5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. 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.
   
   
9. Learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).
   
   
10. Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age.

More Safety Tips

• If you have an indoor swimming pool, spa, or hot tub make sure either lock the door or have a cover that locks, to prevent children and unauthorized users from entering.

• Pool decks should have a non-slip surface while being kept clean and clear of any debris.

• All electrical appliances and devices need to be protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Electrical shock or electrocution can occur in a pool if live electrical currents come into contact with the pool water.

• Establish sensible safety rules such as no horseplay and no roughhousing. Children need to learn to respect water and how to stay safe around it.

• Remove all toys from the pool and surrounding areas when they are not being used.

• Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know.

Create a Pool Safety Toolkit

CPSC recommends that you create a pool safety kit that is to be kept near the pool or spa just in case the worst happens and you need to react quickly. This should consist of the following items:

• First Aid Kit
  
  
• A pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing or a pool cover, if needed
  
  
• A charged portable telephone to call 911
  
  
• A floatation device

Chemical Use and Storage Safety

Chemical Safety practices are important to prevent accidents during the transportation, use, and storage of pool chemicals.

Transporting Chemicals

1. Keep your vehicle clean and organized.
   
   
2. Separate incompatible chemicals, distribute between front seat, back seat and/or trunk.
   
   
3. Don't purchase or carry damaged containers.
   
   
4. Anchor your load securely, so that it won't move around.
   
   
5. Ask your pool supply dealer for MSDS sheets, for your information and HAZMAT personnel in case of an accident.

Storing Pool Chemicals

1. Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, with a locked entry. Do not set outside in the sun.
   
   
2. Keep out of reach of children.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. Do not stack chemical containers on top of one another and never store them near other flammables.
   
   
5. Replace lids and caps firmly and immediately after opening. Make sure they are tightly closed when not in use.
   
   
6. Post MSDS sheets and emergency information and phone numbers nearby.
   
   
7. Always keep out of reach of children and pets.
   
   
8. Never reuse old chemical containers. Wash out when empty then properly dispose of it.

Using Pool Chemicals

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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!
   
   
3. Wear safety gear when handling chemicals. This may include a breathing respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes, face shield, gloves and apron.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. Never smoke around any chemicals. Fire or explosion could result.
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
8. Use ONLY a water filled fire extinguisher on a chlorine chemical fire. Never use the dry chemical type of extinguisher.
   
   
9. Keep posted emergency numbers for the fire department, poison control center, and MSDS sheets of all chemicals on hand.
   
   
10. Test your swimming pool water regularly with accurate test kits. As a rule, the more people who use your swimming pool, the more often you should test your water.

Previous I 1 I 2

 

top