Swimming Pool Safety

A pool alarm is a wise investment, it could save a life!

We know swimming pools pose a certain threat for families with small children or to those who are not great swimmers. In years past, many homeowners opted to install a fence around the pool for safety, but now there are many other options.

A pool alarm is a wise investment for peace of mind and as an extra pre-caution. Kids just love the water and they can also be clumsy, which is a dangerous combination. We want all of our homeowners to have a safe and fun experience with their swimming pool.

In addition to a trusty fence around a swimming pool to keep the little ones out, there are alarms that you can install on your doors that lead to the backyard and alarms on the fence to know when they are opened. Newer technology includes alarm systems or devises directly in or attached to the pool. Swim University has a great post about the ten best pool alarms and we will share a few here.  We encourage you to do research and find the solution that best works for you. We are only sharing a few of the many, many options available. 

The Pool Patrol Pool Alarm looks like a floating chlorine dispenser in the pool, but reacts to disturbances in the water. This will react to disturbances the size of a small animal or child but not, a breeze. This little alarm is also easy to take along when you visit someone with a pool that’s not child-safe.

There are also pool alarm devices that install at the deck or water level and sense water disturbances of 18 pounds or more. One example of this is the Poolguard. 

If you want a fence for safety, but do not like the look of a typical wrought iron or screen fence, there is another option. Aquaview makes beautiful glass fences to give that open look, but also providing the safety of a fence.  This is an option that we can work into the design of the backyard. 

Find the solution that works for you, don’t delay. There are many affordable pool alarm options available.  

Have you completed a pool safety check of your backyard? Here are several things to add to your checklist:

• Inspect fence slats for gaps greater than 4″, or gaps below fence.
• Remove anything near the fence that could be used to climb fence.
• Check that pool fence gates are self-closing and self-latching
• Keep pool chemicals closed, clean, dry, and out of reach of children.
• Inspect pool pump wiring and other equipment pad electrical.
• Check that main drain and suction covers are securely attached.
• Plan a Pool Safety meeting for all, and lay down the law!