Pool & Hot Tub Safety
Posted: February 25, 2022It is fun to go swimming in a pool and relax in the hot tub. Even with that fun, it is important to be safe while in, around or near the pool or hot tub!
If you are going to a public pool or hot tub in your neighborhood or nearby, they may have their own rules to follow. However, if you have your pool or hot tub that is in your backyard, it is your turn to create the rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
We came up with some safety rules that we think would be good to put in place:
Secure Pool or Hot Tub When Not In Use
- Our number one pool safety tip is to install an auto cover.
- Secure your pool with appropriate barriers like a fence.
- Designate a water watcher or a few and stay close by, especially for younger children.
- Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Keep your eye on everyone, especially the children.
- Make sure the steps, ladders or anything that can be used for access into the pool or hot tub is secured, locked or removed so it can not be actively used without adult supervision.
- Install a second barrier like door and window alarms and locks that children can not reach so they can not access the pool or hot tub area.
- Keep the controls out of children’s reach so they can not start the pool or hot tub.
Rules for Before Using Pool or Hot Tub
- Make sure your pool or hot tub is clean and water is properly disinfected to prevent spread of disease before you, your family, friends or guests go swimming.
- Check the temperature of the water and double check that it is at the right spot.
- All pool outlets should have a properly constructed and installed screen over them.
- You should know where the shut-off switch to the pump is located so that it can be shut off quickly if needed.
- Do not run around the pool or hot tub. It is important to walk.
- Have one of our specialists come check your pool and hot tub to make sure it is in safe operating conditions.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors in Pool or Hot Tub
- Do not enter a pool head first unless the pool has a safe diving area.
- Stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.
- Swim with a buddy. Keep an eye on your buddy and have them keep an eye on you.
- Only swim when supervised by a water watcher or a few.
- Swim sober. Do not drink alcohol before swimming or during swimming. Do not bring alcohol in the pool. Wait until you are completely done with swimming before you start drinking!
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
- Make sure to keep close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
- Young children should wear life jackets, arm and leg floats to ensure safety and prevention of drowning.
- Ensure every family member learns to swim so they know how to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and get out of water safely.
- Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
- Be careful getting in the pool or hot tub, as the floors, concrete or stairs could be slippery.
- Do not run around the pool or hot tub. It is important to walk.
We hope that you stay safe & have fun while you go swimming in your pool or hot tub! Come stop by to visit us to see how we can help you to ensure everything is safe & ready for you to go swimming!