10 Summer Safety Tips for the Pool to Help You Have the Best Parties 

With the scorching heat of summer, there’s no better way to cool down than taking a refreshing dip in a pool. 

However, while the pool offers a perfect oasis for relaxation and fun, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of summer pool safety. 

Every year, accidents occur in swimming pools. Even if you’re being careful, it’s essential to prioritize safety measures and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Let’s dive into 11 essential summer pool safety tips that will ensure a secure and enjoyable pool experience. 

1. Sign up for swim lessons

Do your kids know how to swim? Do you need a refresher course? Find organizations that offer instructional courses and start lessons before pool season begins. 

Gyms and community centers such as the YMCA typically offer classes with membership. You could also check out local pools and see if any offer free lessons.  

Teaching kids to swim early allows them to become comfortable in the water and the proper safety rules they should follow.

2. Store pool chemicals safely

According to a 2019 report by CDC, a total of 4,500 emergency room visits in the United States were attributed to pool chemical injuries and a good portion of injuries happened during the summer swimming season. 

While chemicals help maintain your swimming pool and keep harmful bacteria at bay, these are also dangerous when incorrectly handled without the proper tools and protective gear. 

Ensure that you keep pool chemicals safely stored and well-locked in a garage or shed. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. 

3. Keep children away from drains

Drain covers can be dangerous for children and pets. The suction pressure from underwater drains can cause drowning. Hair, bathing suits, arms, and legs can get caught in faulty drain pipes, causing serious injury. 

Avoid any of these accidents by teaching your children to stay away from drain covers. Showing them the dangers of these drains will be a lifesaver for your family. 

Also, check and double-check your drain covers for missing screws and any potential cracks to avoid any drain-related accidents. 

4. Keep an eye on your children

A basic safety precaution is keeping an eye on your children while in the pool. 

If you are unable to check on your child for a moment, ask another adult to keep an eye on them for you. 

Always be alert when your child is in the water. Children are unpredictable, and drowning incidents can happen in a blink of an eye. Avoid accidents like these by always keeping an eye on your children in the pool. 

As much as they may hate it, if there’s no one to watch your children in the pool while you step away, ask them to get out of the pool until you return. 

5. Install pool barriers and an alarm

Installing pool barriers ensures that unsupervised children will not have access to your swimming pool. A simple fence installation can be a deterrent for curious children who want to wade in the waters unsupervised. 

Ensure that gates open away from the pool and not towards it. Ensure they are self-latching so they can’t accidentally be left open, making the swimming pool unguarded. 

Aside from barriers, pool alarms can also be extra protection for your family. By installing alarms, you will be alerted when the pool gates are opened, thus catching any children who try to open the gates unsupervised. 

6. Prepare first aid kits and rescue equipment

Have a first aid kit that is regularly stocked with the essentials in case of any accidents. Think bandaids and alcohol. Stock your freezer with emergency ice packs. 

Keep rescue equipment easily accessible as well. You can use rescue equipment, such as tubes or a life ring, to pull someone out from the water. Store them near the pool, well-marked and accessible for any life-saving situations.

7. Check the area for any pool hazards

When you are walking poolside, it’s easy to slip, fall, and even hit your head. Ensure the poolside is clear, with no small objects left near the edges. Store any toys, tubes, and floats in their proper location when not being used. 

8. Learn CPR

CPR is a life-saving skill that you must have if you own a swimming pool. If any pool-related accidents happen in your home, be prepared to respond quickly. 

The Red Cross and other private groups often provide CPR classes to the public. You can also check your state government’s website to find out where to find certified providers. Employers will also sometimes pay to have their team become certified so check with your boss too. 

CPR can be the difference between a good drowning prevention story and a tragic pool incident.

9. Set rules for using your pool

Keep your family safe by setting some pool ground rules for everyone to follow. 

You may include some of these rules for your list: 

• No running in the pool deck
• No pushing
• No swimming without supervision
• No dunking or holding people underwater
• No breath-holding games
• No diving in shallow waters
• No swimming alone—always have a pool buddy 

Having a set of rules encourages safety poolside for your family and guests.

Swimming is a great and fun activity to have with your family. Spending a summer afternoon with your family is a simple joy that cannot be replaced. 

Ensure that you and your family are well protected this summer and for future summer swimming seasons to come by prioritizing safe pool habits.

10. Keep the pool covered when not in use

When your pool’s not in use, it should be securely covered to stop accidental falls or drowning. This is also good practice to keep debris out of the pool and prevent dangers such as falling lines during a storm from. 

Have a poolside housewarming with Homefinity’s help

Do you know summertime is one of the best times to buy a house? 

Are you ready to make a splash and celebrate the joy of homeownership or cash-out equity to finance a new pool? Look no further than Homefinity for financing your dreams. 

At Homefinity, we understand the significance of finding the perfect home and financing it with ease. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with you during this exciting journey. As you embark on your homeownership adventure or refinance your mortgage, we’ll guide you. 

Get your personalized quote in minutes.

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy