Installing an in-ground swimming pool will add a touch of elegance to your garden. It’s better than an above-ground pool as there are no unsightly parts to create an eyesore! You’ll need to think about many things when installing a home pool – such as the general design, size, shape and placement – though you can’t forget about safety.
Having a pool in your garden is great, but it will add a new safety risk for your family, particularly if you have young children. With that being said, here are three important safety features you need to have in and around your in-ground swimming pool:
A protective fence
Every home swimming pool should have a protective fence built around it. It’s there to stop you or your kids from accidentally wandering too close to the pool and falling in. You’ll be surprised how often this happens – and to be honest, adults are just as prone to falling in as children, especially if there’s alcohol involved!
Don’t be fooled into thinking any fence will do. A wooden fence offers the protection you need, though it restricts your vision of the pool. Ironically, this can be a safety issue, as you may not notice your children in trouble while you’re inside making dinner. That’s why glass pool fencing is strongly recommended; you get a protective barrier without obstructing your line of sight.
A pool safety cover
When your pool isn’t being used, it makes sense to cover it. Again, this will prevent anyone from falling into the pool – and it also helps keep your pool clean. It stops debris from ending up in the water which could cause issues with the pool’s filtering system while also being unhygienic.
Be sure to find a proper pool safety cover here; don’t get a random stretch of tarpaulin and think that it will suffice. You need something that’s specially made to fit your pool to give it the protection it requires.
Anti-slip surfaces
Of all the safety issues surrounding having a pool, slips and falls are the biggest. There’s a high risk of people slipping on wet surfaces around the pool area, causing pretty severe injuries. Every in-ground swimming pool should be constructed with slip-resistant materials on the perimeter surfaces. The decking around your pool must be good at absorbing water or stopping people from slipping and sliding.
Furthermore, consider laying tiles or surfaces right around the pool with added ‘grippy bits’ on them. If you’ve ever been to a water park or swimming pool, you’ll notice they all have tiles with dimples on them. This is an anti-slip idea that stops people from dangerously skidding along the wet floor into the pool.
Look, when kids are involved, you’ll never feel comfortable that 100% of accidents will be prevented. They’re bound to find some way of getting themselves hurt, but all you can do is try to minimise the risks. Installing these three safety features will go a long way towards ensuring that your home swimming pool doesn’t lead to needless accidents. They’re simple undertakings too, so there’s no reason to ignore them!