A Guide to Make a Pool and Spa Kid-Friendly
Households with young kids have several concerns for their safety around the pool and spa.
A backyard swimming pool or spa is perfect for having some fun, especially for kids. Although enjoyable, swimming pools and spas are dangerous for children. Drowning, phobia, physical injury, and chemical reactions are the hazards kids can encounter in a pool or spa.
Households with young kids have several concerns for their safety around the pool and spa. These concerns primarily arise from the fact that drowning is among the leading causes of unintentional deaths in children aged one to four. A majority of these fatalities occur in residential pools and spas.
Most of these incidents are preventable if pool owners address the potential hazards. Here is a small guide to ensure that the pool and spa on the property are safe for kids:
Always ensure adult supervision
Nothing makes a kid drown-proof, even knowing how to swim. Therefore, vigilant adult supervision is essential when a child is in or around water. Even a few seconds of negligence can cost kids their lives. Drowning happens quickly and silently. Consider giving adults water-watching duty on rotation when kids are in or near the pool and spa and avoid any distractions like cellphones, reading books, or talking to others during that time. Hiring lifeguards for pool parties are also a great option.
Install barriers, covers, and alarms
Kids are naturally curious, and pool barriers and safety equipment are crucial for residential pools and spas to avoid untoward incidents. Regardless of the pool or spa type, install proper fencing around the pool with self-closing and self-latching gates secured with a lock. Other safety barriers include safety nets, mesh covers, and automatic pool or spa covers. In addition, install alarms on the pool fence and all gates and doors that offer access to the swimming pool, and always keep floatation devices and rescue equipment at hand.
Drain covers
Please note that the pool or spa drain suction can trap kids. Besides teaching kids to avoid swimming or playing near drains, ensure that the drain cover complies with the standards. If the pool or spa already has a drain cover, regularly inspect to see if it is not loose or broken and replace it when necessary.
Avoid the use of harmful chemicals
Another way to make a pool or spa safe for kids is to use safe and non-chemical methods to sanitize the pool. Improper water chemistry or exposure to harmful chemicals can cause health issues in kids. So instead, use reverse osmosis, ozone injections, or copper ionization techniques to sanitize the pool and ensure effective and continuous filtration.
Invest in regular pool inspections
Electrical shock and electrocution endanger kids’ safety in a pool or spa. Routine inspections by a qualified and experienced pool expert ensure that there are no electrical hazards and everything is up to local codes and National Electric Code. Professionals can carefully assess all equipment and accessories to rule out any issues and perform repairs or replacements as required.
Learn CPR
Knowing how to perform CPR is an excellent skill for everyone, especially pool and spa owners. It can help save a life during emergencies while waiting for help to arrive.
Get in touch with a pool professional for assistance in making the pool and spa more kid-friendly.
If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!
