The 10 most common dangers in swimming pools
In the back of their minds, all pool owners know the risk of having a silent, lurking body of water in their backyard. Even more for families with children, a swimming pool can be a silent killer. Consider this top ten list of the most common and most dangerous pool deficiencies:
10) Electric
Proper electrical wiring for a swimming pool and all its components is essential, since water, electricity and people are a dangerous mix. Pools and all metal components within one meter of the water line must be connected with a thick ground wire loop. Additionally, all electrical devices that come into close contact with water, such as pumps and lights, must be properly connected to a GFIC or Ground Fault Interrupter.
9) Slippery decks
As pool deck surfaces age and weather, they will develop algae and become very slippery, especially in wet conditions. To reduce the chance of falling or slipping on a pool cover, you should pressure wash it every year. Additionally, silica sand can be added to your concrete sealer to provide a more textured, non-slip surface.
8) Stairs and Ladders
Ladders and ladders are a very common site of injury in a swimming pool. Colored nosing tiles are used to accent the edges of steps in many swimming pools, helping to define the edges of steps under moving water. The chance of a fall or injury increases at night, and even more so if there is no underwater pool light to illuminate the water. Stairs often have handrails installed on the pool deck that can become loose over time. If the rails of the ladder move as you climb out of the water, this will greatly increase the risk of a fall.
7) Water quality
Don’t underestimate your green pool. Harmful bacteria can reside in poorly maintained water. Making sure the water quality is suitable for swimming is critical to preventing infections and staph infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Chemical levels in the water can also affect people prone to skin reactions.
6) Storage of chemicals
Your pool chemicals are a potent mix of strong acids, alkalis, and poisons. Worse yet, many of these chemicals react specifically with each other, but are often stored in the same place with little effort to keep them safe. Chemicals must be investigated and stored in a controlled, dry, locked location at all times.
5) Winter Pool Covers
Winterization covers are often just large tarps that are spread over the pool with sand or water bags holding them down at the edges. These are not strong enough to support the weight of a medium pet or small child without getting into the pool. It may seem tempting to walk on them, but any person or animal walking on a swimming pool’s winter cover is in grave danger.
4) Suction Lines
The pool’s suction points, most commonly the skimmer and main drain, are connected directly in front of powerful pool pumps. The power of a pool pump is more than enough to cause serious and life-threatening injuries. The warning label that comes on new main drains, skimmers, and pool pumps states that the pool pump has enough force to catch, drain, and disembowel you should you inadvertently cover the suction point with any part of your body. Tragically, each year more children die this way from single suction main drains that are now illegal. Separate dual suction main drains are now required so you cannot cover both suction points at the same time. Proper use of main drain covers is essential to ensure the safety of swimmers.
3) Pool toys
A surprisingly common source of pool related accidents is the result of pool toys that are not suitable for use in a pool. Some flotation devices can cause young swimmers to roll over and become stuck face down underwater. Large inner tubes or inflatable boats are great examples of items more suited to the beach.
2) Pool Slides
Pool slides seem like a good idea when you consider that kids are playing in the pool. At the same time, a pool slide is literally like letting your kids play on a 9 foot high concrete ladder. Pool slides are becoming less common these days, and for good reason, as they are the second most common cause of serious pool injuries.
1) trampolines
By far the most dangerous item for your pool is the diving board. The vast majority of pools are not deep enough for a diving board. The risk of head and spinal trauma is extremely high in pools less than nine feet deep, which is most. Even a moderately steep plunge will cause a bottom collision for the swimmer, and the long slope of the shallow end of the pool is a difficult obstacle to avoid when coming out of the plunge. Removing the diving board from your pool and enforcing a no diving policy will decrease the chance of a pool accident or injury by up to 50%.
Remember: These pool hazards are for the average swimmer, but an unused pool can be just as deadly. Be sure to install an automatic pool safety cover to take the most proactive step toward increasing your pool’s safety.