One of the luxuries you can have at home is to have a swimming pool. This is one venue where the whole family can enjoy on the weekends or wear off the excruciating heat during the hottest days. Also, this additional home feature contributes to the value of your property. On the other hand, as this structure is a means of recreation and fun, there are specific pool safety guidelines that should be pursued. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests numerous pointers for pool barriers and other safety measures.

Note that the CSPC standards are not required for every residential unit or establishment. But these measures certainly serve the purpose of preventing or reducing risks of pool accidents and drownings. According to a survey conducted by the Commission, about 300 children below 5 years old drown every year. The Commission pool safety handbook also states, ""65 percent of the accidents occurred in a pool owned by the victim's immediate family and 33 percent of the accidents occurred in pools owned by relatives or friends." And another point in the survey said that accidents would still occur even the children are supervised by adults.

Now you may ask, what measures can then be employed to make your home pool a still enjoyable place? The CSPC has particular guiding principles upon installing pool barriers. They suggest that barriers should be able to "prevent a child from getting over, under or through and keep the child from gaining access to the pool except when supervising adults are present." Here are some of their suggested barricade specs: metal bars - at least 48 inches above grade; Chain link fences - 1 ¼ inches square for the mesh size; and Latticework - 1 ¾ inches of opening limit. To be sure that the kids with small body frame cannot enter through the barriers, the gaps should not be wide. While these barrier types are for in-ground pools, aboveground pools should also have a blockade. The structure itself will make it hard for children to easily access. However, the ladder should always be removed right after use so that the kids cannot go in for a swim on their own. For both types of structure, installing permanent gates with locks is recommended to add another layer of security.

Although your children may beg you not to watch them as they claim they already know how to swim, fatal accidents are inevitable. They may also try different sorts of adventure like diving and water sports. They should not be allowed to do so unless they took proper lessons and are wearing lifesaving gear. Supervising them at all times is a way to ensure you can immediately respond when something unfortunate happens. It is also your responsibility to be adept in performing CPR and other first aid techniques. Always keep your cellular or home phone nearby the pool so you can call for help without any delay.

To have further protection, there are certain devices you can mount around your home and pool. There are pool alarms that will be set off once your kid steps on it when they try to go to the pool alone. There are also different types of pool covers and nets that are made with sturdy material. And the pool cover or net should always be tightly in place so that the young ones cannot stick their heads into the pool. If these gadgets are positioned, anchored and tensioned in the right place, even teenagers will find it hard to remove them.

Another thing you should be concerned about pool safety is the health of the water. The water and chlorine level should always be checked whether these are still sanitary. The drainage should also be regularly inspected. See if it still functions well. Moreover, being familiarized with the safety vacuum release system can be helpful. If something blocks the drain, you will have no difficulty in shutting off the system and releasing the suction.

Fun, excitement and relaxation will always be equated with the swimming pool. However, thousands of American families have been disheartened and victimized by drowning and other pool hazards. Then it is crucial that the safety measures above are practiced at all times so disheartening tragedies can be avoided.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/Marikor Hidalgo