How to Make Your Pool/Spa Safe for Summer
Having a pool, spa, or hot tub on your property makes you the owner of an “attractive nuisance.” An attractive nuisance is a hazardous property element that is naturally attractive to children, such as a swimming pool or trampoline.
Under the attractive nuisance doctrine, landowners may be liable for a child’s injuries in attractive nuisance causes, even if the injured child was trespassing on the property at the time of the incident. Property owners owe duties of care to trespassing children, and they must make pools and spas safe for the community.
Use these tips to prevent accidents this summer:
Install a Pool Barrier
There are a variety of barriers on the market specifically for pool safety. Find a non-climbable barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate to keep curious children out. Safety fences can keep children and toddlers out of your pool or spa area and prevent children from accidentally falling into open pools. Some communities have safety regulations for pool barriers that you may have to follow. Use the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Swimming Pool Barrier Guidelines to help you select and design the safest pool barrier possible.
Use a Pool Cover
A pool cover is a simple type of barrier that could save lives in your neighborhood. Locked pool covers with control devices provide a layer of protection between small children and the open water. Pool covers come in a variety of styles. It is a type of pool barrier that prevents a child from gaining access to the pool unless an adult is present to remove or open the cover. Keep your cover well maintained, and stay in control of the opening device at all times.
Protect Above-Ground Pools
Just because a child can’t accidentally fall into an above ground pool doesn’t make these property elements safe. Remove ladders from above ground pools and pool decks so young children can’t climb up. Install a pool barrier around the pool, deck, and ladder to keep children out. Make sure children can’t climb under, over, or through your chosen pool barrier. Fencing should be at least four feet high and free from footholds children could use to climb.
Keep Pool Gate Locked at All Times
A barrier system is only effective if the owner keeps it locked when not in use. Otherwise, children could easily open gates and swim unsupervised. After you leave the pool area, close the gate or pool cover and initiate the lock. Keep all copies of the key or control device hidden or locked somewhere in your home. Do not give keys out to neighbors or children.
Consider a Pool Alarm System
Pool alarms are excellent tools for keeping your family and community children safe from drowning incidents. There are many different kinds of pool alarms. Some work by going off when something breaks the surface of the pool, while others activate when the gate opens. Some alarms are tamper-proof and will go off if someone tries to remove it from the pool area. Most pool alarms have indoor and outdoor monitors so you can hear if someone trips the system no matter where you are. Pool alarms are also great ways to keep pools and spas safe from pets.
Protect Indoor Spas
If you own an indoor spa, equip the door to the spa with an alarm. The alarm should give an audible warning when someone enters the spa area. All bodies of water in the spa area should have power safety covers when not in use. Measures such as self-closing doors can add an extra degree of protection, ensuring no one accidentally leaves the spa open for wandering children.
In addition to keeping your pools and spas protected, consider giving your children swimming lessons at an early age. Teaching children basic water safety skills can significantly reduce the risk of accidental drowning. Have fun safely this summer with these tips!