A swimming pool becomes the center of family life during warm weather. Morning swims, birthday parties, weekend cookouts, and quiet evenings around the water all make a backyard pool everyone’s destination of choice. But having a body of water just steps from the house also means families need clear safety habits that everyone understands.
Pool safety works best in layers. Active supervision, barriers, swimming skills, well-maintained equipment, and simple household rules all play a part.
Make Active Supervision the First Pool Rule
No fence, alarm, cover, or flotation device replaces an attentive adult. Designate a “water watcher” in group settings and keep inexperienced swimmers within arm’s reach.
Use a Proper Pool Barrier
A physical barrier such as a pool fence is an essential layer between children and the water.
Outdoor residential pools should have a barrier at least 48 inches high. Pedestrian access gates should open away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching. Homeowners should also check local building codes because requirements can vary.
Four-sided fencing that separates the pool area from the house is also recommended. For families planning a new inground pool, pool fencing should be part of the backyard design conversation from the beginning. At Speck USA, we can take care of your pool fencing in addition to building or upgrading your pool.
Teach Children How to Swim and How to Act Around Pools
Swimming lessons are an important safety step. Teach children to ask permission before entering the pool area. Make “no swimming alone” a firm family rule. Running on the pool deck and rough play around steps or ladders should also be off-limits.
For young children and inexperienced swimmers, use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate. Inflatable toys, water wings, and swim rings should not be treated as substitutes for supervision or approved flotation devices.
Keep the Pool Deck Clear and in Good Condition
Safety continues outside the water. Pool decks should stay clear of toys, hoses, floats, and other tripping hazards. Walking should be the rule around the water, especially when surfaces are wet.
The condition of the deck matters, too. A cracked or deteriorated concrete pool deck can create uneven walking surfaces. Homeowners with an older concrete pool deck area should inspect the deck and address damage that could contribute to trips or falls.
When planning a new pool, talk with your inground pool contractor about deck layout, drainage, walking space, steps, handrails, and surface options. A well-planned concrete pool deck gives swimmers and supervising adults more comfortable room to move.
Stay Ahead of Pool Maintenance and Repairs
Maintaining appropriate sanitizer and pH levels to keep water clear and healthy is another significant safety factor. Pool owners should store pool chemicals securely away from children and pets and follow product label directions.
Routine pool maintenance service can help homeowners keep an eye on water chemistry, filtration, circulation, and the general condition of the pool. If a pump, filter, heater, drain cover, light, handrail, or another component is damaged or behaving unusually, have it evaluated.
Do not put off swimming pool repairs. A vinyl liner pool should be checked regularly for liner damage or wear, while a concrete pool may develop surface issues over time. Regular pool services can help owners spot changes earlier.
Add a Pool Cover for Another Layer of Protection
A properly fitted pool cover can add another layer of protection when the pool is not in use. Winter safety covers are designed to help prevent accidental access to the water, while also keeping leaves and debris out of the pool.
For families, an automatic pool cover can be especially useful during the swimming season because it can be quickly and easily closed after pool use. Pool covers should be kept in good condition and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They should never replace fencing, active adult supervision, or other basic pool safety practices.
Build Safety Into Your Backyard From the Start
The best pool safety habits are the ones families practice every day. For Des Moines-area homeowners planning a new inground pool or updating an existing backyard, Speck USA offers custom gunite pools, vinyl liner pools, pool maintenance service, swimming pool repairs, concrete pool decks and patios, and professional pool fencing. We can help homeowners plan the pool, surrounding concrete deck, and pool fencing as connected parts of a comprehensive backyard project.
Ready to create a backyard your family can enjoy with safety built into the plan? Contact us to talk with an experienced inground pool contractor about your new pool, fencing, concrete, service, or renovation project.
