Things to Avoid In Your Backyard Swimming Pool

Owning a backyard swimming pool is a dream for many. No matter where you reside, spending the hot summer days in the pool can be ideal for spending time with family and friends. However, the joy of owning a pool also comes with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of children. While pools can be a great source of fun, they can also pose risks if precautions aren’t taken. Here are a few things you must avoid to ensure children have a delightful experience in the pool. 

Swimming without sunscreen

The hot summer days can lure kids into the cool water, but intense sun rays can cause skin damage and sunburn. Do not allow your child to enter the pool without applying sunscreen. Look for a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF rating and reapply it every few hours. 

Swimming without floaties 

Kids love swimming, but it is important to remember that they haven’t mastered the skills yet. Use flotation devices like life jackets and floaties to provide an extra layer of safety for young children. As adults, you need to ensure that your child always wears the right flotation equipment, even if they are confident swimmers. 

Playing near the pool without supervision 

As a parent, you need to pay attention when children are near the pool. There could be a drowning incident even in shallow water. Hence, always designate an adult to watch over the kids. Avoid distractions like reading materials or phones to keep the children safe. 

Drinking pool water

It is tempting for children to drink or play with pool water, but there are several dangers of ingesting it. The water has chlorine and other chemicals, which make it unsafe to drink and can cause stomach problems. Ask children to use the designated drinking area whenever they need to hydrate.

Swimming in the hot tub alone 

Hot tubs can be an ideal addition to the backyard, but they also come with risks, especially for children. The expert Goodyear pool builders at Keywize Pool Professionals state, “High temperatures can lead to fainting and dizziness. That said, hot tubs are deeper than traditional pools, making them tough for children to manage alone.” Hence, always ensure the child is supervised when using the hot tub. 

Eating when swimming 

Swimming and eating never go hand in hand and should be avoided. Chewing gum can also lead to choking incidents since it is difficult to control swallowing when in water. Children should not be allowed to eat inside the pool. 

Swimming with harmful toys in water 

There are pool toys that can bring an element of fun when swimming, but not all toys are safe for play in the water. Toys that have sharp edges or small parts could lead to injuries and accidents. Hence, either buy pool toys for children or do not allow children to take toys with them into the water. 

Swimming in an unsafe depth

Parents, as well as children, often overestimate their swimming capabilities and venture into areas that are too deep for their height and age. This can be risky if children aren’t confident swimmers. Encourage children to stay within their comfort zone and avoid going into deep water. 

Having no emergency plan

This is one thing you would want to avoid at all times. Even if all the safety measures are in place, there could be an emergency. This is why you must have a plan ready and ensure everyone in the house knows how to respond to emergencies and call for help. 

Ignoring pool maintenance

It is important to build a safe swimming environment, and for that, you need to maintain and inspect the pool from time to time. Keep the water clean and ensure it has the right chemicals that will prevent the growth of bacteria. Make it a point to check the safety features of the pool, like the ladder, handrail, and diving boards, for any signs of damage, and repair them as soon as possible. 

Besides avoiding the above-mentioned things, you must train your children about backyard swimming pool safety. Education can help prevent accidents. If your child loves spending time in the pool, enroll them in swimming lessons at an early age so that they learn basic water skills and build confidence in the water. Explain the importance of pool rules and show safe swimming practices by setting an example. Teach them to follow the instructions of the pool staff and lifeguards. 

That said, establish clear rules for your child and enforce them. Ensure you lay out age-appropriate rules, and even if you have to be strict with children, you must be. Kids need to understand that pool time can only be fun if they follow the rules and maintain the safety of everyone in the pool. 

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