Scripps Howard News Service
Though constant attention to children and pool safety education are essential to residential pool safety, sometimes hazards arise from unsafe aspects about the pool property itself.
For example, despite safety standards, children every year are injured by unsafe pool and spa drains.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission knows of 67 incidents since 1978 where a person was trapped by the strong suction of the drain of pools, wading pools and spas. Of those, 18 people died and a number were seriously injured.
Here are ways to make your property safer:
- Place by the pool or spa basic life-saving equipment, including a first-aid kit, cordless phone, reaching pole, and ring buoy with a line attached.
- Do not allow a child to play where the child's hair could get caught in the drain.
- Have a professional regularly inspect the drain suction fittings and covers. If your pool or spa has only one drain outlet, get a system with two drains or consider installing a safety vacuum release system to prevent injuries. Also learn where the cut-off switch for your pump is so it can be turned off in an emergency.
- Keep the temperature in the spa at 104 degrees or below.
- Abide by city codes.
(American Red Cross; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
