Many families confront the unimaginable pain of losing a child to a swimming pool drowning each year. There have been a lot of reported tragic accidents which have happened recently.

These devastating losses occur within moments of inattention, highlighting the need to be vigilant and implement safety fences to protect young children.

Safety Tips Around Pool

The well-being and safety of children are everyone’s utmost priority, particularly while discussing accidental drownings in backyard swimming pools. Young children are born curious and may easily wander around in danger unknowingly.

In this blog, we will discuss the various safety measures, including pool alarms and child-proof exterior door locks. It can help you create a secure environment around pools while significantly reducing the risks associated with unsupervised access.

If you want to implement appropriate safety measures, pool owners may ensure higher security while maintaining an enjoyable swimming environment for the entire family.

Child-Proof Exterior Door Locks

Securing doors to the backyard is essential to ensure small children can access the outdoor area easily. It is crucial in homes with backyard swimming pools, as it helps prevent accidental drownings. Children are usually curious and may quickly wander outside and are drawn to the pool without understanding potential dangers.

Securing the doors with doorknobs covers or child-proof locks means children cannot enter the pool area without adult supervision. It allows the caregivers to monitor the activities closely, ensuring they stay safe around the water. In addition, limiting access to the pool area lets parents control the swimming environment, such as adherence to safety rules or using flotation devices. In short, securing backyard doors prevents accidental drownings by creating a safety barrier between potential water hazards and children.

Many drowning incidents happen when children slip away and enter the pool area unnoticed sometimes even through a pet door. Use a child-proof and robust lock on the exterior door to safeguard your child. The lock should be inaccessible to children but easier for adults to use.

Pool Alarms

Pool alarms significantly prevent pool-related accidents by alerting you when something or someone enters the pool. They are budget-friendly and offer peace of mind; in a few cases they are portable. With drowning being the leading reason for death among young children, pool alarms are crucial and safeguards susceptible individuals like pets and children.

Pool security fencing

Studies demonstrate that most pool drownings result from a need for more access protection. Thus, to keep kids safe, experts recommend installing a pool fence that surrounds the pool entirely.

Many state laws strictly require fences around residential swimming pools. For example in Ohio every private swimming pool needs a pool fence. A pool must have fence construction all around. In the case of inground pools, they need a fence and a gate with a lock or an alarm. The fence height and gate should be between 40 to 60 inches high. So, all pool owners must adhere to their local Pool laws and regulations to ensure the highest safety around the swimming pools.

Recommendation for Pool Fence Specifications

There are many standards and recommendations for pool fence specifications that can help ensure children’s safety around the pool area. Here are specific requirements you should consider:

Height

The height of pool fences needs to be at least 4 feet (1.2 m or higher than this), depending on your local state rules to prevent a child from climbing over it.

Gaps

Ensure there are no gaps that would allow the child to squeeze through or crawl under. The space below the fence should be enough, while the gaps between vertical bars should be close.

Climbing prevention

Design the pool fence to make it tough for children to climb it. It entails having slats or vertical bars instead of horizontal ones and ensuring you do not install fences near surfaces or flammable objects.

Self-closing and latching gates

Gates need to be self-latching and self-closing, with the latch placed out of reach of children.

Lockable gates

Install a lockable gate with a combination lock, key, or similar mechanism that provides an added layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

Durability and material

Utilize materials like vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, or mesh resistant to weather conditions while offering longevity.

Visibility

The fence must allow some visibility that lets you monitor the activities around the pool area while ensuring security.

Conclusion

It is crucial to check with local regulations as they might have more stringent or specific requirements. Additionally, you should always inspect and maintain your pool fence and the latching mechanism that lets you ensure it has the proper effectiveness and good functionality.