Is Your Pool Safe and Ready for Swimming Season?

The temperatures are beginning to climb in the Phoenix area, which means that many residents and visitors will soon head to the nearest pool to seek relief from the encroaching heat. While swimming pools provide a refreshing oasis throughout the long summer months, additional time spent by the pool requires heightened attention to water safety in order to reduce the risk of drowning. Given the fact that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in children between the ages of one and four—and kids in Arizona drown at approximately twice the national rate—it is essential for residential and commercial property owners alike to ensure that their pool areas are safe and secure as peak swimming season approaches. 

Here are a few important steps to take to get your pool ready for summer:

• • Verify that your pool fences and gates are compliant with state and local law. In an effort to prevent drownings by keeping kids from wandering into pool areas without supervision, the State of Arizona imposes certain requirements on pool barriers at homes, hotels, and other properties with pools. For example, pool fences must be at least five feet high, completely enclose the pool area, and not have any openings that could allow the passage of an object four inches or more in diameter. Pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching (with latches located at least 54 inches above the ground) and open outwards from the pool. Many cities also impose their own pool barrier regulations, so it’s important to check the applicable laws in your area. 
  • Ensure that your pool barriers are in good condition. If you already have legally compliant pool fences and gates in place, the next step is to ensure that they are sturdy and free of damage and rust—which could make them more susceptible to being breached. Additionally, it is crucial that the latching mechanisms and hinges on gates are functioning properly. If your pool barriers are showing signs of deterioration, they may need to be repaired or replaced. 
  • Keep life-saving devices in a visible spot within the pool area. For example, items such as shepherd’s hooks or life rings may come in handy in the event that a struggling swimmer needs assistance getting out of the water. 
  • Enroll children in swimming lessons as early as possible. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safe for most kids to begin taking swimming lessons as early as age one—and doing so may help save their lives should they ever find themselves in the water without assistance. 
  • Always make sure that children are supervised by responsible, attentive adults whenever they are near the water. No safety measure is more effective at preventing drowning than nonstop adult supervision—so as you enjoy cooling off at your pool this summer, be sure that an undistracted adult is constantly within arm’s reach of children. 

As you prepare for a safe and enjoyable swimming season, the professionals at DCS Pool Barriers are here to assist with any needs related to your pool fences and gates! We can repair your existing pool barriers or provide new ones, using premium-quality wrought iron for long-lasting durability and a stylish look that may be customized for your property. With more than 16 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing pool fences and gates for residential and commercial properties throughout the greater Phoenix area, we will work with you to ensure that your pool area stays safe and beautiful all year. Contact us today to request a free estimate!