Swimming pool safety isn’t just about getting the latest and greatest gadgets. It’s about making sure that what we currently have on hand is working properly and our pool is generally safe for everyone using it. So here’s Mr Pool Man’s practical pool safety tips and ideas!

While this is not technically -in- our pool, the pool deck is one of the sources of accidents in the pool. Ensure that there’s no algae or moss on our decks as this can be really slippery and nothing asks for accidents more than a slippery pool deck. Tiles + Algae is never a good idea. Add to that the danger of kids running around and you have the perfect combination for slipping and accidents!

What to do about this? Include hosing down and scrubbing your decks as part of your weekly cleaning routine and you should be able to keep your decks from becoming slippery with algae.

If you have purchased emergency signs due to local regulations or for other reasons, make sure that they’re located in a prominent place where they can be seen. Some good places to place them are near the deep end or where there’s a clear area where (heaven forbid) emergency procedures will be performed.

In case of emergencies, even if we’ve lived in a place for years, we may forget our address due to the rapidly developing situation. And if you have guests, they probably won’t know the exact address so having the exact address in a prominent area (next to the landline, if you have one) will be a very good idea.

If you have gate alarms and door alarms surrounding your swimming pool then you should keep a regular schedule of checking the batteries. I mean, what’s the point in having alarms if they don’t sound if they’re triggered without batteries right?

Having expired pool chemicals can greatly reduce their effectiveness or even have unintended consequences when mixed with other pool chemicals. Not only should we check our chemicals regularly, but storage also plays a large key in guaranteeing the efficacy of our pool chemicals. For more information on whether your pool chemicals are still good or not, check out our post on “Do pool chemicals expire?” here.

Ensure that your pool access points are working properly. Periodically check if the hinges are well oiled so that they close properly and that all of the locks are working. Just like your alarms, having locks and safety features installed isn’t of much use if they’re not working properly right?

If you have pool safety equipment (and should!) then regular checking to ensure that they’re in top condition should also be on your list. Aside from the normal safety equipment like your gate alarms, locks, latches, and the like, pool safety equipment includes your poolside first aid kit to take care of those scrapes and bruises from falls, a reaching pole, CPR kits, and lifesaving equipment. Make sure that they’re all in proper condition so that if (hopefully never) they’re needed, they’re in working condition

Yes, the swimming pool is your haven of relaxation but the best (and free!) safety measure for your pool is still to pay attention whenever anyone is using it. Nothing can still replace good old-fashioned vigilance around your pool!

New pool owner or considering one? Dive into these articles below for safe and fun pool:

• 50 ways to jump into a swimming pool infographic
• The Final Touches – Getting Everything Else Ready for Summer
• How to get your swimming pool ready for summer