- Swimming pools can be dangerous if not up to code.Swimming-belt in swimming-pool. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com
The outdoor swimming pool is a cooling treat in the heat of the summer. It can also be dangerous if not up to proper safety standards. There are several federal guidelines that should be followed to ensure your family's safety. Contact your local building department for local guidelines and codes. - Several areas of the United States require a safety barrier around all swimming pools, whether public or private. The top of a pool barrier should be 48 inches above the soil grade, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Protrusions or indentations are not allowed in solid barriers such as brick. Spacing between horizontal bars on wooden and chain-link fencing should be less than 45 inches, and the space between vertical wooden slats 1 3/4 inches. Chain-link fence openings should be 1 1/4 inch or less.
- Lifeguards must be present if the pool is to be made public or semi-public. A lifeguard should be on continual surveillance of swimmers. A video surveillance system should also be in place, says the Lifesaving website. Lifeguards must be 16 years of age or older, have a National Lifeguard Award, be trained in standard first aid and be trained by the facilities at which they work, according to state regulations.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that unblockable drains be installed, and safe covers be used for the drains. Covers that comply with the newest standards will be visibly marked with a flow rating, such as "X GPM" for gallons per minute, "Life: X YEARS" for the product life, the manufacturer and the model of the drain.
- Safety signs must be in place for semi-public pools. The rules should be visible as well as the diving recommendations for each end of the pool. A red slash is printed for activities prohibited at the pool, yellow backgrounds are warnings, and a green border means the activity is permitted.
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