When you own or have control over a backyard pool, safety should be your number one priority. There are too many young children drowning and insulting each other in backyard swimming pools. However, backyard pools are the source of many other types of accidents and injuries for young and old. Let’s see how you can improve your pool safety to protect your family and friends.

1. Upgrade your pool fence

Many local authorities require new and existing pools to be fully fenced. This requirement applies to all pool owners, regardless of whether there are small children living in the home.

Whether you are building a new pool or have an existing pool, you should check that it meets the latest pool fencing regulations in your local area. Whether you need to build a new fence or upgrade an existing safety barrier, there are two main options for pool fencing. Choose between aluminum structure and tempered safety glass.

More and more people are choosing glass barriers because they are aesthetically pleasing and provide a clear view of the backyard area and beyond. These barriers suit modern or contemporary homes, especially when there is a view beyond the backyard. A glass fence really adds value to a home.

Aluminum fences are less expensive than glass while providing the highest level of security for any backyard. These fences are easy to install and can be erected by a do-it-yourselfer.

2. Electrically ground your pool fence

Swimming pools are a large body of water that can conduct electricity. If there is an electrical fault causing an electrical current in the pool water, metal structures around the pool can become conductive. A person can be electrocuted from any metal structure around the pool, including handrails, stairs, light fixtures, and safety fences.

When installing a new metal pool safety fence, it may be necessary to ground the pool fence to comply with electrical safety regulations. Homeowners should consult a local licensed electrical contractor as to whether their pool fence requires bonding or grounding.

3. Install a pool cover

Pool covers are not simply for keeping leaves out of the pool. A cover that prevents a person from falling into the water provides the highest level of safety for your family. These covers are expensive but will prevent a child from drowning in her pool.

4. Cover your spa pool or hot tub

There may not be a fencing requirement for hot tubs or spas in your local council. However, you should cover these spas with a child-resistant lid or cover to prevent small children from accessing the water. Most new hot tubs are sold with a child-resistant top or lid that sits securely over the tub or spa. Separate covers can be purchased for existing hot tubs and whirlpools.

5. Install a pool alarm

An electronic pool alarm will alert you when someone or something enters your pool water. Pool alarms are not just for families with children. Households with the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled, and pets should install a pool alarm to protect those who are vulnerable to an accident.

There are many types of alarm for each type of pool. The most popular are the floating surface wave alarm, the wristband submersion alarm, and the subsurface alarm. All of these alarms work wirelessly to an alarm base station that is placed inside your home.

A wrist immersion alarm is suitable for an elderly person or someone who is physically or mentally disabled. This type of alarm will sound when the bracelet gets wet.

Buoyant surface wave alarms and underground alarms activate when the water is disturbed by a person entering the water.

6. Install a pool cover

When you live in an area inhabited by insects, birds, and other animals, you may want to consider installing a pool cover. It is the law to install a pool fence, so why not go all out and install a fully enclosed pool structure to ensure that no children or wildlife enter your pool? These structures also provide some protection from the weather, reduce evaporation of pool water, and make outdoor dining and barbecues totally enjoyable without bugs.

7. Get a pool safety inspection

A pool safety inspection is usually only required when an owner sells or rents their property. Some government agencies cannot transfer ownership or register a rental agreement without the pool safety certificate.

Some home insurance policies require owners to have a pool safety certificate.

Additionally, you may want to obtain a pool safety certificate to ensure your backyard pool area is at the highest level of safety for your family.

After a pool safety compliance officer reviews your backyard and finds that the pool area is in compliance with regulations, a pool safety certificate is issued.