Swimming Pool and Spa Safety

What safety measures are you taking to ensure your pool or spa is safe this summer? 

Most city/county jurisdictions are participating in safety programs to ensure swimming pools are safe for you and your family.

Here are the requirements for safety compliance:

• Swimming pools and spas should have a barrier.  In Georgia, most jurisdictions require a 5' fence, but some will allow a 4' fence.  Check with your local jurisdiction for requirements. 
• All fence gates should swing out.  It's harder for a child to pull a gate open rather than push the gate toward the pool.
• All fence gates should be self-closing/self-latching. 
• Any door/gate leading into the pool area should have pool safety alarms.  You should be able to differentiate the door leading into the pool area from any door in your home. 
• Does your swimming pool have anti-entrapment main drains that comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act?
• For older pools, is your fence compliant?  Do you have broken sections or broken gates?  The homeowner is responsible for fence repairs and to ensure the fence is keeping the pool area safe. 

Other swimming pool and spa safety tips:

• Does everyone in your home know how to swim?
• Does someone in your home know CPR and is this person familiar with emergency response?

Happy Wednesday!

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.