Having a pool is a huge bonus. It dramatically increases the value of your property, and also gives you a place to enjoy a low-impact cardio exercise whenever you want to. Keep in mind, though, that there are some safety concerns associated with owning a pool. By knowing when to spot when your pool has become a safety hazard, and subsequently knowing what to do about it, you (and others in your home) are less likely to experience an accident or illness.
1. No Fence
Is there nothing surrounding your pool? Can you easily step out of your home and walk straight into it? If so, that’s a serious safety concern. It becomes especially dangerous if you have children or pets running about the place, as they can easily fall in and get into trouble.
There’s an easy solution here, and it’s installing a fence. Don’t think that a fence will automatically harm how your pool looks! While typical fences and railings may have upright posts and opaque materials, a frameless glass pool fence is the opposite. Nothing obscures the view, and it offers impeccable strength designed to keep the space looking beautiful while also offering added safety. Plus, it can be created and fit specifically for your pool and its size/shape.
2. A Slippery Pool Deck
Does the area around your pool get slippery? Perhaps you’ve even nearly fallen, or have actually slipped up before now. If so, that’s a clear sign there is not enough traction on the ground, and this is dangerous. After all, you could fall and hit your head.
To fix this, you’ll need to remove any residue buildup on the deck. You might also need to replace the deck altogether, especially if yours is very old and no longer has any grip, even after cleaning.
3. Cloudy Water
When you imagine your perfect pool, you likely envision a crystal clear, blue one – one where you can see straight to the bottom. If your pool is cloudy, that’s not only an aesthetic problem but also a health one. Cloudy pool water often indicates a chemical imbalance or even microorganisms living within the water itself.
If your pool has cloudy water, you will need to test it with a pH testing kit. With these results, you’ll need to balance the chemicals. In some cases, cleaning the filter may be necessary.
4. No Emergency Gear
Are you prepared for an emergency in or around the pool? If you don’t have the correct gear, the answer will be a no. The emergency gear all pools should have includes:
- A reaching pole
- A life ring
- A waterproof first aid kit
- Trauma shears
- A warming space blanket
- Easy access to a charged telephone
- Instructions on what to do in emergencies (such as giving basic CPR)
These are just the basics. If your pool doesn’t have any of these, it’s time to buy them and put them in an appropriate location so that anyone using the pool can find them with ease.