11 Pool Safety Tips for a Worry-Free Summer [Free Checklist]
Summer is here, and that means pool season is in full swing. And while it might be tempting to take a vacation from preventative maintenance, it’s actually essential to a more enjoyable (and less stressful) season. This is especially true if you own a pool, which requires year-round maintenance.
Fortunately, many U.S. homeowners are off to a great start. Our Pre-Summer Check-In Survey found that nearly half of responding homeowners (48%) prioritize seasonal maintenance tasks. This is an excellent attitude to have if summer safety is top-of-mind in your household.
To help you prepare your home for safe, poolside fun, we put together these 11 easy-to-follow tips and a handy downloadable checklist.
1. Review your homeowners insurance coverage
Effort required: Low to medium
Many homeowners mistakenly believe their existing coverage automatically applies to their pool. This misconception can lead to unforeseen financial barriers if an accident occurs. So, before diving into summer fun, review your coverage and ensure you have the proper protection for your specific needs.
Steps to take:
- Review your current homeowners insurance policy documents to see what pool liabilities it covers. This can depend on factors like your pool size, type (above-ground or in-ground), and any safety features you have installed around your pool, like self-latching gates, pool alarms, safety covers, etc.
- Depending on your pool and risk tolerance, you can explore additional coverage options. These could include increased liability limits or specific pool equipment coverage.
- Once you've decided on the appropriate coverage for your pool, ensure all changes are documented and reflected in your policy. Remember to actively maintain your pool (and its safety features) to help reduce the likelihood of accidents and support peace of mind.
A standard home insurance policy generally covers swimming pools under other structures coverage (Coverage B). This part of the policy goes beyond your main house, potentially covering detached structures like pools, garages, sheds, etc.
It's important to remember that Coverage B typically has a limit, often set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A). That’s why it’s important to check your policy details to understand how much protection you have for these structures on your property.
2. Maintain the pool deck and surrounding areas
Effort required: Varies (regular cleaning, occasional repairs)
Properly maintaining the area around your pool is just as important as maintaining the pool itself. A cluttered deck or uneven surfaces can cause trips and injuries, while something like algae buildup poses a slipping hazard.
Beyond safety, preventative pool maintenance can make your outdoor oasis more enjoyable. Regularly removing dirt, grime, and stains creates a more inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. Proper care also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be unsightly and even cause respiratory problems.
Steps to take:
- Sweep or hose down your deck regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. Clean up spills of food, drinks, or pool chemicals immediately to prevent staining and deterioration of your deck surface. Deep clean your deck at least once a season using a deck cleaner appropriate for your deck material (wood, concrete, etc.).
- Regularly inspect your deck for loose boards, cracks, or uneven surfaces. Repair minor issues promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
- Clean and store pool furniture regularly to prevent mildew growth and rust. Consider using weatherproof furniture covers during off-seasons.
- Apply sealant to your deck periodically (following the manufacturer's recommendations) to protect it from moisture and harsh weather conditions.
- Trim surrounding vegetation to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating on your deck.
3. Purchase and regularly inspect pool safety equipment
Effort required: Medium to high (varies depending on your pool equipment and setup)
Proper pool safety equipment can act as additional lines of defense against accidents. Make sure your swimming pool has the proper equipment to help prevent emergencies.
Sometimes purchasing safety equipment isn’t enough. A worn latch on a gate can easily be bypassed by a curious child. An alarm with low batteries is useless in an emergency. After installing safety features, perform regular inspections to help identify and address any weaknesses before they lead to disaster.
Steps to take:
- Familiarize yourself with pool safety codes to ensure you're buying reliable equipment. Research different product options based on your pool's size, needs, and budget.
- Consider hiring a licensed pool professional to properly install complex equipment like fences, self-latching gates, or alarms.
- Don't wait for problems to arise. Have a qualified pool professional inspect your safety equipment at least annually or more often if there's heavy use or any concerns.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintaining your pool safety equipment. This includes regularly testing alarms and inspecting pool covers.
4. Add and maintain anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety release system
Effort required: Medium to high (requires professional installation)
Pool drains are essential for proper circulation and filtration, but they can also pose a serious danger to swimmers, especially young children. The powerful suction from a pool drain can trap body parts or hair in the mechanics. To help prevent this, homeowners can install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems.
These drain covers aim to prevent entrapment by blocking the drain opening while still allowing water to flow through. Safety release systems help limit the drain’s suction power or automatically shut off the pump if excessive suction is detected. Together, these solutions provide a layered defense against drain entrapment.
While installing anti-entrapment drain covers may be a feasible DIY project for some homeowners, consider consulting a qualified pool professional for safety release system installation if you’re unsure.
Steps to take:
- Anti-entrapment drain covers typically screw or snap into place over the existing drain. First, identify your pool drain type (main drain, skimmer drain, etc.) to ensure you purchase the correct cover design.
- To install the anti-entrapment drain covers, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cover model and drain type. In many cases, this should be a manageable DIY task.
- Safety release systems involve plumbing modifications to your pool equipment. They may require cutting pipes, installing new valves, and connecting to the pool's electrical system.
- Given the potential for compromising your pool's filtration system or creating electrical hazards, consider hiring a licensed plumber or pool technician familiar with these systems for proper installation.
5. Install and regularly service a pool safety fence or other barriers
Effort required: Medium to high (requires installation)
Pool safety fences create a physical barrier that separates the pool area from the rest of the yard. They act as a first line of defense, preventing kids or even pets from wandering into the pool unnoticed.
Fences with self-latching gates that are difficult for small children to open add an extra layer of security. Other barrier options, like removable mesh fences or safety covers, can also be effective but may require additional supervision.
While installing a pool safety fence can be a DIY project for some homeowners, improper installation can compromise its effectiveness. Professionals have the experience and know-how to secure the posts correctly and ensure a sturdy, long-lasting structure.
In some cases, having a properly installed fence can even impact your homeowners insurance.
Steps to take:
- Contact several installers to request quotes for your pool safety fence project. During consultations, ask detailed questions about their experience, qualifications, and warranty on their work.
- After the installation, do a walk-through to ensure everything meets your expectations and complies with local codes. Ask the installer any questions you may have about the fence’s operation and maintenance.
- Conduct thorough, monthly inspections and preventative maintenance for the fence—especially during the pool season.
- Tighten loose screws, bolts, or brackets on the fence posts, panels, and gate.
- Inspect the fence panels, posts, and gate for any cracks, tears, warping, or rust (in the case of metal fences).
- Ensure the self-latching mechanism on the gate functions smoothly and securely. Replace any worn or malfunctioning parts.
- Verify there are no gaps under the fence or near the gate posts that a small child could squeeze through.
- Clean your fence a few times a year or more often if it’s heavily exposed to dirt, dust, or pool chemicals.
6. Establish swimming pool safety rules
Effort required: Low to medium (requires active attention)
Think of pool rules as your home’s personal poolside playbook. They establish clear expectations for everyone using the pool, reducing confusion and helping reduce the likelihood of accidents. Consider establishing the following boundaries to help you create a safe and enjoyable environment.
Steps to take:
- Walk around the pool area and discuss potential risks with your family, like slippery surfaces or diving boards.
- Encourage children and other pool users to participate in creating the rules, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Tailor rules to different age groups. Younger children might need stricter supervision or limitations on unsupervised pool time. Remember to revisit your rules periodically.
- Clearly display pool rules in a prominent location for easy reference. This helps family members and guests understand the rules before entering the pool.
- When it comes to children using the pool, focus on rewarding safe behavior instead of just punishing rule-breaking.
7. Store pool chemicals in a secure location
Effort required: Low
Pool chemicals are essential for keeping your pool clean and sanitized, but they can also be dangerous if not handled and stored properly. Accidental ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with pool chemicals can lead to a variety of health problems, ranging from mild irritation to burns and even poisoning.
Taking these steps could help reduce the risk of exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals.
Steps to take:
- Choose the right location. This should be a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consider a locked cabinet in a garage or basement if these areas are not prone to moisture.
- Clearly label the containers to easily identify the contents without opening them. Stick to the original packaging with tight-fitting lids or caps to help prevent spills and leaks.
- Always wear protective equipment when handling pool chemicals, and avoid storing incompatible chemicals next to each other. For example, acids and chlorine products can have a dangerous reaction when mixed.
- Keep a fire extinguisher with a rating suitable for chemical fires (Class ABC). Place the extinguisher near the chemical storage area but not directly inside it.
- Post the Poison Control Center phone number in a visible location in case of accidental chemical ingestion. It’s also important to have a chemical spill kit readily available, including absorbent materials, gloves, goggles, and a dustpan for cleanup.
8. Remove floats and toys after swimming
Effort required: Low
Leaving out inflatables or pool toys after a swim might seem harmless, but they can actually pose a safety risk and create unnecessary maintenance hassles. For example, a small child might be drawn to a colorful pool toy and fall into the pool when no one is watching. These toys or floats could then obstruct your view of the pool bottom, making it harder to notice if someone has fallen in.
From a maintenance standpoint, floats can also trap dirt, leaves, and other debris. Removing floats allows you to maintain a cleaner and safer pool environment.
Steps to take:
- Make cleaning up pool toys and floats an official pool rule. Set up a designated storage area for pool floats and toys, such as a poolside shed, rack, or basket.
- Before storing floats or toys, give them a good wipe-down and make sure they’re dry before storing them. This can help prevent mold or mildew.
- Encourage everyone who uses the pool to participate in putting away floats and toys after swimming time. For younger children, consider offering small rewards or incentives for helping put away pool toys.
9. Always supervise children near the pool
Effort required: Low to medium (requires active attention)
When it comes to time by the pool, no one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario. But, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death for children between one and five years old and the second leading cause of injury-related death for kids ages one through 14.
Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. That’s why constant supervision is essential for all pool-owning homeowners—regardless of a child’s swimming ability.
Steps to take:
- Assign a responsible adult to be the designated pool supervisor. If you have multiple adults present, rotate this role to ensure everyone can relax while still maintaining supervision.
- Set up chairs or designated areas near the pool to give supervising adults a clear view and quicker response time. Don't rely on pool toys as substitutes for constant adult supervision.
- Schedule breaks for both children and adults. Young children can tire quickly, so plan for frequent breaks out of the pool and ensure adults don't get fatigued from constant supervision.
- Knowing CPR can make a lifesaving difference in the crucial moments of a pool emergency (or even beyond the backyard). Consider enrolling in a CPR certification course to be prepared.
10. Consider swimming lessons for the whole family
Effort required: Varies (depends on age and prior experience)
Having a pool is equal parts fun and responsibility. While swimming pool safety rules and constant supervision are crucial, consider taking swimming lessons as an added layer of protection in and out of your home environment.
In an unexpected situation, skills like proper breathing techniques, how to calmly stay afloat, and basic strokes can help make a difference in a potentially dangerous situation.
Steps to take:
- We don’t recommend DIY-ing this pool safety tip unless someone in your household is a certified professional. Explore certified providers in your area through local pools, community centers, private instructors, or group classes.
- Look for programs specifically designed for different age groups. Young children might benefit from playful, water-acclimation classes, while older children and adults can focus on mastering strokes and building confidence in deeper water.
- Ask potential instructors about their safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Ensure they have proper certifications and lifeguarding experience.
- Have an honest conversation with your family about the importance of learning to swim. This is also a great time to get everyone excited about learning new skills and spending quality time together.
11. Be prepared for a pool-related emergency
Effort required: Low to medium
While accidents are hopefully rare, being proactive and prepared for pool-related emergencies is essential to helping reduce the likelihood of property damage or injury.
Having a plan and knowing what to do during an accident can help minimize panic and ensure clear-headed action.
Steps to take:
- Perform regular safety checks of your pool equipment, including skimming nets, ladders, and drains. Ensure everything is functioning properly and address any potential hazards.
- Take refresher CPR courses to stay updated on pool safety guidelines and best practices. It’s also important to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit and to have a life preserver or pool hook readily available for emergencies.
- Display emergency contact information clearly visible near the pool, including phone numbers for local emergency services, poison control, and your pediatrician, if applicable.
- If you are a bystander in an emergency, quickly clear the pool deck of toys, furniture, or other obstacles that could hinder movement or first responders.
Download our pool safety tips checklist
With the right plan, equipment, and preventative maintenance, you can help reduce the risk of pool-related accidents or expenses. Swipe the checklist below to take these pool safety tips on the go.
