Top 5 Pool Dangers and How to Prevent Them

A swimming pool is a great place for fun, recreation, and exercise. However, there are dangers lurking in and around one so it is highly recommended to address them before accidents may occur.  Here are the top hazards found in pool areas and what you can do to make it a safer place.

1. Electrical Devices, Appliances, or Equipment

Electrical devices inside or around a pool should be properly installed, grounded, and bonded. A little wear or tear in any wiring could endanger anyone in the water. It is a must to have a professional check electrical wiring and systems regularly to ensure that all elements are in good working condition.

2. Pool Decks

Decks are perfectly safe, until it gets wet and slippery. The most common victims are children who run around the pool in excitement. Whether they are barefoot or in flip-flops, the material of a deck’s surface could increase the risk of slips. Opt for a pool deck resurfacing service if yours seem to be very hazardous when wet. Here are some of the best pool deck resurfacing materials:

• Stamped Concrete – just have a contractor add fine grits on the top sealer to increase traction and prevent slips.
• Pavers – these are easy to install, slip resistant, won’t discolor, and is designed to prevent water from staying on the surface.
• Exposed Aggregate – the texture of the exposed pebbles makes this type of surface highly slip-resistant

3. Ladders, Stairs, and Railings

Just like decks, ladders and stairs can get very slippery. You may add a waterproof slip-resistant tape on the steps so bare feet can grip on it better when swimmers step on them. The same can be done for railings. If possible, you might want to change your railing material to something with a textured surface for easier gripping even when wet.

 

 

4. Pool Slides

They may be fun but slides are getting more obsolete nowadays because of the high danger risk it poses.

There are better alternatives for water play time, such as safe floatation devices.

 

 

5. Diving Boards

Before considering a diving board installation, you have to determine the depth of your pool. Diving in a shallow pool could cause head and spinal injuries once the diver hits the bottom. If your pool is deep enough for one, make sure that there is a trained adult to supervise the swimmers. If your pool is shallow, might as well remove the diving board altogether.