I bet you are reading this short article because you either have small backyard pools or either you are thinking about getting one. I can’t blame you. Owning your own pool at home is really neat! And, it is especially nice to have one here in Houston. It is so hot and humid here and having a small backyard pool is a wonderful way to cool things off in the afternoon.
However, owning a small backyard pool is a bit risky, too. Nearly 300 children a year drown in backyard pools. The children don’t even have to be your own children. Neighborhood kids are just naturally attracted to cool pools of water. So, owning a home swimming pool means that you need to take some serious precautions. Here are some things to consider.
Safety Steps to Take If You Own A Small Backyard Pool
- Make Sure Everyone Can Float AND/OR Swim – Everyone in your immediate household needs to learn to float and/or swim. You, your live-in partner, and your children. And, if your mom and dad live with you… they should learn to at least float. Everyone. I would tell you that any and all pets that you have need to learn these skills. But, I know this would be difficult to do. So, at least be sure that all family members know the basics of floating and/or swimming.
My wife has a swim training school in Houston. I’m going to “go out on a limb” here and say “give her a call” if someone in your family needs to learn these skills. Her website is https://www.lifesaversurvivorswim.com. She can either teach you or help you find someone.
- Install Safety Barriers – This is also so very important to do. Install a pool safety fence completely around your small backyard pools. There should be a gate to that pool fence. It should be self-closing and lockable. The fence should be difficult to climb over.
This is the type of business that I own and manage. I sell and install pool fences. My business name is called Life Saver Of Houston. I’m recommending a pool safety barrier to everyone that owns a backyard pool not because I want to sell you a fence, but because it is one of the best ways to protect your children and pets from drowning. Read my story on how I got into this business. It was scary. Please… install a good safety fence around your backyard pools if you have one. If not my fence, then, someone else’s.
- Swim Only When Someone Else Is Watching the Water – Never swim alone, it is too dangerous. You have probably heard this rule used before when talking about children. I’m telling you that no-one should swim alone without somebody watching the water… children nor adults! Too many odd things can happen. It’s best if somebody else is watching the water.
- Stay Away from Drains – Drains and other openings in a pool are dangerous. Surprisingly, the suction caused by these drains can be powerful. These drains should have a safety cover and swimmers need to see them and stay away. In the past, many people have been unexpectedly been caught in the suction and drowned.
- Boldly Display Pool Rules – Every swimming pool needs to have a set of pool rules. The rules need to warn and inform users about pool rules that enhance pool safety. Everybody should read and see these.
Here are a set of rules that my wife gives to everyone from her own website. Use these as an example of the type of rules that you should have for your own pool. Modify and add to these rules to fit your own needs.
Conclusion: Think Pool Safety All the Time
If you are fortunate enough to have own small backyard pool, please do the next thing and practice safety all the time. So many people depend upon it. When an accident happens, it happens quickly and unexpectedly. Don’t let that unexpected accident happen in your home.
Once again, Life Saver Of Houston wants to remind you… if you need a pool safety fence, please think about my company and give me a call. My name is Wayne and I can be reached at (832) 367-2377. Or, email me.