More Tips On Making Your Swimming Pool Safer Vs Legal Requirements

We all know there are legal requirements for making our swimming pools safe. However, there is a lot more you can do, from the placement of your pool pump, to keeping your pool area tidy. This article looks at the little things that can cause big problems later. Small issues that are not generally covered in pool safety topics.


Photo: TimoOK

• Electrical. Your pool filtration system will generally run on electricity. Most homes do not have a separate fuse or circuit breaker for the power supply to the system. Installing this is a very sensible idea. We never know when power issues may strike. A little costly perhaps, but well worth the investment.
• Ladders. Ladders in and out of the pool should be checked regularly. They receive a considerable amount of stress from use, and can break without much prior notice. A nasty fall when getting in or out of your pool from a ladder that collapses can turn into a very serious issue.
• Corners. Cuts or grazes from corners or the sides of the swimming pool can be very painful. When we look at the edge of swimming pool, even underneath the edge, we must remember that we will be climbing all over these areas. It is all too easy to look at them on a walk around, and looking at safety from the point of view of only standing. These issues are often more important with concrete and pools that are constructed on site compared with prefabricated fibreglass models.
• Slope. The slope of the ground around your pool can play havoc with anyone's balance. Especially when we think about a lot of children running around. All surfaces should be even as possible. Slopes encourage slides. Sliding often ends in falling. Something to be very wary of. The mildest slope can lead to the nastiest of falls.
• Chemicals. We all want our pool cleaner, and that means a lot of chemicals to do this. Making sure these containers do not leak, or can be found by children, and even adults is extremely important. Keeping all of your chemicals in clearly labelled containers is essential. Remember that clear labels are only good for those who can read, and may actually be more attractive to young and inquisitive minds. After heavy dosing of your swimming pool, you need to monitor usage. Make sure everyone is aware, or even put up signs. Kids coming home from school could jump in without you knowing.
• Pack Things Away. Packing away your cleaning tools will not only mean they will last longer, but you will avoid silly accidents. Having a pool vacuum hose in a swimming pool is potentially dangerous.
• Lighting. If you are going to be using your pool at night, it only makes sense to be using lighting both outside and inside your pool. Lighting fixtures for swimming pools are much cheaper than they once were, and it is in your best interest to install them correctly, if not professionally.

Legal obligations are one thing, and your own common sense is another. Even if you own a swimming pool that was installed before 1991, it is better that you follow the legal obligations of those installed afterwards. Just because you don't have to legally, doesn't mean you shouldn't. Legal requirements should be considered as the minimum requirements of you pool safety, and you can never do too much.