’Tis the Season…for Pool Safety

During the cooler months of winter, pool safety tends to be forgotten like a New Year’s resolution in February. The holiday season in particular presents unique challenges, as most people are distracted with planning parties, shopping for family and friends, decorating, and all of the other tasks involved in keeping the festive spirit alive. However, despite the bustle of the season and the comparatively limited pool usage, outdoor living is a way of life year-round in Arizona—which means that safety around the pool area is just as important during winter as it is during the sweltering days of summer. Here at DCS Pool Barriers we make pool safety our number one priority.

One of the most important steps that homeowners can take to ensure pool safety during the holidays is to verify that the fences and gates surrounding the pool area are in good repair and legally permissible. Not only do fences and gates form an essential barrier between the dangers of the pool and curious kids and pets, but they are required by Arizona law.  Fences must be at least five feet high and completely enclose the pool area, while gates must be self-closing and have a self-latching mechanism located at least 54 inches above the ground. After months of strong sun and occasional monsoon rains, pool barriers and the latches on gates should be examined for deterioration that could allow unsupervised access. It may be necessary to repair or replace the barriers in order to make sure that the whole family stays safe during the holiday season.

If hosting a holiday or long weekend party is on the agenda, there are several crucial steps to take for pool safety—even if no one will be swimming. Children tend to be attracted to water of any type, so if there is a pool or spa on the property, it poses a possible safety hazard. Here are a few tips for a safe and successful party:

• Designate a responsible adult to watch kids and pets and ensure that they do not wander into the pool area without supervision. It may be necessary to hire a babysitter, as this person should not be distracted by merrymaking. However, parents should still be reminded that they are responsible for keeping an eye on their own kids.
• Set and enforce rules. While hosts are often reluctant to risk making guests uncomfortable by communicating “house rules,” they are essential whenever the home has a pool. Make sure that guests know to close the pool gate so that it latches whenever they enter or exit the pool area. Remind kids that the pool area is off limits unless they are with an adult, and enforce common-sense rules, like those prohibiting running and horseplay near the pool.
• Have flotation devices near the pool and a phone—ideally a landline—handy to call 911 if necessary.
• If anyone will be using a hot tub, ensure that the water temperature is no more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Amidst the cheer of the holiday season, pool fences and gates are some of your property’s most important features when it comes to safety. DCS Pool Barriers has been designing, manufacturing, and installing premium-quality wrought iron products in the Phoenix area for over a decade. Our experts can assess your existing pool barriers and, if signs of deterioration are found, perform a repair or replacement. Get your property ready for holiday celebrations, a new year, and more—call us today at 623-825-7700 for a free estimate!