Having a swimming pool on your property is a wonderful way to stay cool on hot summer days. Though splashing and swimming can be fun, owning a backyard pool comes with serious responsibilities. For one, if a visitor or loved one were to get hurt or drown in your pool, you could potentially be held responsible.
With this in mind, let’s dive in (pun intended!) to some advice and tips for keeping everyone safe.
The first thing to do, if you’re considering getting a pool, or have newly purchased a house with a backyard pool, is to notify Chalmers.
Pools can be dangerous. With wet surfaces, drowning risks, and running/jumping in and around the pool, there is an increased risk of injuries. To better cover this risk, you should consider increasing your personal liability coverage on your homeowners' policy. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your pool from things like fallen objects or fire. However, it may not cover liability claims if someone is injured at your pool.
To be sure you are protected, you may also want to consider adding an umbrella liability policy to your homeowners' insurance. This will provide additional coverage for liability claims, up to the limits of the policy.
Reduce drowning risks by installing a safety fence around your pool with a locked latch. You should also consider a cover over the pool when you are not using it. A fence is one of the most important things you can do to protect children and pets from drowning. The fence should be at least four feet high.
Be sure to supervise swimmers at all times—especially children. Even if your children know how to swim, they can still get into trouble if not supervised. It is wise to teach children water safety skills including how to swim, float, and get out of the pool if they fall in.
Keep lifesaving equipment, including a first aid kit, near the pool, and make sure you know how to properly use it.
Minimize disease risks by keeping your pool water properly filtered and chemically treated. Don’t allow swimmers to drink pool water, keep pets out of the pool and avoid having anyone with open wounds or illnesses enter the pool.
Mitigate chemical risks by keeping all pool chemicals at the proper levels and following all manufacturer’s instructions carefully whenever you add chemicals to the pool or filtration system. Be sure to store chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from fire hazards and lawn care products.
Always evacuate the pool during a thunderstorm or in the rain. Lightning strikes are a leading cause of drownings.
Your pool is supposed to enhance your life. It should be a place to unwind, exercise, cool off, and spend time with your loved ones. The last thing you need is a pool-related incident to cause stress, hardship, or financial setbacks. By reviewing your homeowners' insurance policy and making appropriate adjustments, you can rest assured your pool will solely serve its purpose of fun and relaxation.
While you’re at it, it may be a good time to review all of your personal insurance policies. A lot can change in a short amount of time, so you want to make sure your policies keep up with life’s changes.
