If you have a pool, there are certain safety documents you should have on hand. Water safety at home starts with preparedness, and documents are a great place to start. From certificates that help protect you in the case of an accident, to documents that help you protect others, every pool owner should keep them on hand to help create a safer pool experience. Understanding what documents to maintain and why is an important part of responsibly owning a pool.
Can’t I just Swim?
The point of having a pool is to provide a fun retreat from the summer heat, but owning that pool comes with a new set of responsibilities. Your safety documents either show you are meeting those responsibilities, or directly help you in meeting them. While it may mean a little more effort on your part, the result is a safer pool that can be enjoyed by friends, family, and pets.
The CDC reports that approximately ten people every day die from injuries related to accidental drowning. Of these victims, two are children under the age of fourteen. In many cases, accessing a pool without the knowledge or consent of a supervising adult was a factor. As a pool owner, you can take steps to both make it less likely that an accidental drowning occurs and to be ready to act should an accident occur.
Documents That Help You Save Lives
One of the most important safety documents you can own as a pool owner (or just someone who wants to improve water safety at home) is your certification in CPR and first aid from the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is an international organization dedicated to helping save lives through initiatives that teach these basic medical skills. They offer information on water safety, and other health and wellness programs. Getting certified means you’ve taken it upon yourself to learn the right techniques to respond in the case of emergencies, such as an accidental drowning, sudden cardiac event, or even a cut or injury that causes unconsciousness.
Along with documentation of your certification, keep your class materials detailing the vital steps to reacting in an emergency handy for continued study and reference. The Red Cross also offers both a Swimming And Water Safety Manual and a Lifeguarding Manual that make excellent reading for pool owners, water watchers, and anyone interested in making the backyard pool a safer place. These safety documents are available in print and electronic format, so anyone can make use of the safety information inside.
Documents That Ensure Your Pool Is Safer
Part of pool safety is making sure your pool complies with Nevada swimming pool regulations. These regulations require physical barriers that help ensure that children cannot access a pool without supervision and that other individuals with compromised mental or physical abilities aren’t as likely to fall into the pool inadvertently. These barriers include both safety pool covers and safety pool fences, and any safety inspection documents, as well as instructions for the operation of your fence or cover, should be kept on hand.
Unlike floating pool covers, which can easily ensnare someone who’s fallen into the pool, safety pool covers are anchored by sturdy rails and resistant to ripping. A person falling onto a safety cover is kept out of the water until they can crawl or be helped to the edge of the pool and safety. Both manual and automatic covers are available, and the location of the controls or any safety shut-off should be marked near the pool and in any safety documents.
Fences are a part of water safety at home that may be required by your HOA, municipality, or insurance, even if you have a safety cover. Pool safety fences are designed to prevent climbing, not allow children to slip through any gaps, and provide a solid barrier around the pool’s perimeter. The only entrances are self-closing, self-latching gates that require a key to enter from the outside. Just as with controls for safety covers, the location of the key should be clearly marked in your safety documents for fast retrieval if the need arises.
Documents To Keep Your Pool Cleaner
Keeping your pool clean and sanitary is a must. Whether you do your own pool chemicals and regular cleaning, or contract with a third-party, you’re still responsible for maintaining a safe pool biome. This can include regularly inspecting the chemical levels and pH for the proper balance, removing debris, and shutting the pool down during more serious sanitation issues for deeper cleaning and disinfection. The Centers For Disease Control are a go-to source for making sure your pool doesn’t carry waterborne illnesses that can make pool-goers sick. You can start with their handy fact sheet about disinfection and testing, which would be handy to keep where it is easily accessed, such as with other safety documents, before swimming sessions.
Create A Safer Pool Area
We’re proud of our work helping customers have a safe, fun pool for their backyard. Contact us today to set an appointment with a pool safety specialist who can help you understand the pool safety fence and safety cover options available, and how cost-effective peace of mind can be. Keep an eye on the Aqua-Safe Unlimited Blog for more about water safety at home in future posts.
