How To Keep Your Inflatable Pool Safe
Each year there are stories in the news papers about horrible accidents with inflatable pools. This is indeed very sad, and devastating to the ones involved. There is of course no such thing as an absolutely safe pool, but you can reduce the risks of someone getting hurt in your pool with a few simple ground rules.
- Never leave children unattended in your pool. Not even for a short time.
This is perhaps the most basic of advice. Children should not be in the pool unattended. No matter how good swimmers they are, no matter if they're a group of several children. In the case of an accident, an adult should be present to ensure that the victim get adequate help ASAP. Also, try not to use the pool alone
- Never use the pool without adequate lighting.
Using the pool at night can be tempting, but it can also be a real risk. The danger of not detecting someone that is submerged fast enough is just too big. Refrain from using the pool at night if you are not able to light it properly.
- Keep your pool fenced in.
In some states it is even illegal to not have your pool fenced in. Make sure you know what the local laws say. Whether it's required by law or not, i highly recommend you put up a fence. Any layer of protection that keeps children (and possibly drunken adults) of falling/crawling into your inflatable pool will reduce the risk of accidents.
- Use a pool cover.
Aside from protecting your water from debris, this is the same as the above - another layer of protection from accidents in your inflatable pool. Some pool covers are even lockable, and these are of course preferred. Also, make sure to remove the ladder if you have one.
- Never use electricity in the vicinity of the pool.
This should be a given, but it's on here by a reason. Every year there are cases of electrocution in inflatable pools. Be smart, be safe!
- Don't allow dangerous play (jumping into the pool from heights, diving from outside obstacles etc).
While inflatable pools should be a place for fun and games, letting your kids play dangerously is not going to do them any good. Be firm, and let your kids know what the rules are.
- Drain your pool when you are not home for a longer period of time.
Besides the fact that your water will be useless after a couple of days without chemicals and filter pump anyway, you don't want to come home and realize someone has gotten into an accident in your pool while you were away.
- Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
This is another lifesaver. In the case of an emergency, this could be the difference between life and death.
So, there you have it. If you follow these 8 rules, you will run a significantly smaller risk of having an accident happen in your inflatable pool. Have fun, and make sure you and your loved ones stay safe!