Swimming pools can provide years of fun, exercise, and relaxation, but safe pool ownership requires more than simply keeping the water clean and the equipment operating properly.
Good water safety depends on multiple layers of protection, including active adult supervision, secure barriers, safe pool equipment, swimming skills, and knowing how to respond in an emergency.
Whether you own an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, or spa, the following safety practices can help create a safer environment for your family, friends, and guests.
Always Supervise Children Around Water
Children should never be left unattended in or near a swimming pool, spa, or other body of water.
Whenever children are swimming, designate a responsible adult as the Water Watcher. That person's only responsibility should be watching the swimmers. Reading, texting, using a phone, preparing food, or performing other tasks can create dangerous distractions.
Young children and inexperienced swimmers should remain within close reach of a responsible adult.
Use Multiple Layers of Protection
A safer pool area uses several safeguards rather than depending on a single device.
Depending on your pool, property, and local requirements, layers of protection may include:
- A properly installed pool fence or other approved barrier
- Self-closing, self-latching gates
- Door and gate alarms
- Pool-entry alarms
- Approved pool safety covers
- Secure access to above-ground pool ladders or steps
- Properly installed drain covers
- Clearly visible safety and warning signs where appropriate
Pool Safely recommends a barrier at least four feet high surrounding the pool or spa, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Local building codes may require additional or different protections, so always check the requirements in your area.
Keep Pool Gates Closed and Secure
A pool barrier only works when access points remain secured.
Never prop open a self-closing pool gate for convenience. Regularly inspect gates and latches to make sure they close and latch automatically and have not become misaligned, damaged, or difficult to operate.
If the home provides direct access to the pool area, door alarms or other approved safeguards can provide another important layer of protection.
Teach Children How to Swim
Swimming is an important life skill. Age-appropriate swimming lessons can help children become more comfortable in the water and learn basic water-safety skills.
However, being able to swim does not make a child drown-proof. Even strong swimmers should be supervised around pools and spas.
Learn CPR and Be Prepared for an Emergency
Adults who supervise swimmers should know how to perform CPR on both children and adults. Keeping CPR training current can be critical because bystanders are often the first people available to respond during a drowning emergency.
Keep rescue equipment readily accessible near the pool, such as:
- A reaching pole or shepherd's crook
- A life ring or other appropriate flotation device
- A first aid kit
- A phone or other reliable way to contact emergency services
Everyone responsible for supervising the pool should know the property's address and how to direct emergency responders to the pool area.
Never Use a Pool With a Broken or Missing Drain Cover
Pool and spa drains can create powerful suction. Never allow anyone to swim in a pool or spa with a loose, cracked, broken, or missing drain cover.
Children should also be taught never to sit on, play with, or deliberately swim against drains, suction fittings, pipes, or other openings.
Modern pool and spa drain covers are designed to reduce the risk of suction entrapment when they are properly selected, installed, and maintained.
If you have an older pool and are unsure whether the drain cover is current, compliant, properly rated, or still within its recommended service life, have it inspected by a qualified pool professional.
Inspect Drain Covers and Pool Equipment Regularly
Safety equipment should not be installed and then forgotten.
Regularly inspect:
- Drain covers and fasteners
- Pool ladders and steps
- Handrails
- Fences and gates
- Gate latches
- Pool safety covers
- Pool alarms
- Deck surfaces
- Lighting
- Any diving or sliding equipment
Repair or replace damaged equipment before allowing swimmers to use the pool.
Use Diving Boards and Slides Only Where Designed
Diving boards and slides should only be installed and used with pools specifically designed for them and in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's installation and safety requirements.
Never dive into shallow water or into an area that is not specifically designed and marked for diving.
In unfamiliar pools, enter the water feet first until you know the depth and configuration of the pool.
Keep Entry and Exit Areas Safe
Swimmers should have an appropriate way to enter and exit the pool safely.
Keep ladders, steps, handrails, and surrounding walking areas unobstructed and in good condition. Do not allow floats, toys, hoses, cleaning equipment, or other objects to block pool exits or create trip hazards.
Keep the Pool Deck Clean and Clear
Running, pushing, and roughhousing around a wet pool deck can quickly lead to falls and serious injuries.
Keep the deck free of unnecessary clutter, toys, hoses, leaves, and other debris. Establish clear pool rules and make sure children and guests understand them before swimming.
Do Not Swim While Impaired
Alcohol and other impairing substances can affect judgment, coordination, reaction time, and swimming ability.
The adult responsible for supervising swimmers should remain alert and unimpaired, and anyone whose ability to swim safely is impaired should stay out of the water.
Use Life Jackets When Appropriate
Non-swimmers, inexperienced swimmers, and anyone who needs additional flotation support should use a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Inflatable pool toys, water wings, floats, and similar recreational products should not be treated as lifesaving devices.
Take Electrical Safety Seriously
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Keep extension cords, radios, speakers, appliances, and other electrical devices away from the pool. Pool-related electrical systems and nearby receptacles should have appropriate Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
If there are signs of damaged wiring, malfunctioning lights, unusual electrical behavior, or possible electrical shock in or around the pool, stop using the pool and have the system inspected by a qualified professional.
Use Appropriate Pool Lighting After Dark
If the pool will be used after sunset, make sure the pool and surrounding area have adequate lighting so swimmers, steps, ladders, pool edges, and walking surfaces can be seen clearly.
Lighting should never be considered a substitute for supervision.
Know When Weather Makes Swimming Unsafe
Leave the water when thunder is heard or lightning is seen and move to a safe enclosed location.
Do not return to the pool until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Keep Pool Water Clean and Properly Balanced
Pool safety also includes maintaining healthy swimming conditions.
Regularly test and maintain sanitizer, pH, alkalinity, and other water-balance levels within the recommended ranges for your pool and equipment.
Proper water chemistry helps control microorganisms, improves swimmer comfort, and protects pool surfaces and equipment.
Post and Enforce Pool Rules
Every household should establish simple pool rules that apply to family members and guests.
Common rules include:
- No swimming without permission or supervision
- No running on the pool deck
- No pushing or roughhousing
- No diving outside designated diving areas
- No playing with pool drains or suction outlets
- No glass containers around the pool
- No swimming while impaired
- No prolonged underwater breath-holding contests
Rules are most effective when everyone understands them before entering the water.
Water Safety Is a Year-Round Responsibility
May is recognized as National Water Safety Month, but pool and water safety should be practiced throughout the entire year.
Before each swimming season, take time to inspect the pool area, safety barriers, drain covers, gates, alarms, rescue equipment, electrical components, ladders, handrails, and other equipment.
If something appears damaged, outdated, or questionable, address it before the pool is used.
The Best Pool Safety Strategy Uses Layers
No single device can eliminate every risk around a swimming pool.
Active supervision, swimming skills, CPR training, secure barriers, alarms, safety covers, compliant drain covers, properly maintained equipment, and clear pool rules all work together to create a safer swimming environment.
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Pool safety requirements vary by pool design, equipment, location, and applicable state and local codes. Always follow equipment manufacturer instructions and applicable safety and building requirements. When in doubt about a safety-related component or installation, consult a qualified pool professional.