Keeping Your Friends and Family Safe in Your Home Swimming Pool

Home swimming pools are a lovely luxury, however they also come with a certain amount of responsibility. Whether you’re getting one fitted for your own home or visiting someone with a home pool, you’ll need to assess the risks involved and take steps to prevent anything which could harm you, your family, and your loved ones. 

Keeping Your Friends and Family Safe in Your Home Swimming Pool 
[image: pexels by max vakhtbovych]

From ensuring you have adequate supervision for any children or vulnerable people, to keeping the pool water clean and sanitised to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, being cautious now could save tragedy and heartache later down the line. Here, we outline some of the most important things to do to keep your home swimming pool safe for your friends and family.

Adequate signage

It’s crucial to display signs around your pool area to remind users of the risks and dangers of using the pool. For example, a “No running” sign will remind people of the importance of being careful near the water, while a “No diving” sign will highlight the risk of diving in shallow water. You may also want to consider a sign displaying the depth of the water and a warning that chemical products are near if these are stored near the pool. 

Protection from bacteria and viruses 

Swimming pools are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, so it’s essential to carry out regular chemical treatments to prevent anyone using your pool from becoming ill. For example, all pools must be treated with chlorine to keep the water free from dangerous microbes like E.coli.

Chlorine will also prevent the build up of algae in your pool. While algae doesn’t carry the same threat as a virus like E. coli, it can be difficult and expensive to get rid of if it spreads throughout your pool. Pool chlorine tablets are ideal, as they release chemicals over time, meaning your pool is constantly being cleaned and sanitised. 

The importance of sanitising your pool water has only been highlighted by the Coronavirus pandemic. A study by virologists at the Imperial College of London has found that under the right conditions swimming pool water can inactivate the Covid-19 virus in as little as 30 seconds, meaning the risk of transmission of the virus through swimming pools is low. 

Access to first aid kit and necessary rescue equipment 

It’s crucial to have a first aid kit and rescue equipment near the pool in case anything does go wrong. A first aid kit can be used to staunch bleeding or preserve a life while waiting for medical help to arrive, while rescue equipment could help rescue a drowning person from the water. The minimum rescue equipment you should have on hand is a telescopic reaching pole and a large ring buoy. Check all rescue equipment regularly to ensure its in good, working condition. 

Correct level of supervision

Children and weak swimmers must always be closely supervised by an adult, both when in and around the water. A child can drown quietly, in as little as 30 seconds, so it’s imperative to keep a close eye on them. 

If you have a few children in or around the pool, ensure you have enough supervision to go around. Ideally one adult for each child would be best. If you have more children than you have adults, it’s not going to be a safe environment for young swimmers and could increase the risk of drowning or another accident.