Pool Safety Checklist
Nobody wakes up one morning and says, "Hey, I think I'll leave the back door open, so my toddler can sneak out for a swim." Yet, lots of people overlook simple safety checks that can prevent the most horrendous of tragedies.
1. FENCE IT IN! To prevent drowning, make sure your pool is fully enclosed by a fence. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. An uninterrupted path between the back door and the pool can spell disaster for children and pets.
2. AVOID ELECTROCUTION – Anything around water needs to be properly wired, grounded, and protected from ground fault with a functional GFCI. This is particularly important for hot tubs and pool light fixtures. Greenaway offers peace of mind with low-cost safety inspection.
3. MAINTAIN PROPER CHEMISTRY – Pool water runs in a closed system, and can become biohazardous. Pool water must be properly sanitized. Additionally, overly treated water or water that does not have a good pH or mineral balance can irritate the eyes and skin. When you order your chemicals from Greenaway, we test your water for free.
4. SAFETY EQUIPMENT – Pools should have a rescue hook and a life preserver within plain sight of the water. The rescue hook should be on a solid (non-telescoping) pole. Greenaway offers free delivery and installation of safety equipment.
5. THE “DIVING” BOARD – Check the bolts at the back of the diving for signs of rust. Corroded hardware should be professionally replaced. Most residential pools are not really deep enough for a true diving board. A pool with a depth of 8’6” may be equipped with a jumping board, but this does NOT mean that diving is a good idea.
6. THE ROPE – Pools with a deep end should have a safety rope (with floats) placed 1-2 feet before the break point where the slope begins.
7. SIGNAGE – Stickers and signs should remind bathers of general safety protocol. Put them up and leave them up.
8. DRAIN INSPECTION – Certain pool configurations, especially ones with older plumbing, create strong suction around the main drain that is capable of entrapping small children. A Greenaway safety inspection will ensure that your drain configuration is ASME/ASNI compliant.
9. WINTER COVERING – Cheap tarp covers may keep the leaves out, but offer no protection against drowning. In-ground pools that are closed for the winter need to be covered with a trampoline-style safety cover which anchors into the deck. At Greenaway, we have five colors to choose from--prices include installation.
10. SLICK SURFACES – Pool decking that does not drain or does not have good traction is an injury waiting to happen. Greenaway resurfaces decks with non-slip and temperature-deflective coatings. We also solve drainage problems.
11. SUPERVISION – Minors and those with limited swim abilities should be monitored at all times, without distraction. If ever a child goes missing, always check the pool first!
12. EXERCISE RESPONSIBILITY – If you plan on swimming while intoxicated or during an electrical storm, make sure that your life insurance policy is up to date.
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a public service. This checklist does not include all possible safety precautions, nor does it guarantee against bad things happening. Neither Greenaway Pool and Spa nor its affiliates shall not be liable for anyone's stupidity, or for how this information is used, or not used.