Above Ground Swimming Pool Safety

Above-ground swimming pools can bring a great amount of joy and relaxation to those hot summer months here in the Mohawk Valley area. However, just like in-ground pools, they can also come with their own set of safety regulations to ensure that everyone can enjoy the pool without accidents or injuries.

With that said, we thought we’d provide some advice and safety tips to help you create a safe and entertaining area for family and friends to take advantage of during the warmer months..

Installation and MaintenanceFirst off, you’ll want to start by ensuring that your above-ground pool is installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re unsure about the installation process, it’s best to hire a professional and/or company to install the pool for you. All pools require a bit of maintenance, so making sure you’re regularly keeping up with the cleanliness, making sure all chemicals are added as needed, and properly covering the pool to avoid debris, will keep it in the best shape. You may consider keeping a checklist of what needs to be done on a weekly or even monthly basis. 

Consider the below: 

• Check the liner to ensure there are no rips
• Remove any unnecessary items from the pool when it’s not in use. E.g., goggles, floats, toys, etc. 
• Clean the filter 
• Check the balance of the chemicals and water temperature

Fencing and Gates
We highly recommend installing a fence around the pool area with a self-closing or self-latching door. It is a NYS law that all in-ground pools have a four-foot or higher fence surrounding the area of their pool, but we still encourage a fence around an above-ground pool as well for safety matters. Having this barrier will allow you to keep your friends and family safe if they’re ever unattended while outside. 

Pool Covers
When the pool is not in use, be sure to cover it with a safety-approved pool cover based on the size of your pool. There are plenty of options, such as solar, mesh, winter, and foam covers. These covers will not only keep the water clean but can also act as an additional safety measure. They are strong enough to support the weight of a child or pet that might accidentally wander into the designated pool area.

Alarms
In addition to the fence, we strongly encourage installing pool alarms that will alert you if someone enters the pool area or even falls into the water. There are surface wave or underwater alarms available that will detect the motion of the water if something were to happen  These alarms can provide an extra layer of protection, particularly for when the pool is not in use, or in season.

Supervision
We want to reiterate that you should never leave children unattended near or in the pool area, even if it is just for a moment. Designate a responsible adult as a lifeguard to keep a close eye on swimmers at all times. Avoid distractions like phones, reading, or even eating while supervising them,

Swim Lessons and CPR Training
We strongly encourage enrolling your children in swimming lessons to teach them essential water safety skills to protect themselves and others should something happen. Additionally, ensure that adults in the household or those supervising the pool have undergone CPR and first aid training. Knowing how to respond to emergencies can be crucial while spending time by the pool or even a large body of water in general.

No Running or Horseplay
We enforce a strict no-running policy around the designated pool area to prevent slips and falls. In addition, we discourage horseplay that could potentially lead to injuries in or around the pool.

Pool Chemical Safety
Store pool chemicals in a secure, dry, and well-ventilated area away from children and pets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper handling, usage, and storage of pool chemicals to avoid accidents or chemical-related injuries.

Emergency Preparedness

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit near the pool area. Educate everyone in the household about what to do in case of emergencies and have a phone readily available to call for help.

Pool Safety is a Family Affair

Remember that water safety is a shared responsibility and everyone using the pool should be aware of the rules and precautions. That includes the neighbors who should know not to let their kids use the pool when adults are not there or in the pool area. While many homeowners may allow their neighbors to use their pool if they are not home, we strongly discourage this because we don’t want the owners to be at fault if something were to happen while they were not home. This could be a huge liability to the owners, even if they aren’t at fault.

Being proactive and vigilant about safety measures will ensure that your above-ground pool remains a way to beat the heat and be a great source of fun and relaxation for years to come.

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.