10 Fundamentals Of A Safe Swimming Pool For Kids

Having a swimming pool in your backyard can bring hours of enjoyment for family members of all ages – but it also comes with responsibility. If you have kids or pets, you want to make sure they remain safe behind pool fencing Sydney while taking a dip. To help manage this, some fundamentals should be followed when caring for a swimming pool where children play.

Make use of the following list to build a swimming pool that is safe enough for kids to use.

Install fencing and gates

Having appropriate fencing around your swimming area is one of the most important steps in keeping kids and pets out of harm’s way. A fence should be at least four feet high with a self-closing gate and additional latches on any doors leading from the house to the pool area. Depending on local regulations, you may need to obtain a permit to install this type of fence. 

Make sure the pool is properly monitored

It’s important to have an adult present at all times when children are in or near the swimming pool, and never assume that young kids can swim without proper lessons or assistance. Install a child-friendly alarm system around the perimeter of the pool so you can be alerted if someone enters the water unsupervised. 

Post safety signs

Place safety signs around the perimeter of your pool to remind everyone of important safety rules such as no running, no diving and no horseplay while in or near the water. You may also want to post rescue instruction signs so people know what to do in case of an emergency. 

Teach water safety

Before children are allowed to swim in the pool, make sure they receive proper instruction on how to stay safe in and around the swimming area. Explain the basics like never swimming alone, not pushing each other in, no running or diving from a height into shallow water, and always exiting the pool immediately after swimming. 

Keep rescue equipment nearby

Make sure you have a variety of rescue equipment like life preservers and ropes close by at all times while people are swimming or playing near the water. A good practice is to keep these items mounted on a pole next to your pool so they’re easily accessible should an emergency arise. 

Check for debris regularly

Leaves and other debris should be removed from the pool regularly to avoid any potential accidents or clogs in the system. It’s also important to keep toys, balls, and floatation devices away from the main drain as they can cause suction entrapment when stuck in the system. 

Store chemicals safely

Chemical products used for swimming pools should be stored out of reach of children and animals in a secure location such as a locked cabinet. Make sure all containers are labelled properly so anyone working with them knows exactly how much product to use and how it’s applied. 

Clean filters regularly

Keep your pool clean by maintaining its filtration system daily. This includes cleaning out the skimmer baskets, brushing and vacuuming the pool regularly, and backwashing the filter when necessary. 

Stay away from drain covers

Unless properly marked, you should stay away from any drains in the pool area as they can cause suction entrapment if a person or pet gets stuck under them. If your pool has multiple drains, make sure to have separate rescuers assigned to each one so no one gets left behind in an emergency. 

Check water temperature

Before allowing anyone into the swimming pool, always check that the water temperature is within safe levels – especially for small children or those with health conditions who may be more sensitive to changes in temperature. 

Following these tips will help ensure that your swimming pool is a safe and enjoyable place for everyone involved. By taking the necessary precautions and staying alert, you can make sure that your pool remains a stress-free environment for all its users. Have fun and stay safe!