Pool Safety Tips- The Key To Your Perfect Summer Of Fun

Spring in Phoenix is a busy time as we all prepare for the warm months to come. Pools are being cleaned and prepared for the endless hours of enjoyment as are the BBQ grills and outdoor living spaces. But homeowners often forget that spring is also the time to revisit pool safety for both adults and children. Inspecting safety equipment such as pool perimeter fencing, pool safety nets, and pool covers is just the beginning. Homeowners also need to be certain that there are functional life rings and life hooks near the pool at all times. This is also a good time to inspect all gates to be sure that the self-closing and self-latching mechanisms are functioning correctly. If you have questions about the safety or function of your pool fencing or gates, contact UNIQUE to discuss upgrading or replacing your pool safety features.

Springtime is also when parents should begin to discuss pool rules with their children as well as pool safety and what to do in the event of an emergency. Basic pool safety includes walking but never running near a pool, avoiding pool drains and other entrapment openings, no rough play in the pool and never entering the pool without adult supervision. It is also a good idea to remind children that when they see lightning, it is time to get out of the pool and seek shelter away from all water. Parents should also understand that children will be very excited as the swim season begins and regular reminders about pool safety and pool rules will be needed to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the summer.

Pool Safety Begins With Adult Supervision

Even the most responsible of children can get caught up in the fun and excitement of a swimming pool. So it is critical that there is an adult supervising any time there are children in the pool. Even a child who is a very accomplished swimmer can get hurt, become exhausted or simply forget about pool safety for a single second and tragedy can strike. Constant reminders to stay clear of drains and vents to avoid entrapment, exercising caution when entering and exiting the pool and other basic pool safety lessons are the best ways to avoid accidents that can ruin your pool fun for the summer or even forever. Adults also need to remember that if a child is missing from the yard or the house, always check the pool and spa first as seconds can be critical if a child is unattended near water.

First Aid Preparations

Most homeowners never face any pool injury incidents that are more serious than a few scrapes or bruises. But it is always a good idea to have a well-stocked first aid kit near the pool. Items such as bandages, exam gloves, burn spray, gauze, instant cold packs, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment can make caring for a minor injury at the pool much less stressful than searching the house for first aid items. In the event of a more serious injury, it is also important to have a phone nearby to call 911. If you are unsure about the seriousness of an injury, always err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention. This can be a critical step in avoiding more serious or permanent injuries from a pool accident.

Two Simple Pool Safety Tips To Live By

In the Valley of the Sun, protection from harmful UV rays is important for both children and adults. Protection from UV rays, sunburns and skin damage begins in childhood but is a lifetime commitment which will greatly reduce the potential for skin cancer. Selecting high quality, waterproof sunblock is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Step two is applying that sunblock a full 30 minutes before going outdoors. This allows your skin time to absorb the sunscreen and helps to reduce the amount of sunscreen that washes off when you enter the pool. The second important safety tip involves dehydration. Even though you are in the water, only your skin is staying hydrated when you are in the pool. Your body is still losing fluids and they need to be replenished. Be sure that everyone who is enjoying the pool is also consuming plenty of water or foods with a high water content such as cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit or cantaloupe. Not only will these snacks taste better than chips or salt-laden items but they will ensure that swimmers remain hydrated and full of energy.

Pool safety begins in the early spring as homeowners prepare for a summer of fun in the pool. But unlike other tasks, practicing pool safety and conversations about pool rules should continue throughout the swimming season to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe summer of fun. To discuss your options for adding safety features to your pool such as barrier fencing, self-closing gates or safety nets, contact the UNIQUE design team to schedule a free consultation or call us at 480-969-1911. We can also provide you with helpful information about repairs to your pool equipment or surface and regular pool service and maintenance within our service area.