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POOL & SPA SAFETY

Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child waterproof!

A swimming pool or spa creates a backyard oasis that can provide years of enjoyment, entertainment and fun-filled recreation for your family and friends. Specialty Pool Products encourages you to be a responsible pool owner and help prevent accidental submersion. Please read and follow the recommended safety tips below. Resource links for additional safety information are listed at the end of this section. Be informed, be safe & have fun!

Pool Safety: Use Layers of Protection

The key to preventing accidental submersion and drowning is to have layers of protection in place. These include barriers (fences) & pool alarms, close supervision of children and advance preparation in case of an emergency:

Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, not even for a moment.
Anyone watching young children around a pool should know CPR and how to perform a rescue if needed. CPR classes are available at your local YMCA, American Red Cross chapter or hospital.
Install a fence at least 4' high around all 4 sides of an inground pool. This fence should completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard.
For aboveground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use.
Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than children's reach.
A power safety cover (a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area when the pool is not in use) that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) adds to the protection of children, but should not be used in place of a fence between your house and the pool.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's crook or life preserver ring) and a telephone (with emergency #s posted) by the pool.
Remove all floats & water toys from the pool after use, so children aren't tempted to venture back and reach into the water for them.
After children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
Lock doors and windows leading to the pool.
Pool alarms offer an added layer of protection. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. We recommend systems with remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.
If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.
Post pool rules (regarding diving, running, horseplay), make sure swimmers are familiar with them, and enforce them.

Diving Safety

Practice safe diving at your pool by following these safety precautions:

Don't dive into aboveground pools; they are too shallow.
Don't dive from the side of an inground pool. Enter the water feet first.
Dive only from the end of the diving board and not from the sides.
Dive with your hands in front of you and "steer up" upon entering the water to avoid hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.
Don't dive if you have been using alcohol or drugs.
Post & enforce poolside rules regarding where diving is permissible, and where it's not.

Hot Tub, Spa & Whirlpool Safety

Enjoy your hot tub, spa or whirlpool. These tips will help make for a safe and relaxing spa experience for everyone!

Always supervise children using a spa or hot tub.
If the drain cover is missing or broken, replace it before using the spa again.
Use a locked safety cover when the spa is not in use.
Your spa should have the dual drains and drain covers required by current safety standards.
Check your spa or hot tub regularly to ensure it is in good, safe working condition, and that drain covers are in place and not cracked or missing.
Anyone who has consumed alcohol or use any drugs should not use the hot tub or spa.
Maintain a spa water temperature of 104° Fahrenheit or below.
Know where the cut-off switch for your pump is and clearly mark it, so it can be turned off quickly in an emergency. Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected.
If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately & pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the vacuum seal.
Never allow a child to play in a way that could permit the child's hair to come near the drain cover.

Help Kids Remember Pool Safety!

Children should be aware of pool rules and can actively help maintain a safe swimming environment. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals suggests this easy acronym to help us all remember the important factors and issues surrounding pool safety. Discuss safety with your children often. It could help save a life!

You, your family and friends will enjoy a happier, healthier pool and spa experience if you remember the rules of S-A-F-E-T-Y:

S is for "SUPERVISION"

More Than Just a Good Idea

There's no substitute for ADULT supervision.
Keep your eyes on the pool at all times.

A is for "ALERT"

Pay Attention, Play Smart

A favorite toy left near the water can be a very strong attraction for a child. Store all toys & playthings away from the pool or spa area.
Store all chemicals, cleansers, and accessories safely and securely in appropriate areas.
Serve food and beverages in non-breakable containers in the pool area.
Get out of the pool at the first sign of a thunderstorm.

F is for "FREE"

Be Substance-FREE

Anyone who has consumed alcohol or any drugs should not use the pool or spa. Consult a physician prior to swimming or using a spa if you are taking any mediation on a regular basis.

E is for "EMERGENCY" Procedures

Get Training and Education

Learn CPR, it may save a life.
Keep a charged portable telephone by the pool, along with emergency contact numbers.
Invest in rescue equipment (shepherd’s crook, life ring) and keep it poolside.
Ropes and float lines placed across the pool should be used to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep and shallow ends of the pool.

T is for "TEACHING"

Never Too Old or Too Young

Everyone should be taught to swim. Children should be enrolled in swimming lessons or a program to familiarize them with the water. Check your local YMCA, Parks & Recreation department or other local programs near your area.
Learn safe diving!!! (1) Know the depth of the water prior to diving, (2) Never dive into shallow water, (3) Never dive into an aboveground pool.

Y is for "YOU"

By thinking about safety all the time, you are being a responsible pool owner and user!