Pool Safety Information (cont.)
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Place a phone nearby the pool with emergency numbers (911,
fire department, poison control center, etc.) listed.
Signage about
the pool, with "pool rules" is a good idea, but remember to always instruct new
users of your pool to what is allowed and what is not. Having a pool can make you popular
with neighborhood friends of your children. If rules are not followed, do not allow these
children to use the pool.
-
Having
rescue equipment on hand can help prevent a drowning person from drowning
someone else. Ring buoys & reaching poles
with
life hooks should be at the ready.
First aid kits
should be nearby also.
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If you use a pool or spa cover, follow all instructions for their safe
installation, use and maintenance. Always remove a cover completely before using the pool,
and do not let standing water remain on top; pump it off.
-
Do not allow children to play near a pool. Games and bike riding can result in
someone going in, perhaps bumping their head on the way.
-
Learn
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).
-
Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age.
Use of Diving Boards
-
If the diving board bothers you, have it removed. If it is too large for the
length and depth of the pool; found on many older pools, have it removed.
-
Inspect the board, the stand, and the hardware for signs of age, cracking, rust,
etc.
-
Do Not allow any drinking and diving. Place a chair on top of the board, with a
"No Diving" sign during pool parties.
-
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on safe diving practices, or consult
NSPI's pamphlet "Knowing how to dive can be worth more than gold". Instruct all
users of your diving board on proper technique.
Chemical Use and Storage Safety
Chemical
Safety practices are important to prevent accidents during the transportation, use, and
storage of pool chemicals.
Transporting
Chemicals
-
Keep your vehicle clean and organized.
-
Separate incompatible chemicals, distribute between front seat, back seat and/or trunk.
-
Don't purchase or carry damaged containers.
-
Anchor your load securely, so that it won't move around.
-
Ask your pool supply dealer for
MSDS sheets, for your information and
HAZMAT
personnel in case of an accident.
Storing Pool Chemicals
-
Store chemicals
in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, with a
locked entry. Do not set outside in the sun.
-
Keep out of reach of children.
-
Keep pool and spa chemicals separate from each other, and from other chemicals. Violent
reactions such as explosion, fire, or noxious gas production can occur when
incompatible chemicals contact each other. Never, ever mix any chemicals together.
-
Do not stack chemical containers on top of one another.
-
Replace lids and caps firmly and immediately after opening.
-
Post MSDS sheets and emergency information and phone numbers nearby.
Using Pool Chemicals
-
Follow label directions carefully. Read the instructions! If the label is faded
or torn, don't guess what it is. Return it to your dealer.
-
Add chemicals to pool water, not the other way around. Chemicals should be added
directly to the pool, or through a feeder especially designed for that type of chemical.
Chemicals added directly to the skimmer could allow strong concentrations to harm pool
equipment or swimmers. If the instructions suggest diluting with water first, use a clean,
oversized bucket with water in it, then add chemicals to the water in the bucket. Read the
Instructions!
-
Wear safety gear when handling chemicals. This may include a breathing
respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes, face shield, gloves and apron.
-
Do Not mix chemicals...EVER!
This includes direct mixing of full strength
chemicals in a bucket, diluted
concentrations and even adding chemicals to
the same location in the pool. At the very
least you may get a water quality problem,
or you may endanger your life or the life of
others. Chemicals can mix with each other by
using containers or scoops which were
previously used for other chemicals. Always
use a clean bucket and scoop, designated
only for that chemical.
-
Dispose of wastes and spills safely and properly. Immediately clean up any
chemical spills. If a violent reaction has occurred, contact the fire department
immediately and they will instruct you on steps to take until their arrival, if any. If
the spilled chemical is a solid, carefully sweep it up using a clean broom and shovel, and
place it in a clean, dry, plastic container. Avoid breathing the dust. If possible, dilute
the chemical in water and add it to the pool or spa. Then test and balance the water. If
this is not possible, contact the fire department for instructions on disposal. Do not
place floor sweepings of chemicals back into the original container. Any foreign substance
such as dust, dirt, and water can cause a reaction inside the container. Do not use a vacuum
cleaner or shop-vacuum to clean up spilled substances. If the spilled substance is a liquid,
it should be soaked up with clean, absorbent materials and placed inside a clean plastic
or plastic lined container. Flush the area with large amounts of water.
-
Never smoke
around any chemicals. Fire or explosion could result.
-
Do not breath chemical fumes or dust. Wash skin if contact occurs. If chemicals
splash in eyes, flush eyes for 15 minutes, and see a physician immediately.
-
Use ONLY a water filled fire extinguisher on a chlorine chemical fire. Never use
the dry chemical type of extinguisher.
-
Keep posted emergency numbers for the fire department, poison control center,
and MSDS sheets of all chemicals on hand.
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