Are you one of the many Dallas home owners with a backyard pool? A pool in the summer can provide many hours of entertainment for a family, but it can also present several safety hazards. According to the Red Cross, an average of 10 people die every day from drowning. When you consider that there are 10.4 million residential pools in the U.S., emphasizing safety becomes even more important. If your household will be spending some time in a residential pool, it is essential that certain measures are in place. RestoPros wants to make sure that our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors enjoy a safe and enjoyable pool season. We’ve compiled tips from the Red Cross and local safety experts to help get the word out on the proper procedures.
Black Mold Issues: If you are dealing with a black mold infestation around your pool, make sure that it is cleaned and contained before anyone uses it. Mold on your patio or deck can be treated with a solution of 10% bleach and water. You might also look into an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean it and keep it from returning. RestoPros can also help if your mold situation is beyond the scope of DIY home cleaning. (A recurring mold problem around your pool might indicate improper drainage – which should be explored as a cause.)
Pool Rules: If you own a pool, it is important to establish some basic safety rules. Many of these will depend on the ages of the family members and their swimming experience. Basic rules for families with small children include: no swimming without adult supervision, swimming using the buddy system, and no electronics or glass in the pool area. Print out a copy of the rules and have it posted where it is clearly visible.
Adult Supervision: If only one adult is supervising and must leave for even a short amount of time, all swimming must be halted until their return. It only takes 2 minutes for a child to lose consciousness under water. In 4-6 minutes, a submerged child can develop permanent brain damage. Even more unsettling, a toddler can drown in as little as 20 seconds.
Diving: Most residential pools are not deep enough for diving. The minimum depth for safe diving is 8 ft. If your pool depth is under 8 ft., make sure that everyone enters the pool feet first to avoid any head injuries.
Swim Lessons: If there are weak/inexperienced swimmers in your family, enroll them in Red Cross or YMCA swimming lessons.
Safety Tools: Always keep around readily accessible safety tools including ring buoys, rescue tubes, and other floating devices.
Keep Deck Uncluttered: The area around the pool should be clear of all toys (water toys need a specific storage area), non-pool furniture and any yard debris.
Swimming Gear: If you have young children who are just learning to swim, make sure that they are always wearing proper flotation devices.
Choosing the Right Water Flotation Device
Create an Action Plan: Develop an action plan in case someone is hurt in the pool. An emergency signal and emergency procedures need to be implemented. Calling 911 is always a priority, so keep a smart phone around at all times.
Best Swim Times: The best time to swim is during the day, in the morning or early evening when the sun is not directly overhead. Try to avoid swimming at night – and keep out of the water altogether during a thunder storm.
Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 – even on cloudy days. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass right through dark clouds. Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours.
Cover Skin: In addition to sunscreen, when not in the water, try to keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Wear light clothing, sunglasses and wide brim hats while supervising the kids.
Kiddie Pools: If you own a small inflatable or plastic kiddie pool, empty out the water when it is not in use.
Above Ground Pools: These designs should have the ladder or portable steps removed when not in use.
Hot Tubs: A hot tub temperature should not exceed 104 degrees f. Pregnant women, toddlers and infants are not recommended to use them.
RestoPros hopes that you and your family enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. Enforcing pool safety measures with everyone in the household is a good start. Remember that we can assist if you are dealing with any pool-related mold issues. Don’t let a mold infestation keep your family from enjoying the pool! Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!
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