Never allow anyone to dive into an aboveground pool. There are no aboveground pools that are classified as diving pools. Diving into shallow water can be fatal or cause permanent injury.

On inground pools, make sure that all pool users know where they are allowed to dive into your pool, if your pool is classified as a diving pool. If your pool is not designated as a diving pool, do not let ANYBODY dive into it. Make sure that everyone knows the proper diving techniques. Remember, the pool owner is responsible and liable for the safety of all pool users. If you have questions about whether your pool is classified as a diving pool, PLEASE ask!

Never use or work around the pool during a thunderstorm.

Keep a first aid kit in a location where both friends and family can easily find it.

Keep all electrical appliances away from the pool. These appliances should be kept far enough away to ensure that they cannot fall or accidentally be knocked into the pool. Eastgate strongly urges the use of Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI’s) on any outlets around the pool. GFI’s will shut the power off at the outlet in case of trouble.

Never swim alone, and if a non-swimmer is using the pool, make sure that they are closely supervised.

Follow all local codes on fencing. The laws vary, but a pool should always be fenced.

Avoid glass near the pool.

Never swim immediately after chemicals have been added. Follow manufacturer recommendations about appropriate wait times.

Keep appropriate safety devices on-hand, such as Shepherd’s Hooks and flotation rings.

Never run the pool’s filtration system off an extension cord.

Always use slides and diving boards as directed.

Never alter any of the safety features on a pool. All returns and intakes have covers that must remain in place.

Never mix chemicals together, and always read the manufacturer’s label for proper chemical usage.

Keep emergency phone numbers in a place where everyone can find them. Emergency phone number stickers can normally be obtained from your local fire department.

Always keep gates on fences locked, whether you are home or not. If using a combination lock, keep the combination secret from neighborhood kids. If using a keyed lock, keep control of the key. Never use a hiding place that everyone knows about.

Put a pool alarm on your pool. Alarms emit a VERY loud noise when someone enters your pool without your knowledge.

Put a contact alarm on sliding doors (they open almost silently) and regular doors. These can be found at your local hardware store and are very inexpensive. They are great for letting you know when someone from inside the house has gone out the door without your knowledge.

If your pool does not have a light for swimming after dark, get one! Lighting allows you to see what is going on in your pool. And they can be a lot of fun too. Some change colors and look really sharp at night.

If you have a service company coming to your home to work on the pool when nobody is home, NEVER leave the gate open or unlocked. Give them the combination or tell them where you have hidden the key. If you don’t want them to know your combination or where you keep the key, keep a separate lock on hand that you use only for such instances

If your aboveground pool is equipped with a safety ladder, keep the entrance secured to limit access. Many simply flip up to deter access. Use a bicycle lock to make sure it does not slip down.

If you have an inground pool, switch to a winter safety cover! These look nicer than traditional water-bag winter covers that lay on the water. They stretch tight across the pool and most can hold hundreds and hundreds of pounds – entire families and their pets!

If you have a deck around your aboveground pool, put a self-closing gate on the steps leading up from the ground. When not in use, keep this gate locked.

Keep a vacuum pole near the pool and keep a brush or net already attached to it. The American Red Cross says to NEVER jump into a body of water where someone is struggling unless it is a small child. They can pull you under too. Use the pole and attached brush or net to give them something to grab and pull them to safety.