A pool or spa is not only fun, it can also be a great source of exercise and relaxation.  But those benefits should never come at the cost of your family's safety.  At South Valley Pool & Spa, we are committed to educating every customer on important steps you can take to protect children from the risks inherent in pools and other deep water.  Here are a few tips to consider -- they work equally as well for both pools and spas:

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1. A fence barrier is your best first line of defense -- every pool should have a complete barrier to keep unsupervised children away from the water.  The fencing should have self-closing (and latching) gates that open outward away from the pool.
    

2. Install alarms to the doors of your home or garage that open onto the pool area.  You can activate the alarms when the pool should not be in use, to alert you if a small child exits the house through one of those doors.  Even very small children can be resourceful in discovering how to unlock and open doors -- these alarms can help to avoid serious tragedy.
    

3. Add water alarms to your pool.  These alarms can be helpful when you plan to spend time near your pool or just want to enjoy your backyard.  A pool alarm will alert you if someone enters the pool, whether intentionally or by accident.
    

4. Custom safety covers are durable and can be on-and-off your pool with the turn of a key.  Great for keeping your pool locked up tight whenever you're not swimming.  If a custom cover is not in your budget, consider a seasonal safety cover that can be applied at the end of the pool season to keep children safely away during the rainy months.
    

5. Keep electrical devices away from the pool.  We all know that hair dryers and bathtubs don't mix, and the same principle applies to pools and devices.  If something is plugged in that brings electricity near the pool -- music, lights, etc. -- it should be on a tested and confirmed GFCI outlet.
    

6. Avoid using diving boards in a "head first" dive.  Boards should be used as a jumping platform.  Feet first is the safest way.

Please visit some of the resources listed below for more information on safe pooling practices.  And of course, stop by South Valley Pool & Spa to talk with us about how we can help you implement the water safety plan that will best protect your family.

 

Additional pool safety resources:

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Pool Safely

National Drowning Prevention Alliance

National Swimming Pool Foundation

American Red Cross

Swim University

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

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