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Nov 26, 2025
Pool owners in Delaware have an obligation to protect the safety and health of those who use their pools. When they fail to do so, accidents and illness can occur. Each year, many people become sick, injured, or even killed due to poorly maintained pools or preventable pool-related accidents.Responsible pool owners understand that proper pool maintenance is essential to protecting the health of pool users and that safety rules help protect them from injury. The pros at Family Pool Maintenance are here to lend our support. In this post, we're going to share fifteen safety tips to ensure you and your guests enjoy many hours of fun in and around the pool.
Ensuring pool safety involves addressing various types of safety issues to create a secure and enjoyable swimming environment. Let's delve into each of these concerns:
Pool area injuries can occur due to slips, falls, collisions, or diving accidents. Common injuries include bruises, cuts, sprains, strains, and even more severe incidents like fractures or head injuries. Factors contributing to injuries include slippery surfaces, uneven decking, lack of supervision, and reckless behavior. Implementing measures such as non-slip flooring, proper lighting, clear signage, and enforcing safety rules can help mitigate the risk of injuries.
Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in and around the pool is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Unclean water can lead to recreational water illnesses (RWIs) such as diarrhea, skin infections, and respiratory issues. Factors contributing to unsanitary conditions include inadequate filtration and circulation, improper pH and chlorine levels, and contamination from swimmers. Regular testing of water quality, proper filtration and disinfection systems, and enforcing hygiene practices like showering before swimming can help maintain clean and safe water conditions.
Pool chemicals, such as chlorine, bromine, and pH adjusters, are essential for maintaining water quality but can be hazardous if mishandled. Improper storage, mixing, or dosage of chemicals can lead to chemical burns, respiratory irritation, and other health risks. Additionally, chemical spills or leaks can contaminate the pool water and surrounding area. Following manufacturer instructions, storing chemicals securely out of reach of children and pets, wearing protective gear when handling chemicals, and regular maintenance of chemical equipment are crucial for chemical safety.Check out this blog on when to add chemicals to your pool.
Glass objects near the pool area pose a significant safety hazard as they can shatter and create sharp fragments that cause cuts or injuries. Storms can also carry debris into your yard (and your pool). Common sources of broken glass and debris include glassware, bottles, and even mirrors or windows in nearby structures. To mitigate the risk of broken glass incidents, implement policies prohibiting glass objects in the pool area, provide alternative plastic or acrylic containers, and conduct regular inspections to remove any glass debris promptly.
Proper maintenance and repair of pool equipment are essential for ensuring safe and efficient pool operation. Malfunctioning or damaged equipment such as pumps, filters, heaters, and electrical components can pose safety risks such as electric shocks, entrapment hazards, or equipment failure leading to water quality issues. Establishing a routine maintenance schedule, conducting regular inspections, promptly addressing any equipment issues, and hiring qualified professionals for repairs can help prevent accidents related to equipment failure. Make sure you know how to fix broken equipment, since mishandling machinery can also lead to injury. Check with Family Pool Maintenance before tackling a project you’ve never done before.These are the basic categories of pool safety. Now, let’s jump into our top pool safety tips – practical action steps you can put into place to protect the people you love.
Here are fifteen tips to help keep you and your guests safe in and around your pool:
Installing a fence around your pool area is the first line of defense against accidents, especially for households with young children. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens outward. Ensure there are no gaps or openings that children or pets can squeeze through.
Never underestimate the importance of supervision when it comes to pool safety. Designate a responsible adult to actively watch swimmers at all times, even if lifeguards are present. Avoid distractions such as phone calls or socializing, as drowning can occur silently and within seconds.
Create and enforce clear pool rules to promote safety and orderliness. Rules may include no diving in shallow areas, no glass containers near the pool, and no swimming during thunderstorms or when the pool is closed.
Enroll family members, especially children, in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Knowing how to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning. However, even proficient swimmers should never swim alone or without supervision.
Keep life-saving equipment such as life jackets, reaching poles, and a first aid kit readily available near the pool. Additionally, consider installing a pool alarm that alerts you if someone enters the water unexpectedly.
Inspect your pool and its surroundings regularly for any hazards or potential safety issues. This includes checking for broken glass, sharp edges, or damaged equipment. Address any maintenance concerns promptly to prevent accidents.
Handle pool chemicals with care and always follow manufacturer instructions for proper storage and usage. Keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets, and never mix different types of chemicals. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling pool chemicals.
Don’t assume everyone knows about pool safety rules. Inform guests about pool rules and safety guidelines before they swim. Emphasize the importance of not running near the pool, diving into shallow water, or roughhousing, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Regularly clean and maintain the pool area to prevent slips, falls, and unsanitary conditions. Remove debris, toys, and other obstacles from the pool and surrounding deck. Enforce a strict no-eating policy to avoid attracting pests and contaminating the water.
In case of an emergency, knowing CPR can make a lifesaving difference. Enroll in a CPR certification course to learn how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until professional help arrives.
Consider installing a sturdy pool cover when the pool is not in use, especially during extended periods of non-use such as winter months. A pool cover acts as an additional barrier, preventing accidental falls into the water and keeping out debris. Ensure the cover is properly secured and meets safety standards.
Good lighting around the pool area is essential, particularly for evening swims or nighttime gatherings. Illuminating the pool and surrounding areas helps improve visibility, reducing the risk of trips, falls, and other accidents. Install bright, energy-efficient lights along pathways, steps, and pool edges.
If a tree branch is hanging over your pool, it means it's quite a ways out from the trunk. Sometimes, branches can snap, leading to a potential hazard. Even if the tree is healthy, you don’t want the leaves falling into your water and clogging your filter. A bit of landscape maintenance can go a long way to keeping your pool clean.
Alcohol and recreational drugs impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents and drowning incidents. Establish and enforce strict policies prohibiting the consumption of alcohol and drugs in the pool area. Encourage guests to refrain from consuming these substances before or during swimming sessions.
Practice emergency procedures and safety drills with family members and pool users to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Simulate scenarios such as rescuing a distressed swimmer, performing CPR, and evacuating the pool area. Conduct these drills periodically to keep skills sharp and response times quick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning, with children ages 1 to 4 at the highest risk. Additionally, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries, often resulting in long-term disabilities.Home swimming pools pose a significant risk, with studies showing that residential locations account for the highest percentage of drowning among children under the age of . Lack of supervision, access to pools without proper barriers, and inadequate swimming skills contribute to these tragic incidents.Ensuring pool safety through proper supervision, education, and preventative measures is crucial in reducing the number of pool-related injuries and fatalities each year.
Proper maintenance and safety are the best ways to prevent pool-related illnesses and injuries. By implementing these fifteen recommended safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in and around your pool area. For expert pool maintenance services in Delaware, look no further than Family Pool Maintenance. We are dedicated to keeping your pools clean, safe, and enjoyable for all. Contact us today for all your pool maintenance needs. Stay safe and happy swimming!
