Pool Safety Equipment

Pool Alarms

Pool alarms can be used in a number of ways, and many affordable options are available. Placed on a gate, a pool alarm can alert you to unauthorized access to the pool area; a perimeter alarm can be placed along the inside of pool fencing and will detect motion; and a surface alarm can notify you of any movement in the water.

Safety Fencing

Fencing around the pool area is one of the best ways to limit access and protect small children and pets from water-related accidents. Inspect your pool, barriers, alarms and other related equipment on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good working order and that they are safe. Maintenance and safety manuals contain detailed tips and recommendations and should be read, followed and applied on a regular basis. For maximum safety, the fence should be five feet tall, and free from objects that might allow a child to climb into the pool area. Fences should include gates that are self-closing and self-latching. A lock on the gate may also help prevent unauthorized access. Read more about pool safety fences.

Pool Covers

Pool covers can do more than protect your pool from dirt, leaves, and other debris. Pool safety covers can effectively close your pool when it is not in use, helping to keep children out of the water. A safety cover should be able to bear the weight of two adults and a child in case of an emergency. Both manual and motor-operated pool covers are available and may come in solid waterproof materials or mesh nets.

Rope and Float Line

Place these across your pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow end of the pool.

Rescue and Safety Equipment

Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd’s hook should be placed near the pool in an easily accessible spot. Safety items, including pool safety, no diving and caution signs, should be properly installed and/or displayed for the safety of all pool users. We strongly recommend pool owners to request additional safety related publications from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), including: “The Sensible Way To Enjoy Your Pool,” “Children Aren’t Waterproof” and “Pool and Spa Emergency Procedures for Infants and Children.” These APSP publications can be ordered from the APSP by calling or writing them at APSP, 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 838-0083, or by visiting the APSP consumer Web site at www.theapsp.org. The APSP also provides a variety of useful tools for pool professionals and consumers through its four Web sites that promote pool fun and safety. Those sites include: www.theapsp.org www.PoolPeopleUSA.com www.HotTubLiving.com www.SplashZoneUSA.com

Posted Emergency Information

Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency phone number — 911 — near the pool, spa, or hot tub. Keep a first aid kit and life-saving equipment in close proximity to your pool. Do not allow unsafe or risky behavior in or around the pool. We encourage you to always maintain constant adult supervision when children are in or near any body of water.

Outside Telephone

Be sure you have a telephone in case you need to summon help.

Drain Covers

Drain covers can provide added security to a pool or spa, helping to protect children from entrapment. Anti-entrapment drain covers can help prevent hair, clothes and other small objects from being tangled or trapped in the drain. Please be sure to check that drains and drain covers meet ASME/ANSI performance standards.

PLEASE NOTE:The safety tips listed above are provided as a tool to help you, your family and guests enjoy a safe water environment. They are not intended as an exclusive reference for those using a residential swimming area or as a substitute for professional advice. Please refer to a qualified pool expert regarding proper safety installation and operation of your pool or spa as well as safety measures and equipment.