At Elite Lawn Sprinklers, Pools & Spas of NJ, we spend a lot of time discussing pool safety, this is the reason I felt a need to write this article. A pool that is only 24″ deep can be just as dangerous as an in-ground pool. More states and localities are passing new legislature requiring at a minimum a pool alarm for pools 24″ or more.
The inexpensive pools such as the Intex easy set pool or similar pools, which have an inflatable top ring or soft sides and are sold at the big box stores are the most at issue. It seems that if you have a few extra dollars in your pocket and have at least 100 sq. ft behind your residence, you can be a pool owner. Most of the time these pools are not set up in a secure or monitored area and accidents, even death have occurred.
A soft sided pool has a limited number of pool alarms that will adapt! I have found that the pool patrol seems to work well with soft sided pools. The pool patrol alarm floats on the water surface and uses a “tilt” mechanism similar to a pinball machine.
A pool safety fence is typically the outermost layer of protection around a pool. Gate and door alarms are a good second layer of protection. A safety cover is a good final layer of protection at the pool itself. Everything memtioned above are good layers of protection, but it all only works if the child (children), pets, friends and neighbors are educated in pool safety and at ALL TIMES your pool area is monitored whenever children or pets are near.
If you have an above-ground pool with rigid walls and a hard top rail, there are many more safety options available to you:
- Locking A – frame ladder
- Safety Cover
- Pool Safety Fence
- Many pool alarm options
It is always a good idea to check with your local municipality to find out what the safety requirements are, regardless of the pool’s depth. Children or pets can drown in as little as 2″ of water, why take the risk?
For any additional information on pool safety, Google search “pool safety” or contact the pool safety specialists at ELSPS.
Have a safe Summer!
