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Pool Safety

As we head into the summer swimming season, let’s look at a couple of safety issues.

Using an extension cord to run your pump motor is a big no-no!

This is not a safe way to supply operating electric. An extension cord can get frayed and allow stray current to travel across your yard and the pool area. I recommend you have a qualified electrician get an electric permit and have them install a GFCI-protected line. If you are budgeting for the pool, figure this in as part of your cost. And a friend or relative that says they can do it for you? Make sure they know what they are doing. Keep your yard and pool safe and don’t take shortcuts.

Another thing about extension cords: they allow an amperage drop from plug-in to motor. This can quickly damage the motor, and you’ll have a big replacement cost. Back in my pool installing days, I once got a call a couple of days after an installation. The pool owner told me the motor was junk and that it only hummed when he plugged it in. I went back to his home and found that he had taken two extension cords and hooked them together. Over the one-hundred feet of run there was such an amperage drop that the motor wouldn’t kick over. I unbolted the motor and took it to his deck and plugged it in. It started immediately. Fortunately, he hadn’t had time to ruin the motor as he had shut it off almost immediately.

Safety ladders and entrance systems.

Nearly every ground to pool safety ladder has a swing-up exterior ladder. When not using the pool, always keep the exterior portion ‘up.’ It is designed to keep the smallest toddlers and youngsters out of the pool when they are unattended. Remember though that it only works if you take three seconds to put it ‘up.’ And while you are at it, keep it in that position when you are away or inside by locking it in place with a coated bicycle chain lock.

If you choose a stairway-style entry system, don’t forget the locking gate attachment. I have a one-year-old grandson that can crawl up a set of stairs, but he can’t open a locked gate. Lastly, if you build a deck the same thing is true. Add sides to the steps and enclose them, then add the gate. At worst, put hinges on the steps so it can swing up when the pool is not in use.

Remove auto cleaners when anyone is in the pool.

If you have a suction-side or return-side cleaner, swimmers can get tangled up in hoses and cords. Suction-side and robotic cleaners also have strong suction that can prove problematic for small feet and hands. Just take them out of the pool.

Pools built into hillsides.

These present a unique situation. I have seen many pools where the top of the pool is actually lower than ground level where it extends into the hill. Consider putting a barrier on the hillside part of the pool to keep people from jumping from the ground into the water. The distance can be as little as a couple of feet from ground to pool and a slip can send the jumper into the pool wall or top rail. You can get fence sections that attach directly to the pool, or you can build your own with a little work and ingenuity. The fence can not only help prevent pool damage but also broken bones.

In conclusion.

This short essay is not intended to list all pool safety issues or recommendations. For a much more detailed discourse, google American Red Cross Swimming Pool Safety.

Have a great summer swimming in the family pool and keep it safe.