Posts Tagged ‘above ground pools’
Swimming pool ownership brings with it responsibility for the safety of those using the pool and people and pets around the pool.
Every year a number of people are tragically injured or even die as a result of swimming pool related accidents. Some of the most common accidents and injuries include:
- People slipping and falling around the pool perimeter can result in various injuries, sometimes very serious
- Children and pets falling into an unattended swimming pool
- Children snagged by the swimming pool drain and held underwater
- Falls from the rim of above ground pools
- Above ground pools collapsing as a result of people standing or sitting on the rail or rim.
Employing a few basic safety steps and rules will go a long way towards lessening the hazards presented by a swimming pool.
Above Ground Pools
Above ground swimming pools are one of the most popular styles as these can be installed with minimal ground work often by a competent DIY enthusiast. When the pool is installed it is important to ensure that the access ladder is very secure and located where it can be used easily.
For users of an above ground pool it should be a rule that nobody should sit or attempt to stand on the rim or railing surrounding the pool. Falls from the edge can cause serious injury and the weight of a person could cause the pool wall to collapse.
In Ground Swimming Pools
In ground pools present their own safety hazards. Being at ground level means that it is much easier for a child or an animal to fall in. It should be a rule that children are only allowed in the pool when supervised by an adult. Another good rule is that there should be no running or horseplay around the perimeter of the swimming pool.
Swimming pool safety fencing, pool alarms and pool safety covers can all be used to keep people and pets away from an in ground pool when not in use.
Swimming Pool Chemicals
Swimming pool water treatment chemicals should be stowed away safely out of the reach of children. Handling water treatment chemicals means that appropriate protective clothing, gloves and goggles should be used. Always read and follow the manufacturers safety recommendations.
Pool Drains and Vents
There have been cases of small children trapped below the water by powerful pool water outlets. Pool drain covers should be inspected regularly and verified as safe. If the pool is used by small children they should be instructed to keep away from the outlet drains and it should be ensured that small children cannot be trapped by the suction.
Pool Electrical Equipment
Swimming pools use a variety of electrical equipment for circulating the water through filtration and cleaning. Equipment should be routinely inspected for safety ensuring that all cabling is safe and secure.
While it may seem like a chore to make a swimming pool safe and enforce some basic safety rules doing so will go a long way toward keeping people and pets safe and giving you peace of mind.
My family and I are great lovers of swimming. It’s such a fantastic way to not only get some much needed exercise but to unwind and relax.
Although we like to visit our local, open air pool, we can only do so in th summer months when it is open. During the winter we’d have to travel into the city to use the large municipal pool. Some lucky neighbours recently bought themselves a pool of their own and we are currently considering doing the same.
They chose an elliptical Doughboy pool for their back garden. I’d never heard of Doughboy before (except the Pillsbury Doughboy) but I was immensely impressed with the quality of their pool. Doughboy have been in the pool business since 1945 and they have really perfected the quality of their versatile and affordable swimming pools.
Doughboy pools are the most popular form of steel and resin swimming pool available in the UK today. They are very tough, durable and well priced. Our neighbours told us that it had taken them less than a weekend to get their pool erected.They included a pool heat pump to warm the water which makes it so comfortable the children never want to get out.
A really cool feature of Doughboy pools is their exapandability. You can increase the depth to a maximum of 7 feet which is great for when the children get that much bigger. Pools are supplied with a top quality pool liner, a sand filter, power pump and even a pool skimmer. All you need to add is a pool heater to take the chill off the water.
It’s easy to see why the Doughboy pool is the UKs most popular form of above ground pool. I think I’ve convinced myself. I think I shall contact the suppliers and order one for our back garden then brace myself for the hoard of children who will, no doubt, descend on our house.
If you have been lucky in life and been able to buy your own swimming pool, spa or hot tub. You will know that having a filter system in your pool is very important.
Due to the importance of having a filter system in your swimming pool. You should always make sure that it is working, if your filter system breaks down without you knowing, your pool could soon become deadly.
The first sign that your filter has stopped working is that dirt will begin to collect at the bottom of the pool, this is because the pool is not being cleaned by the filter, maybe not dangerous or life threatening, but certainly not fun to swim in.
The biggest reason why your filter system should always stay active is to circulate the swimming pool chemicals, such as chlorine. If your filter system stops working, the chemicals within your pool can stop circulating, this means that they can collect in the pool, making it cloudy to view. However, cloudy water wouldn't be your only worry, because the amount of chlorine has risen, it becomes very dangerous and potentially deadly.
Because chlorine is designed to kill bacteria, if it's in high concentration, it can become poisonous and can damage your skin.
So keeping your pool filter working can be life saving, however, if you have a pool filter or are going to get one, make sure that you have a drain on it. If you don't then this can prove to be a hazard. If a child or an adult gets sucked into the filter, it can seriously injure or even tear someone apart due to the force of the filter.
These are just a couple of tips that you should follow to ensure that your pool is safe and clean to use.