Blogs

Securing Your Pool

June 24, 2016

 pool security title 2

Pool Security is Essential

It’s summer time and that means it’s time to hit the water to cool off. But where there’s water, there’s a possibility for danger. You are legally obligated to secure your swimming pool. This is both to protect neighborhood children from harm and to prevent you from liability due to creating what is called an attractive nuisance.

Ways to Keep Your Pool Safe

There are numerous steps you can take to secure your pool to keep children and pets safe this summer. Some of these solutions can be costly, but what is the cost of securing your pool compared to the life of a friend or a family member? Of course, most people can’t afford to take all the precautions, but it is important to follow the law and make your pool safe in a way that fits your pool type, budget and lifestyle.  Remember, the key here is to create a safe environment and to understand that, even if you aren’t home and uninvited children come into your yard, you could still be held liable for any harm they suffer due to an improperly secured pool.

Install a Safety Fence

Some towns require that a fence be installed around pool. Check with your town to see if it’s a requirement. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission recommends a safety fence that is 48” or higher, self-closing, and self-latching. Always keep the gate shut; don’t prop the gate open. Having a safety fence around your pool may be the best defense against danger.

Install a Safety Cover

securing your pool cover

A sturdy net-like pool cover can be a great way to protect your pool from trespassers, intentional or otherwise.

When not in use, your pool should have a safety cover on it. Some safety covers look like a green trampoline that fits over your pool. These covers are sturdy enough for people to walk on them. There’s also a version that looks like a large net; the holes are small enough for critters to get in, but not humans. Either of these safety covers are safer than the generic blue tarp that just lays over the pool’s surface. Blue tarps are not meant to be walked upon and can actually trap a person or animal under water if it collapses underneath them.

Install a Pool Alarm

A pool alarm is an invisible fence that surrounds the perimeter of your pool. The alarm sounds when a child or small animal penetrates the invisible field. This would alert you of an intruder and could give you time to stop them from entering the pool.

Invest in Pool Safety Equipment

pool security life savers

Having life-saving equipment near your pool is part of being a responsible pool owner and can help avoid an emergency situation.

 

In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial to have life-saving devices at hand. Purchase lifesavers with rope or a shepherd’s hook and keep them poolside. Also, be sure you know how to use them should an emergency arise.

 

 

 

Install a Proper Drain Cover

Even experienced swimmers can get their hair or clothing caught in the pool’s main drain. Install a drain cover to keep swimmers from getting sucked into its rough current.

Add a Non-Slip Surface

Even though you may have a “no running” policy, having a non-slip surface around the edge is a good idea. It could be helpful for wet children and adults getting in out of the pool from the sides or while people are walking around the edge. This could help you avoid a slip and fall lawsuit if someone is injured by your poolside.

Provide Life Jackets

Having life jackets for children less than 3 years of age is great idea. You have no way of knowing a visiting child’s swimming skill level. Even if they are great swimmers, the child might tire easily.  Make sure that the life jackets’ fit are adjustable so that they will fit each child properly.

Keep Area Around the Pool Clear

Keeping toys and pool equipment clear from the pool’s edge is a simple way to keep from tripping or slipping. Use storage bins for toys and hooks on the fence for the pool equipment when not in use.

Keep Pool Chemicals Locked Up

Just like you keep your household cleaners and other harsh chemicals out of reach of children and animals, pool chemicals should be locked up too. You should store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place away from other household chemicals.

Install a Deck

Putting in a deck around an above ground pool gives tired swimmers a place to rest without having to climb down a ladder to the ground.

Install Stairs

Make certain that people can easily enter and exit your pool. Make sure that your pool has the appropriate steps or ladders to assist them.

Things You Can Do For More Security

Increase Adult Supervision

Just because adults are outside while children are swimming does not guarantee their safety. The more eyes that are actively watching the children swimming, the better. It only takes seconds for an accident to happen. Just like you keep your eyes on the road, keep your eyes on the pool.

Set the Rules

You have a responsibility to keep your guests safe and you do so by putting safety rules in place. If your guests can’t abide by those rules, then they forfeit their privilege to swim in your pool.

Get Trained in CPR and First Aid

pool security cpr training

Getting CPR and first and training is great for you and your neighbors. You’ll be able to help if there’s an emergency at your pool, your home, or anywhere else.

It’s never a bad idea to get trained in CPR and first aid. Knowing how to save someone’s life or care for their injury can be very helpful in an emergency. If an accident happens, you’ll know what to do until medical care arrives. This kind of knowledge can be the difference between life and death while waiting for the paramedics.

Remember to call 911 immediately if an accident occurs, someone is injured, or not responsive.

Injured in an Improperly Secured or Maintained Pool? Contact Us for Help

If you or a loved one was severely injured in an improperly secured pool, contact the attorneys at owenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys. With more than 40 years of experience in injury and wrongful death cases, we have the knowledge and skill needed to handle sensitive cases like these. Contact our office for a free consultation right now.

LOWENTHAL AND ABRAMS, P.C.

LOWENTHAL AND ABRAMS, P.C.
N/a
national trial lawyers
philadelphia life awesome attorneys
Suburban life
newsweek top attorney
ASLA award
million dollar advocated forum 
million dollar advocated forum 
bbb accredited business
2019-10-BEST-PIA
Silver Badge
best personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia 2022 award
How Can We Help?

Contact us for a FREE consultation. No fee unless compensated.

Bala Cynwyd
Philadelphia
Harrisburg
Pittsburgh
Erie
Cherry Hill
New Brunswick
New York