How to Design a Safe Pool for your Home

 Entry #1258, June 6, 2012

There’s no better way to beat the heat of summer than with a dip in your own backyard swimming pool, and if you have the money to install one there’s no reason not to add to the value of your home with a private pool. But since it could pose a significant liability risk (for drowning, amongst other types of accidents) you need to take steps to ensure maximum safety in and around the pool area during the design process. You may want to start by checking your local zoning board to see if there are any safety regulations or restrictions that must be adhered to (although seasoned and certified builders should be aware of these so that they don’t face any penalties for failing to meet set standards). But just in case you prefer to go above and beyond any state mandates, here are a few safety features you may want to install.

Ensure your family pool is safe for all

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Fences and gates.

Many states require both fencing and locked gates around any pool area as a safety measure to keep kids and strangers out of danger. This is not only a good idea to address safety concerns, but also for liability reasons. Whether you’re worried about your own kids getting in the pool with their friends when you’re not home to provide supervision or you’re worried that neighbors might sneak in for a little dip and get injured on your property, this is one of the best ways to control who gets into your pool area and when. If you’re really worried you might also consider installing a security alarm that will alert you when anyone enters the area without your permission.

Nets and covers.

Although not all pool covers are created with safety in mind, there are a variety of nets and covers that are created specifically to prevent people from falling into the water and drowning accidentally. This type of cover can be more expensive than your average piece of plastic meant to keep leaves out of the water and preserve the heat in the water, but it’s well worth the additional functionality if you have tiny tots wandering around that could fall in.

Drain covers.

This feature is something that many states have begun to mandate in response to drowning deaths of small children who get their small limbs caught in uncovered drains (which produce intense suction in the course of cycling the water). Whether you have small children or not, you may need to include this safety measure when you build your pool.

Tips for a safe swimming experience

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Slip-resistant surfaces.

Concrete, slate, and other common outdoor surfaces can become fairly slick when wet, so you might want to provide for surer footing. There are a couple of ways to do so; you might put down stickers or safety tape (like the products meant for your tub or shower) that can offer more traction, or you can opt for sprays that create a slip-resistant coating for the surfaces surrounding your pool.

Adequate supervision.

While this isn’t exactly a safety feature that you can build in as part of your pool design, it’s an important addition to your pool security that could just save you from having to rely on your average house insurance should an accident occur. With proper supervision any time the pool area is in use you can ensure that everyone is behaving in a safe manner to significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident and administer CPR or other medical care should one occur.

For more pool ideas on Stagetecture, click here.