Lock Up Pool Season with a Safe & Cool Dive-in Movie Night

The days are getting shorter, nighttime temperatures are growing cooler, and the kids have returned to school – summer is officially drawing to a close. Even though Arizona residents enjoy a longer swimming season than most other parts of the country, the time will soon come when the pool will be too chilly to comfortably enjoy.

The end of pool season does not need to be a gloomy occasion. Instead, why not say goodbye to summer – and prepare your pool for the less busy months -with a fun-filled dive in movie night at home? Here are a few tips for planning a successful event to close out pool season – SAFELY:

• You don’t need to have a TV near the pool in order to watch movies from the water. Put up or  rent a projector and position it so that the movie displays on a large, light-colored wall that can be seen by everyone in the pool. If you do not have an adequate wall in your pool area, you can also rent a screen. Don’t forget an extension cord for the projector and speakers so everyone can hear the sound!
• Offer plenty of snacks and refreshments. When the weather is cooler, it is easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Avoid the dangers of dehydration by having snacks, water, and other refreshing beverages available for your guests. If your movie night theme is celebrating the arrival of fall, think creatively with the items you serve and how you present them. For example, consider making a big batch of apple cider mocktails or storing cold beverages in a carved-out pumpkin filled with ice.
• Safety first! Ensure that small children have proper flotation devices, and designate a few adults to be responsible for monitoring the kids; maybe even hire a lifeguard (there are qualified students looking for the work).  When many people are gathered around the pool – and particularly if they are distracted by a movie – it can be alarmingly easy for drownings and other water-related accidents to occur.
• Prior to your dive in movie night, make sure that the fences and gates surrounding the pool area are in good repair. This is also an important step to take as you prepare the pool for winter, because even though it will be used less during the cooler months, a drowning hazard still exists for small children and pets who may enter the pool area unsupervised. To minimize risk and comply with Arizona law, fences must be at least five feet high, completely enclose the pool area, and be free of any openings, handholds, or footholds that could be used to climb or otherwise breach the fence. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with a latch that is at least 54 inches above the ground. Fences and gates should also be free of rust and signs of warp, as these may make the barrier vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
• Lock up pool season by throwing a great dive-in movie night and by examining your pool barriers and determining whether repair or replacement may be required – but as always, remember that when it comes to the safety of young children, there is no substitute for ceaseless adult supervision.

Regardless of the occasion or time of year, DCS Pool Barriers will ensure that the fences and gates surrounding your pool area are in prime condition for maximum safety. We design, manufacture, and install premium-quality wrought iron pool barriers and make sure that each product is compliant with state and local law. Call us today at 623-825-7700 for a free estimate!