Swimming pools are a fun escape within your home’s boundaries, and in no way does anybody want to put this escape at stake. This is why you need to be sure that no swimming pool hazards are making their way to you. Remember, an unmanaged swimming pool (and resulting hazard) is enough to turn your afternoon fun time into an accident. This is why it is important for you to learn, recognize, and address these issues in your pool area—the only way to make your swimming pool safer for your leisure time.
Working on your swimming pool’s safety doesn’t only help stop your pool from becoming the site of one of the nearly 4000 annual deaths, but it will also reduce the risk of a whole range of injuries. So whether it is a minor discomfort or a major accident, you can save yourself and your family. In this blog, we will discuss six common swimming pool safety hazards and how to avoid them. So, without further ado, let’s start.
Leading Dangers in Swimming Pool Areas
Every swimming pool faces different dangers; we can’t say what your home’s pool is facing; your neighbor’s pool will also be going through something similar (or the same). But, of course, there are different safety hazards in a swimming pool that are more common than others. Below are some of the leading dangers that you must look out for in your swimming pool area.
Lack of Supervision
If you have a pool in your home, you must supervise it, as an unsupervised pool poses different hazards to children, pets, and the elderly. So, whenever your pool is potentially accessible, there must be a responsible and competent adult looking after it. It only takes a couple of minutes for a dangerous situation to happen. So, if you need to be away from the pool while others are using it, either clear the pool for a break or have someone look after it.
Poor Lighting
When the sun goes down and the days get longer, it becomes quite tempting to stay in the pool for long. Even though it is more relaxing, it could be more harmful as well. When the visibility goes down, it also becomes difficult for you to spot potential dangers like raised deck screws or loose tiles.
It is better to have lights installed around the pool to help swimmers have safer fun and get everyone out of the pool without any hurdles. In another case, where you couldn’t install lights, you can either get everyone out before twilight. You can also set an alarm to let the swimmers know that it’s time to put a stop to their fun for their safety.
Insufficient or Damaged Entry and Exit Areas
Most of the time, the entries and exits in your pool are not properly maintained. This includes the following:
- Tightened rungs on ladders
- Anti-slip pads
- Handrails
Besides this, if your pool also has accessibility equipment, such as a hoist or lift, then you need to maintain it as well. You might think that a loose railing is not really a major swimming pool danger. But if it prevents a tired person from getting out of the pool, then it can lead to tragic results. To avoid this, you must ensure that your pool equipment, entry points, and exit points are well inspected. Plus, if you notice any damage, then you also need to repair or replace that as well.
Electrical Hazards
Electricity and water don’t mix, but when it comes to them becoming one of the major swimming pool hazards, they don’t stay behind. From extension cords and chargers for charging tablets and phones to shorted pool lights, electrical hazards could increase. You or any of your guests can experience electrical shock; it could be anything from a minor sting of electrocution to a major one that might compromise consciousness.
To prevent such instances, it is important to ensure that all pool accessories are installed by a qualified and licensed electrician. If there is a need for extension cords and chargers, then they mustn’t be placed inside the pool area and should be kept at a safe distance. Lastly, ensure all metal furniture and fixtures are properly bonded or grounded, and immediately leave the pool area if you hear thunder signaling nearby lightning.
Contaminated Water
This is one of the most common hazards. It is very obvious that the pool water should be clear, clean, and properly maintained. For this, you can use different methods like circulation, vacuums, filters, and different chemical additives like chlorine that must be properly balanced. Dirty pool water has a distinct smell and appearance, but it could also get worse, making swimmers sick. To avoid having your pool water contaminated, you can check the pool water regularly, balance the chemicals, and get pool water quality tests.
Slips and Trips
Another common danger in swimming pools is wet conditions on slippery and smooth surfaces outside the pool. Whether it is because of rushing around the pool’s edge, horseplay, or just losing balance, slips are a very common hazard. In fact, you, someone in your family, or any of your guests might have already faced this. If not, then you’re in luck. But, to avoid any sort of slips and trips, you need to ensure that the area around the pool is clear of any unwanted things, like wet towels, and that the grip surfaces are properly installed.
Conclusion
Once you own a swimming pool, you need to ensure that it is safe and secure. This requires awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures. By understanding and addressing these common swimming pool hazards, you can significantly reduce the risks of accidents and injuries, creating a safer environment for everyone.
However, recognizing potential dangers isn’t always easy, which is why regular pool inspections are crucial. A professional inspection can identify issues that might go unnoticed, ensuring all safety standards are met. This not only protects your family and guests but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your pool without worry. Don’t wait for an accident to happen—schedule regular pool inspections with Elite Inspections to keep your swimming area secure and hazard-free.
