How to Eliminate Swimming Pool Dangers

Filed Under Safety

A swimming pool is a lot of fun, but like any body of water it poses some dangers. By following a few guidelines, much of the danger can be eliminated. This page discusses some of the most common sources of swimming pool dangers and how to overcome them.

Overcrowding

An overcrowded pool is dangerous because a distressed swimmer may go unnoticed. This danger is multiplied if the pool is filled with a noisy and energized crowd such as a large number of children at play. The excitement may also encourage showoffs to take risky chances at the pool. To avoid this problem, limit the total number of people entering the pool at any one time, and encourage children to curb their excitement.

Clutter

Things lying around the pool, such as equipment, toys, or furniture, pose a tripping hazard. The risks of unexpectedly falling into the water, getting hit by the pool’s ledge, or falling on a hard deck, make the pool area particularly dangerous. In addition, toys thrown near the pool may attract small children that could fall in, and large object, such as a table, near the pool’s edge may tempt children to use them as a diving platform. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to keep the deck as clear as possible, and the pool’s edge free of objects at all times.

Swimming Pool Cover

A pool cover will pose a danger it it’s not completely removed. Swimmers could easily get disoriented if they attempt to surface under a covered portion of the pool and drown. This is why a pool cover should always be completely removed.

Electricity

As you may know, the combination of electricity and water poses a severe shocking hazard. This is because, under normal circumstances, water is a conductor of electricity. Consequently you should be very careful with electrical appliances and outlets near the pool. You should never install an outlet closer than 10 feet from the pool, and make sure that any plugged appliances are at a safe distance where they can never fall in. Always hire a licensed electrician to do work on electrical equipment at or near the pool. You should also never handle electrical appliances when wet. Battery operated items, such as cell phones and cordless phone handsets, are okay. But regular telephones, which draw their electricity from the phone wall jack, are still dangerous. If an electrical appliance does fall into the pool, unplug it immediately, and only then attempt to fish it out of the water.

Lightning

You must never be in the water during a lightning storm because a lightning strike anywhere in or near the swimming pool can result in deadly electric shock. Therefore, exit the pool at first sign of thunder or lightning, or if you know that a storm is coming. The pool should not be re-entered until at least 20 minutes after the last thunder.

Poor Water Quality

Poor water quality introduces several swimming pool dangers:

Incorrect chemical balance can cause skin and eye irritation.
Dirty water has potential for spreading disease.
Unclear water may hinder rescue efforts of a drowning swimmer.

Therefore, a properly maintained water quality should be a top priority.

Poolside Conduct

Often swimming pool accidents can be averted by following simple poolside rules of conduct. Proper behavior adds an extra layer of safety on top of maintaining a safe environment by keeping the pool area clutter free, the water clean, etc. It’s especially important to lay down rules and enforce them when children are involved. Here are some safety guidelines to follow:

Children should never use the pool unsupervised.
It’s also a good idea for adults to never use the pool alone.
No running near the pool.
Never push anyone into the pool.
Don’t show off or play rough.
Use swimming pool slides and diving boards responsibly.
Don’t bring glass containers near the pool.
Never enter the pool after drinking or taking medication that would make you drowsy.