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Stay Safe: Common Dangers of Swimming Pools and How to Avoid Them

Swimming pools are synonymous with long, warm days full of fun memories, relaxation and exercise loved by all. However, it’s essential to remember that these aquatic playgrounds can pose various dangers if not respected and maintained properly. While enjoying your time in the water, it’s crucial to be aware of the common swimming pool dangers and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The good news is there are simple things you can do to make your swimming pool safer for everyone who comes into contact with it. Thankfully, all it takes is forethought and planning to ensure that awareness is present from the get-go. By addressing any concerns there might be, you can maximise the joy your family can experience while spending time in the swimming pool. SA Pools is here to help take a look at how you can identify the most common key dangers and make sure your pool is safer for everyone.

Keeping Things Real

It is a no-brainer that everyone loves spending time in and around a swimming pool, especially on the hotter days of South African summer we are gifted with. With having a pool comes a vast amount of time where we simply have a silent body of water in our garden. Every responsible pool owner should be aware of the risks that come along with ownership of a pool, both before getting a pool installed as well as during the time it is functional as a shared space for enjoyment.

This is especially true for families with children and pets, who need extra precautionary measures to be taken as a means of mitigating the risks that can come with a swimming pool. Among some of the most common dangers, we find:

Drowning

Drowning is, without a doubt, the most significant danger associated with swimming pools. It can happen in a matter of seconds and is often silent. Tragically, children and inexperienced swimmers are particularly vulnerable when exposed to a body of water. In order to mitigate this risk of drowning, we suggest the following:

  • Always supervise children in or around the pool, even if they know how to swim.

  • Install pool safety fencing and gates that meet local regulations.

  • Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to respond quickly in case of an emergency.

  • Remove pool toys and other temptations from the water when not in use to avoid attracting children to the pool.

Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a common danger near swimming pools due to wet and slippery surfaces. These accidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures. To prevent slip and fall accidents:

  • Use non-slip materials around the pool deck.

  • Encourage pool users to walk, not run, around the pool area.

  • Provide adequate lighting around the pool, especially at night.

Slippery Decks

Despite our best efforts in maintenance, care, and upkeep, deck surfaces age with time and use. South Africa’s climate enables the easy development of algae on the surface of these poolside surfaces, which ends up making it very slippery.

This is especially true in wet conditions, either due to pool usage in a moment or exterior weather conditions. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of slipping or failing on a pool deck, it is advisable to pressure wash the deck at least once a year or more frequently if possible.

Stairs and Ladders

Some of the most common places for injury in a pool are the stairs and ladders. Oftentimes, colourful tiles help accentuate the edges of the steps. This assists in defining the edges under the moving water. The risk of injury increases at night. It becomes even likelier if there isn’t any underwater pool light to illuminate the water.

At the same time, ladders often have handrails installed into the pool deck, which have the potential of coming loose over time. Because of this, you need to work with a professional pool designer and installer to ensure that the risks associated with owning a swimming pool are assessed and addressed.

Other Potential Hazards

Chemical Exposure

Pool chemicals such as chlorine and bromine are essential for maintaining water quality but can be hazardous if mishandled. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems. To minimise the risks:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when handling and adding pool chemicals.

  • Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from children and pets.

  • Shower before and after swimming to reduce the risk of skin irritation.Electrical Dangers

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Faulty wiring, exposed electrical components, or poorly grounded equipment can lead to electrical shocks or electrocution. To reduce electrical hazards:

  • Ensure that qualified professionals perform all poolside electrical installations.

  • Keep electrical devices and cords away from the pool water.

  • Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to cut power in the event of an electrical fault.

Turn to SA Pools for Quality Swimming Pools in Pretoria

When you approach us for a brand-new pool, we’ll take note of any specific wishes you may have. At this stage, we’ll also point out any possible issues and explain what will happen throughout each step of the construction.

We’ll advise you of any planning consent that needs to be acquired and also make recommendations for the best sterilisation, filtration, and heating systems for your new pool. These are only a few of the many reasons why we continue to lead the swimming pool design and construction sector in Pretoria. Let us help you realise your dream of your own personalised swimming pool and make it a reality.

Let Us Help You

Swimming pools offer fantastic recreation, exercise, and relaxation opportunities, but they also come with inherent risks. Being aware of the common dangers associated with swimming pools and taking appropriate precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. By prioritising safety and adhering to best practices, you can ensure that your time by the pool remains enjoyable, refreshing, and, most importantly, safe for everyone.

SA Pools is here to not only bring the pool of your dreams to life but ensure the highest levels of safety surrounding it too. To learn more about what we do, explore our website or get in contact with us to get started today.