra Products, is warranted in-house and gives not only material warranty but also labor.