A swimming pool can be a great place to unwind and have some fun, so it is understandable why they are considered to be amongst the most desirable features of the home. While there are many benefits to having a pool, you also need to be aware of the dangers both in terms of injury and illness and know how to keep your pool environment safe. So, what are a few of the most common swimming pool hazards?
Water Clarity & Chemical Usage
The water itself needs to be treated with chemicals like pool chlorine tablets to keep it clean. If you do not keep your water clean, it can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that would make it unsafe to swim in. Balancing is also important so that you can maintain a healthy pH level and prevent serious incidents from occurring, which could include chlorine leaks that could lead to breathing difficulties.
Drowning
When it comes to water, drowning is always a hazard that you need to take seriously. Even if the water is shallow, there is still a risk of drowning whether this is someone that hits their head and falls into the pool, a child or weak swimmer or swimming while drunk. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death in the world with 236,000 cases annually. Having supervision while using the pool is one of the best steps to take as well as having grab rails around the perimeter.
Drain Entrapment
People often do not consider drain entrapment when swimming in a pool, which is partly why it is so dangerous. This is when someone becomes stuck to a suction port in a body of water and this can involve hair becoming entangled in a drain, a limb getting stuck or even body entrapment when the body is held against a suction outlet. Having a swimming pool that is up to code with safety systems in place is key and being aware of where the drains are is important for prevention.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are also very common around swimming pools because the surface can become slippery due to water. “Install a slip-resistant pool deck, such as spray knockdown texture, to prevent this from happening around the pool. Concrete pool deck resurfacing cost is an economical option that can last for many years. You should also enforce a no-running policy and encourage people to wear footwear when walking around the edge.” You should also try to keep the area around the pool as dry as possible.
Having a swimming pool can improve your home and life in many ways, but you also need to understand that they can be dangerous with a handful of hazards. The above are the main hazards that you need to be aware of and you need to find ways to manage these risks to create a safe environment for swimming.
