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Nothing is more refreshing than a dip in a swimming pool on a blistering summer afternoon or a soak in a hot tub after a hard day's work—thus the ever increasing popularity of residential pools and spas.
But keeping these watery oases safe and well-maintained can be anything but relaxing. Here are some simple and effective tips for worry-free pools and hot tubs.
Safety First...For Kids
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 260 children under 5 drown each year in residential pools. Thousands more are treated in emergency rooms following water related accidents. So, pool and hot tub safety, especially for young children, is critical.
The only safe way for very young children to play in or near pools and hot tubs is if they are supervised constantly by a responsible adult. Short of that, here are some ways to prevent water mishaps with youngsters:
- Limit access to the pool or hot tub. Outdoors, install a fence at least four feet high with no exterior footholds. Install self-closing and self-latching gates. Indoors, lock the door to the hot tub room and/or install a safety cover that locks. (When you remove the cover, take it off completely so a child can't get trapped beneath it.)
- Consider an alarm. You can buy alarms that sound when someone breaks the water's surface or enters the pool's perimeter.
- In pools, keep water levels 1- 2 inches from the top. That will allow even tiny tots to reach the top of the wall should they fall in.
...And Adults
But youngsters aren't the only ones at risk for pool or hot tub accidents. Adults, too, can unwittingly put themselves in danger.
- Never use the spa or hot tub when you are alone, and never mix alcohol or drugs with spa or hot-tub use.
- Don't soak for more than 15 minutes in water 104° F or hotter.
- Install hand railings near the water entrance/exit to prevent nasty spills.
- Make sure floor surfaces around the pool or hot tub aren't slippery when wet.
- Keep your pool or hot tub clean. Many fiberglass tubs can get very slick when they are dirty, and pools and spas filled with grungy water limit visibility should a non-swimmer fall in.
- Be prepared for an accident. Pool owners should have rescue equipment such as a ring buoy with an attached line and/or a long-handled hook. Both pool and hot tub owners should display a poster listing emergency procedures and keep a cordless phone near the pool or spa. And everyone should be ready to practice CPR.
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Pool and Spa Maintenance
Good pool and spa maintenance goes hand-in-hand with safety. Water should be tested daily in hot tubs, weekly in pools, to monitor the pH and disinfectant levels. Inexpensive water testing kits are available wherever pool and spa products are sold.
Easy-to-use chemical packages will help you control algae and bacteria and keep your water crystal clear. To protect the pool or spa itself, take steps to avoid mineral deposit build-up.
Did You Know?
Today many consumers are opting for pools designed for exercise, not lounging. Lap pools resembling a single lane of an Olympic-sized pool are popular, as are compact 10'x 15'swim spas. Swim spas have special, adjustable water jets that check swimmers' forward motion, allowing them to "swim" in place for miles.
Get an Inspection
If you're buying a home with a pool or hot tub or are having one newly installed, a professional inspection should be part of your game plan. The inspector will make sure the pool or spa has been properly installed (water damage is a costly headache) and meets safety guidelines.
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