How to Keep the Pool Safe for Kids and Wildlife

With summer getting closer, the days of partying in the pool are just around the corner. If you already took care of your summer home improvement checklist, it’s time to start taking some preventive safety measures to keep your family safe - especially the kids. Also important to keep in mind: pets and wildlife! Nobody wants animals stuck in the pool, so make sure to check our tips and recommendations.

Fence Your Pool

You can keep it simple and safe! Image source: Design Sponge

Surrounding your pool with a fence - at least four feet high - is already a big step to prevent swimming pool accidents. Remember that a fence shouldn’t have openings, because children and animals are not supposed to be able to get over, under, or through it.

You should also consider installing a self-closing gate with the self-latch at a height kids can’t reach.

Ramps and Steps

Escape ramp for dogs! Image source: Make & Build Dog Stuff

Escape ramp for frogs, squirrels, and other wildlife. — Escape ramp for frogs, squirrels and other wildlife. Image source: Amazon

If you like to let your dogs bathe in the pool, make sure to install a ramp or steps in it. They’re of high priority seeing that they help your dog find a way out. If you don’t have an easy way for your dog to get out, it’s likely that your dog will keep swimming around until it’s too tired - and we don’t want any tragedies!

If you want to learn more about animal pool safety, click here.

Eliminate Climbing Objects

Overhanging tree branches might be a way kids can climb over the fence, or a way squirrels and raccoons may end up in your pool. Remember to cut those when preparing it for the summer. With that in mind, you might also want to remove chairs and ladders from the pool area, at least when you’re not supervising it.

Install a Pool Alarm

This gate pool alarm will help notice when someone gets into that area. Image source: The Pool Factory

This pool alarm will indicate whenever someone or something gets near the edge of the pool. Image source: The Pool Factory

A pool alarm is useful to let you know when anything gets near the pool area, whether it’s your kids or pets.

Eliminate Food Sources Around

Remove food sources and any trash around the pool area - these attract flies which can invite other wildlife, such as lizards or frogs.

Keep a Clean Pool

Nothing better than enjoying a pool without worries. — Nothing better than enjoying a pool without worries! Image source: Hobert Pools & Spas

Keeping your pool clean isn’t so much for preventing accidents as it is for staying healthy. Residues, debris, and grit that might end up in your pool can grow bacteria, which could lead to disease for your kids and pets, or even yourself. Make sure to always keep a clean pool to enjoy only the best out of it!

Make sure to follow all these Simple Steps To Get Your Pool Ready for Summer.

Store Pool Chemicals in a Safe Area

And talking about clean pools, it’s good to note that the chemicals used for cleaning are not a proper material to just keep lying around the house. Find a secure place, preferably at a height kids and pets can’t reach.

Teach Basic Water Safety Tips for Kids

Teach your kids so they can fully enjoy summertime. Image source: HGTV

These can include:

Teach them not to jump into the pool if they see anyone drowning
Instead of jumping into the pull, teach them about objects they can throw to help someone
Make sure they remember to call an adult to help if they see anyone drowning
If swimming in a public pool, always keep lifeguards in sight
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before getting into the pool

Swimming Lessons

Kids can start learning how to swim at the age of 4, so if you have a pool at home, don’t hesitate to enroll your children in swimming lessons. They’ll be extremely useful for both you and the kids! In addition to that, they’ll learn the dangers of diving and how and where to do it properly and safely.

It might be wise to always have an adult within a “touching area” to prevent accidents from happening.

Supervision at All Times

Always keep an eye on the kids. Image source: Brisbane Kids

The most important tip of all for any cautious parent is to keep an eye on kids around the pool. They can be the best swimmers, but they’re still children. If you need to leave the place for some reason, ensure that another adult keeps supervision going.

An important reminder: keep kids away from drains!

Know How to Perform Infant CPR

While you may take every precaution necessary, accidents can still happen. To prepare for any accidents, make sure you know how to perform CPR. There are many different CPR techniques including infant CPR, child CPR, adult CPR, and pet CPR.

Learn how to perform CPR.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

All we want is a safe space to enjoy some family time. Image source: Architecture and Design

Like we said before, even though you may take every precaution, accidents can still happen, so it’s good to be prepared for that too. Keep rescue equipment (shepherd’s hook and life preserver) near the pool area, as well as a telephone with appropriate emergency numbers.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and make sure to check our Lifestyle & Health page for more helpful tips!

Join the conversation