Having a pool on one’s property is something many homeowners dream of. However, without the proper precautions, the pool can be a very real danger to small children. Homeowners are left to figure out how to keep their kids safe without compromising the area around the pool. Read on for seven ideas for making your pool as safe as possible.
1. Increased Adult Supervision
This first tip may seem obvious, but it is the first step you must take when trying to keep your toddlers safe around the pool. Anytime you are home, whether you’re by the pool or not, always make sure there is an adult that has eyes on your child. Since toddlers are always on the move and learning new things, it’s hard to keep track of every little thing they are capable of. If someone isn’t watching them, they may one day eventually be able to open the door and wander out alone.
Similarly, whenever you and your toddler are enjoying the pool, increase the amount of supervision your child receives. If you intend to get some work done, lounge by the pool, or have your back turned for any reason, you need another person that will be able to actively watch your child. While you may have the best intentions, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Do all you can to avoid this type of emergency by being proactive and overly cautious when around the pool.
2. High Locks
Locks are essential when trying to keep your child away from the pool area. However, you need to ensure that the locks that are installed are effective. If you are relying on a simple lock on the doorknob, this isn’t enough. As your toddler grows, you may find that they figure it out on their own. Similarly, if you have a cat or dog entrance in the door, this can also be a means of escape for your toddler.
Getting additional high locks put in on the door to and from the pool will guarantee that the only person that opens the door is an adult. This important fix will keep your toddler safe all without compromising the beauty of your pool.
3. Pool Fencing
Once you put in the proper safety measures leading up to the pool, it’s time to ensure that you make every effort to secure the pool itself. If your pool doesn’t have a fence around it or has a fence made of flexible or breakable material, this isn’t safe for your toddler. If they do happen to wander out to the pool area, the fence needs to be strong enough to keep them out.
Brisbane Pool Fencing GlassWood is the ideal choice when it comes to protecting your toddlers from the pool. This type of fencing will dramatically increase the security around your pool while improving the aesthetic appeal of your pool as well. Whether you choose glass or wood fencing, these options only serve to beautify your pool.
4. Alarms
If you don’t have an alarm system, this is another important line of defense against drowning. In addition to setting up alarms on the doors leading up to the pool, it is also essential to install alarms around the pool that will sound if anyone falls in. In most emergency situations, no one is around to hear someone drowning. The presence of alarms changes that, alerting you immediately, allowing you enough time to step in before it is too late.
5. CPR and Swimming Lessons
Another way to protect against drowning is to give your child swimming lessons. Whenever your child is physically capable of swimming, they should start learning. This knowledge can save your child’s life in the event that they do end up in an emergency situation in the pool. Moreover, knowing how to swim will make any child feel more confident when around the water.
In addition to teaching children how to swim, it’s important for parents to understand CPR. If your toddler does have a pool-related accident, time is of the essence. You knowing and performing CPR can be the difference between life or death.
6. Pool Covers
Pool covers can be installed for a variety of reasons, but the most important one is to prevent drowning. While some people only use their pool covers when the seasons change, the covers are an excellent way to ensure your toddlers are protected when the pool isn’t in use. Depending on the frequency with which you use your pool, this option may be the most effective one to prevent any potential drowning.
While some pool covers are undoubtedly unattractive, you do have many style options. Keep your pool looking as pretty as possible with an aesthetically pleasing pool cover. Whether you choose an automatic pool cover or a transparent cover, you’ll find that this solution takes your pool to the next level.
7. Drain Covers
Even with all the aforementioned protections in place, there are still risks for drowning. In one emergency situation, the suction from drains in pools or hot tubs can cause children to drown. The solution to this is to use proper drain covers. The right drain covers are rounded with no cracks and no missing screws.
Your children are your first priority. While pools can be dangerous, with these seven tips, you’ll be able to take every precaution to protect your toddlers.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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