Tips for Enjoying Your PoolTips for Enjoying Your Pool
Safety
The following tips are courtesy of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
Responsible Adult Supervision is Key
There should always be an adult designated to maintain constant visual contact with children whenever they are near, or could get near, any body of water.
Entrapment Protection
An exposed suction outlet (drain) presents a serious danger to children and adults. All drains must be protected by an approved cover. If any outlet cover is broken, loose, or missing, you should close the pool immediately and contact an industry professional to make the necessary repairs. For more information on how to prevent entrapment injuries, or to learn whether your pool or spa has the proper approved covers, contact an industry professionial or the APSP.
Layers of Protection
In addition to supervision, APSP supports the concept of "layers of protection." This means the pool, spa, or hot tub is equipped with several devices to delay unsupervised access or warn of a child's presence. Following are some options for protecting children and preventing accidents:
- Fencing: Isolate the swimming pool with a minimum four-foot-high enclosure.
- Safety Covers: An impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool, spa, or hot tub will prevent access to the water when there is not supervision.
- Alarms: Alarms are available for doors, fences, in pools, and as a clip-on for children. Alarms detect unwanted entrances to your pool, spa, or hot tub.
- Rope and Float Line: Place these across your pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow end of the pool.
- Rescue Equipment: Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd's hook should be placed near the pool in an easily accessible spot.
- Posted Emergency Information: Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency phone number - 911 - near the pool, spa, or hot tub.
- Outside Telephone: Be sure to have a telephone in case you need to summon help.
Exercise
It is known by many names: water aerobics, aquatic therapy, treading water and swimming laps to name a few, but they all mean the same thing – a healthier you! Many land exercises can be hard on your muscles and joints. Exercising in water can provide relief to your aching body. The water supports your body weight and provides resistance for muscle strengthening while swimming and water aerobics provide great cardio-vascular, low impact workouts. Swimming also burns lots of calories, the average person will burn 900 calories per hour while swimming.
