Staying Safe with Your Above Ground Pool

One of the many benefits of above ground pools are some of their inherit safety features, such as high walls (if you don’t build a deck around it) and standard depths (no deep end). But any pool owner, even those using inflatable pools, needs to ensure safety is a priority.

To have a fun and safe summer with your above ground or semi in-ground pool this summer, we’ve compiled the following safety tips. While some are required, we always recommend being as safe as possible, so we urge you, especially if you have younger children, to consider implementing all of them!

Above Ground Pool Safety Musts

The following are items that are (or should be) a must for above ground pool safety.

Ladders and Steps

Depending on how you have landscaped around your pool, a ladder or steps are a must have. 

There are a couple options you can select from if you have a full or half surround deck where you can enter from the platform directly into the pool. Stairs with handrails are a safe option for entering and exiting the pool. You can also opt for a ladder entry.

If you have exposed walls and no platform to walk into your pool from, a ladder is necessary to get to the top of the pool to enter and exit. In this scenario you’ll need a ladder to get up to the pool, but you can still use stairs to ease into the pool like this option from SafeLadder.

It’s always important to check your pool equipment like your ladders and stairs to make sure there aren’t any cracks and to properly install them when you open your pool to avoid slips or damage to your pool.

Pool Tip: Make sure you’re not using the pool rim to enter or exit the pool. Not only is this not safe and hazardous for the individual, but it could also cause damage to the rim or cause the pool to collapse.

Fences & Gates

Fencing is another must and a requirement for pool and spa owners. While there are minimum height requirements for fences, you need to also check your local city requirements as these could be different than the minimum to be in code.

Above ground pools already act as a barrier for entry (if it doesn’t have a platform deck), which is a benefit.

For the safest fence, it should surround the whole pool (all four sides) instead of a fence around the yard with the house acting as the fourth “wall”. This is because of safety concerns with children exiting the house without an additional barrier between them and the pool.

Fences are required to be a minimum of four feet, but it’s recommended to be five feet or higher. Again, your local codes state the exact and recommended heights.

When looking for fencing, it’s important that it’s not a fence that a child can easily “scale” or climb on. This means short spaces between spindles and no protrusions to get hand or foot holds to climb over.

Watson’s carries specific fences that can attach to the top of the pool, adding height and safety.

Self-closing and locking gates are another safety measure to add to your fencing so gates aren’t accidentally left open for children to wander through. You want to make sure there is always a lock feature for when you’re not using the pool.

Above Ground Pool Safety Should Haves

While not necessary, the following are items that are also available to include in your pool safety measures.

Pool Alarms

As another level of security and safety, pool alarms are a consideration to add. Using a sensing method that detects intrusions in the water, a loud, pulsating alarm is activated in the home and at the pool.

There’s a variety of models to choose from that are easy to install and use with an on/off key.

Pool Covers

While we often think of pool covers for keeping out unwanted debris and covering for the winter, they are actually a great safety feature as well. When not in use, it’s recommended to cover your pool. When installed and maintained properly, a pool cover can help keep someone above the waterline if they should accidentally fall in.

There are specific covers that should be used as a safety precaution. Solar covers don’t attach to the pool, but rather float on top of the water, which doesn’t make them a great option for safety. Covers that you would use to winterize your pool are what you would want to use, or anything that is tied down to the side of the pool.

Other Safety Tips for Your Above Ground Pool

In addition to the above safety measures you can take, below are some additional tips to ensure a fun and safe swimming experience.

Floating Devices: Keep some floating devices, like a pool noodle, in the pool when not in use in case someone does fall in so they have something to grab.

Extra Fence: Especially if you have little ones, consider adding a fence around your pool with a locking gate, even if you already have the required fence around your yard. This adds another barrier they would need to get through.

Remove the Ladder: When not in use, remove the ladder or place a fence with a gate around the ladder and lock it up so there’s no access to get to the top of the pool.

State Your Rules. Make sure those using the pool and your own family understand the safety rules for pool use. Supervision when swimming, no running, no diving (depending on depth), etc., are all examples of pool safety rules you can establish.

Never Obstruct the Pool. Make sure you always have a clear view of your pool in case anything (an animal) or anyone gets through your safety barriers.

For a summer full of fun in the pool, safety should always be a priority. With the above tips and all your pool essentials at Watson’s you’ll be all set for splashing your way through summer in your pool!

To pick out the perfect pool or stock up on pool chemicals for your summer of fun, head into one of Watson’s nine superstore locations today. We’ve got the largest selection of sizes and our experts are ready to answer all your questions to get you enjoying summer to the fullest with an above ground pool today!