A Guide to Pool Safety for Homeowners
Does your dream home have a pool?
When you dip your toe into home and pool ownership, you need to think about safety first. A pool can increase your homeowners insurance rates, but there are steps you can take to minimize risk.
Ensure that your swimming pool is a joyful addition to your home rather than a dangerous liability with these tips.
Install a fence. Most cities require in-ground pools to be enclosed by a fence. Pool-related incidents may also be excluded from your insurance coverage if you don’t have a fence (at least 4 feet high) around the pool.
If you are buying a home with a pool, make sure it has a fence with a secure lock before moving in. If you are having a pool built, include a fence as part of the project.
You can also consider other safety measures, such as alarms, for the pool area.
Maintain supervision. Pools often make homes a magnet for parties in warm weather. Whether you’re hosting or simply enjoying the pool with your family, always make sure a responsible adult is keeping an eye on children and pets around the pool.
Keep flotation devices handy. Flotation devices are important tools for pool safety. Keep options like kickboards, floating rings, pool noodles and arm floaties readily available. If someone is struggling in the water, you want to have immediate access to a flotation device.
Properly maintain your pool. Owning a pool comes with a lot of responsibility, including proper maintenance. You need to know how to take care of the pool’s filtration system and manage the water chemistry to ensure it remains clean. If you’re not comfortable with it, you can hire a professional for routine maintenance.
When you aren’t using the pool, place a weight-bearing cover over the water.
If you are planning to add a pool or buy a home with one, get in touch to talk about the coverage that will work best for you.
