Residential pools can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Although they provide a source of fun all summer long, parents should build their pools with child safety in mind.
Considering the majority of drowning cases involve young children, building a pool with preventative safety measures should be top priority.
Below are safety measures to take into consideration when building a residential pool to make it as child-safe as possible, so that your family can enjoy the summer with peace of mind.
Safety Fence
If children will be around the pool, consider building a safety fence. Check your local regulations as well as insurance requirements as part of your planning process. Having a barrier directly around the perimeter of the pool in place will prevent children from going into the pool unsupervised. Safety fences should prevent kids from going through the slats, climbing over them or crawling underneath.
Non-Slip Decking
Non-slip decking is another safety measure to take when kids will be using the pool. With so much water around the pool, it’s inevitable that the kids will run around (even when told not to!) and potentially slip and hurt themselves. Slip resistant decking materials that have texture can help prevent falls.
Pool/Door Alarm
Having an alarm on the pool or on the door is an extra layer of safety that should be considered to prevent unknown access to the pool area. Adult supervision should always be in place when children are in or near the pool to avoid accidents.
Safety Cover
Pool safety covers come in a wide variety of styles and can be used whenever the pool is not being used. The cover can act as a barrier for unsupervised kids, but needs to be strong enough to support the weight of an adult and child in case someone has to rescue a child who falls in.
Along with a safe pool, your pool should pass a home inspection for other items such up-to-date and properly functioning decking materials, skimmers, drains, edging and coping, pumps, filters and more. HouseMaster home inspections serving Harrisburg and surrounding areas will thoroughly inspect your pool area so home buyers can purchase pool homes with confidence.
Note: These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions or need guidance regarding a specific issue. Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all Housemaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process. Request an inspection today!
