SWIMMING POOL SAFETY FIRST

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY FIRST

POOL SAFETY

 

Pool safety means adopting critical water safety steps to assure that everyone has great summer at the pool and it doesn’t turn into a tragic one.  Whether it be a residential or public pool or spa, everyone can always take additional steps to be safe while having fun.

Pool safety is the key to having a fun and enjoyable summer.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives, a national public education campaign to help reduce childhood drowning’s, non-fatal submersion injuries and entrapments.

SIMPLE RULES TO FOLLOW AT THE POOL

To assure a safe and fun experience, it is a good idea for parents and families to start safety practices and water safety steps for home pools and spas.

STAY CLOSE, BE ALERT AND WATCH CHILDREN IN AND AROUND THE POOL

·         Watch children when they are in or near a pool or spa.

·         Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and any other opening to avoid entrapments.

·         Always have a phone close by when you or a family member is using the pool or spa.

·         If a child is missing, look for him/her in the pool or spa first.

·         Share safety rules with family and friends.

LEARN AND PRACTICE WATER SAFETY

·         Take swimming lessons.

·         Learn CPR for adults and children, and regularly update your skills.

·         Know life-saving skills so you can assist in a pool emergency.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR A POOL OR SPA

It is recommended that a residential pool or spa be inspected by a trained inspector.  Properly maintained facilities can reduce the risk of drowning’s, submersions and entrapments.  A trained pool and spa professional can evaluate water quality, safety equipment and physical condition of the facilities.  Here are a few safety measures to keep in mind.

·         Install at least a four-foot tall fence around your spa with a self-closing or self-latching gate. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.

·         Install a lockable safety cover on your spa.

·         If you have young children, it is encouraged to have door alarms and window guards for additional protection.

·         Have compliant drain covers for your pool and spa.  Ask your pool service provider if you are unsure or are not compliant.

·         Maintain pool and spa covers.

·         Check into using a surface wave or underwater alarm.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY POOL SAFETY TOOLKIT

Drowning’s are preventable.  It is easy to prevent death or injury; simply by placing proven safety measure into practice.  CPSC recommends that everyone have a Safety Toolkit placed near your pool or spa.

 

What Should I have in my Safety Toolkit?

·         First Aid kit.

·         Scissors to cut hair, clothing or pool cover, if needed.

·         Charged phone to call 911

·         Flotation device.

If you need any pool safety materials or a pool inspection, please contact Rick the Pool Dude at 702-445-1348

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POOL WATER CONSERVATION

POOL WATER CONSERVATION

Water is one of our most important resources.  Every living thing needs water to survive. Water conservation means using less water or recycling used water so that it can be used again. This type of program is important because water conservation helps save energy, protect wild animals, and prevent people from using too much water.  We have been hearing a lot about Water Conservation lately, but how does it affect you as a pool owner?

The recent droughts in the Western parts of the United States has closed swimming season for many pools.  Pool owners have been restricted from adding water to their pools and many regions have imposed stricter constraints on what a pool owner can and cannot do. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers many tips for saving water around your house, but they also include tips for saving water with your swimming pool.   When it comes to conserving water, evaporation can be a pool owner’s worst enemy.  Half of the water in the pool can evaporate over a year’s time.  FEMA suggests installing a pool over.  Not only will it reduce the evaporation, but it will also prevent night heat loss and it will save on chemicals cost too. 

Another suggestion by FEMA is to install a new water-saving pool filter.  Cartridge filters are fast becoming the equipment of choice, not only because of the reduction in operating costs, but also save thousands of gallons of pool water through the elimination of backwashing.  Another bonus is that many Water Districts throughout the nation are offering rebates. 

ADDITIONAL POOL WATER CONSERVATION TIPS

 When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact.  Here are a few suggestions:

·         CHECK FOR POOL LEAKS

When checking for pool leaks, look for damp spots downstream from the pool; water-saturated soil near the pool, pumps or plumbing equipment; leaking pipes, valves and joiners and loose tiles or cracks.  Also, monitor you water bill.  Any significant change may signal a possible leak.  If detected, address the leak right away.  Not only can a leak cause some serious structural damage, but you are losing valuable water. 

·         LOWER WATER LEVEL

To reduce water loss, it is a good idea to lower water level to 1 inch above the bottom of the pool tile.  You don’t want to overfill the pool.  Lower water levels will reduce water loss due to splashing.  You may also want to explain to family and friends to keep water in the pool while playing.  It will save water.

·         BACKWASHING

Keeping pools and filters clean will reduce the need of backwashing.  You will only want to backwash long enough for the water in the sight glass to run clean.  Backwashing too much, can reduce the effectiveness of the filter.  Also, you may want to consider using the backwash water on lawns and shrubs.  This can only be done if your backwash system has a separation tank,

·         FOUNTAINS AND WATERFALLS

Minimize or eliminate the use of waterfalls and sprays in your pool. Aeration increases evaporation.  Make sure your swimming pools, fountains and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.  If you want to keep them on, trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those that spray water into the air.

·         DRAIN POOL ONLY WHEN NECESSARY

Many pool owners enjoy starting the summer with a clean pool with fresh water.  That may not be needed if the pool was properly maintained.  Pools only should be drained every 3-7 years.  An alternative, is to partially drain the pool.  Spas, however, need to be drained every three month, depending on use. 

Water conservation affects everyone.  Our water resources are not unlimited.  We can take it upon ourselves to help the situation.  Not only will it help the environment by following some of these tips, but it also helps your pocket too. 

 

Any questions or assistance with any of these tips, call Rick the Pool Dude at 702-448-2483.    

 

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