As the weather gets warmer in Minnesota, lots of outdoor activities become available for us to participate in. If you are a homeowner who has an outdoor pool, loads of enjoyment can be had by all this summer. However, owning a pool comes with some important responsibilities as well as some smart safety issues that should be kept in mind. Every year, there are many folks involved in pools related accidents and a couple of hundred children drown in backyard pools. Some common sense pool maintenance and safe practices can make “pool time” enjoyable and safe for your whole family all season long.
Pool Maintenance Helpful Tips:
- Keep areas around the pool free of hazards such as loose boards, protruding nails, toys or bottles. Also check the metal and other supports for rust or deterioration making them insecure.
- Check the ladder and handrails into and out of the pool to make sure they are in working order and strong for someone grabbing and using them.
Store your pool chemicals in a safe locked area away from easy access. Keep any and all instructions and user manuals from the manufacturer with them as well. - Inspect the water pumps and electrical cords used to make sure they are in proper working condition and away from any water sources.
- Keep entertainment items such as speakers that have electrical cords and plugs well away the pool area.
- Make a point of regularly checking the inside liner of the pool for any wear and tear where hoses or items may have punctured through.
Check all drains and covers for broken or missing parts.
Safety Tips for Swimming Pools:
- First and most importantly, secure your pool with a locked fence around the entire area. Use self-latching gates if possible.
- Keep life preservers, rings, rescue hook and a rope with easy access close inside the pool area itself.
- As a rule, never let anyone swim in the pool by themselves, especially children. Always have someone close by that has basic swimming and life-saving skills in the event of an emergency.
- Only allow diving in a pool that is deep enough, and keep the area of the pool that is acceptable for diving clearly indicated and marked.
If you are interested in more information about pool safely, we recommend reading from the American Red Cross: Home Pool Safety
If you would like more information about insurance for your home, please give us a call at: 651-739-9684 or visit: https://www.lindemaninsurance.com