Improving Pool Safety and Security:Â
- Michael Bowers
- Jul 9
- 8 min read
EXCITTING TIMES!
You’re getting a new pool!! That's awesome and it’s an exciting time filled with many decisions .... including site design and material choices to create the backyard oasis of your dreams! We dont want to harsh your pool buzz but there are some sobering truths about how we can improve pool safety and security that need to be considered before your pool project begins and the sad truth is pool safety is often glossed over during these times of unbridled enthusiasm.
TOUGH QUESTIONS:
At Pool Pros we love it when clients ask questions. So to better prep you for your pool safety audit we put together a few good questions about how to improve pool safety and security to ask, to get things started. How can you best protect your family, friends, and neighbors while using your new pool? How can you help protect yourself from personal liabilities that come with pool ownership? What are the relative costs and benefits to different site security alternatives? To answer those pool safety related questions and more, lets take a deep dive into improving pool safety and security!  Â
POOL SAFETY 101
Water safety and Pool Safety is everyone's responsibility. The number one source for everything pool safety related is the NDPA or the National Drowning and Prevention Alliance. You can check them out here: https://ndpa.org/Â Â Â The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water. We recommend visiting this website to get a better grasp on the challenges of pool safety and water safety. The NDPA is at the forefront of drowning prevention and pool safety information. Be sure to watch the video below from River Pools as well.
SOBERING TRUTH
The leading cause of death in children age 1-4 is drowning. We bring you this cold hard truth not to prevent you from purchasing a pool but to prepare you for this sad reality. Your pool and water in general can be a very dangerous place, but with proper planning and execution you can greatly reduce the chances of water related accidents. Water safety and Pool Safety is everyone's responsibility and needs to be taken seriously.
LAYERS OF PROTECTION
At Pool Pros we recommend a layered approach to pool safety. Meaning that just having a pool fence or a pool cover alone is not good enough. The more layers of pool safety devices the safer you and your pool area will be. Please download the NDPA 5 Layers of Protection document or view the link here : https://ndpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FINAL-LOP-Brochure.pdf With that being said, lets dive into how all pool owners can improve pool safety and security.
It all starts with the 5 Layers of protection as outlined in the NDPA Guide Book.
1: SUPERVISION: A:Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.
B: GENERAL HOUSE RULES: Whether there is water around or not, always be aware of where the children are and never leave them unattended. Remind guests with children, babysitters and caregivers about the potential water hazards and the need for constant and capable supervision. If a child is missing, always check the water first. With water safety, time is always of the essence. C:ACTIVE SUPERVISION DURING WATER ACTIVITIES: Many drowning incidents occur when people are actively swimming or around water. An adult should be within arms length of infants, toddlers and children who lack water competency whenever they are in or near water, providing touch supervision. Floatation devices are NOT t a substitute for active supervision. D: WATER WATCHERS: A designated water watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to actively and constantly supervise children when in or around water without engaging in other activities or distractions. Designated Water Watchers should rotate every 15 minutes to keep attention fresh. E: LIFEGUARDS: Swimming near a lifeguard is always recommended. Lifeguards are trained in supervision, water rescue and emergency response. Caregivers and parents should always maintain active supervision even when a lifeguard is on duty.
2:BARRIERS AND ALARMS: It's important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
3: WATER COMPETENCY: Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.
4: LIFE JACKETS: When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested & approved by the USCG. Life jackets are NOT a substitute for active supervision!
5: EMERGENCY PREPERATION: Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. Have a phone available and ready to call 911.
SECURITY FENCE
Most local ordinances require some type of physical barrier around a pool installation in residential or commercial settings. The first step is to research the basic requirements as they relate to your specific locale. Different states, counties and municipalities have different regulations concerning fencing around pools, whether they be above ground or in-ground. Contact your local zoning or inspection department to verify what parameters need to be met for your project site. In addition, it may be beneficial to contact your insurance representative to verify these measures will uphold your current policy’s coverage.    Â
Generally speaking, a security fence is a physical barrier that surrounds all sides of a pool- typically a minimum of four feet in height. The material used in such an installation may vary (vinyl, metal, wood, chain-link, block/brick wall or even glass). In many instances, this includes a gate- which may or may not require a locking mechanism – depending on local ordinances.
When planning for a fence installation you should consider several different factors; including site access, budget and programmed space around the pool. In some occasions, this may involve minimizing the fence installation so that only the pool space is enclosed. Other cases may benefit by expanding the fence alignment – to provide additional safe yard space for children and pets to enjoy. Keep in mind that often times the house can be incorporated as ‘one-side’ of the enclosure and ultimately help reduce the total linear footage of fencing required. Â
Below is a link to a great article from River Pools regarding different fencing options including rough cost estimates relative to material choice:
AUTOMATIC POOL COVER
An automatic pool cover can provide an added layer of security unrivaled by most other alternatives. And in some municipalities this option may even eliminate the need for any type of fencing required on site- and thus provide unobstructed views throughout the project site. In addition, automatic pool covers can help lower some costs associated with pool maintenance and energy consumption over time (APCs help retain heat while also keeping dirt/debris from entering the pool).
The biggest benefit is that they are incredibly easy to use and effective at keeping pools secure when not in use. Most systems require some type of key switch or touch pad- ensuring that only the owner can gain access to the pool.  For this reason, security and aesthetics are major advantages. However, automatic pool covers are also relatively expensive – when compared to the cost of a fence installation. The cost of installation can range from $19,000 - $24,000 –depending on the specific pool size and shape.    Â
VEGETATIVE BUFFER/VISUAL SCREEN
Sometimes privacy is paramount! You may want to create your own personal sanctuary devoid of prying eyes. Or maybe a visual buffer could help to keep unwanted guests out? Another benefit could be that plantings help soften the look of physical barriers such as fences. Or they could help hide unsightly architectural elements, views into neighboring properties or on-site pool equipment. Â
Whatever the reason, plantings can provide a useful and cost-effective means of screening. Some of the most commonly used ‘buffer’ plants include evergreen trees such as arborvitaes and upright juniper specimens. With ample solar access and irrigation, these trees can grow vigorously to create a dense hedge effect (*note – research local growing conditions and mature size/spacing to create the desired aesthetic).Â
In addition, deciduous trees/shrubs, ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs and perennials can be used together to create a layered effect- rich in biodiversity. Such a composition has many benefits including seasonal interest throughout the year and broader resilience to specific diseases or pests that could effectively decimate monoculture plantings. Â
SUPERVISION
Adult supervision is one of the most important facets in creating a safe environment for children in a pool setting. If your pool is not located within a close proximity to the house, such supervision
may become a challenge. If a supervising adult is further away from the pool’s edge, there is a greater chance for unsafe blind spots. Moreover, pool toys and inflatable devices can create hazards that further obscure the view of supervising adults. Brightly colored swimwear is also a great idea (especially for younger swimmers). The bright colors will help improve visibility of little ones in the pool so that an adult can ensure that everyone using the pool is safe at all times.    Â
POOL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Fortunately, pool safety technology has come a long way in a short time. There are currently many different products to choose from providing a wide range of functions and alert options. These include standard-entry, gate-entry and user-entry products that respectively alert owners of movement in the pool, breaches to safety barriers like fences or may include monitors directly worn by children or pets. Â
Below are two reviews for the top-rated pool alarm/safety equipment products currently in the market:Â Â
LANDSCAPE/POOL LIGHTING
Landscape/ Pool Lighting can create an ambience to outdoor spaces that is beautiful and inviting. Lighting will also help extend the use of a space so that it can be enjoyed for a longer period of time. However, one of the most important benefits of landscape and pool lighting is improved visibility and reduction of blind spots in the pool.  Again, adult supervision is absolutely key in creating a safe swimming environment for all to enjoy. And sufficient pool lighting is essential for proper supervision of nighttime swimming. LED pool lights provide ample lumen production at a relatively low wattage. In most cases, only two or three LED pool lights are necessary to adequately light up a pool that measures 40 feet in total length (or less).   Â
MORAL OF THE STORY
Every site is different with its own unique set of considerations. Therefore, a comprehensive security solution should involve a combination of different safeguards and a clear plan of action. Visit the National Drowning and Prevention Alliance Website for help designing a plan of action to improving pool safety and security for your new pool. Or, Contact your local pool professional to discuss which protections are best suited for your particular site- so that your new pool is a fun and safe space for everyone! Â
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION
For more information and ideas about improving pool safety and security call Pool Pros today @ 920-771-0107. We are very excited to help you answer any questions you have!
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