If you have an in-ground pool in your backyard, you’ve likely already taken a dip to find sweet relief from the heat. But while going in the water can be relaxing and fun, it’s important to remember that this environment does present a few unique safety risks—especially for younger swimmers. Fortunately, you can avoid most of these dangers by implementing a few safety practices whenever kids are over to swim. Here are five safety tips to keep in mind for your pool party this season.

5 In-Ground Pool Safety Strategies

1. Set the Rules Right Away

Before you let kids go near the pool, set clear rules that are designed to prevent accidents. These restrictions should include no running, diving, jumping, roughhousing, reaching into drains, and playing on ladders.

2. Assign Supervisors

Even if all the children at your pool party are skilled swimmers, it’s critical that you never leave them unattended without adult supervision. Taking your eyes off the pool—even for just a few seconds—can increase the risk of drowning incidents. To make sure you have enough oversight, recruit other parents to help watch the kids in shifts. One adult should also know CPR to help any swimmers that drown.  

3. Be Careful With Toys

While pool toys can be fun, it’s a good idea to be wary of those you allow in the pool. Typically, it’s better to avoid large floatation devices that can obstruct the view of the water or trap swimmers. Keep heavy toys out of the pool, too, as they could end up causing an accidental head injury.

4. Balance Chemicals Properly

Before the party, test the water quality of your in-ground pool to make sure all chemicals are balanced properly. Without this maintenance, you may not have enough chlorine in the water to remove harmful bacteria—such as those that cause pink eye. If the chemicals are too harsh, swimmers may be at risk of skin, lung, and eye irritation.

5. Investigate Your Insurance Policy

Most standard homeowners insurance policies are not designed to cover accidents or damages related to swimming pools. As such, you should review your coverage terms as soon as the swimming pool installation is complete. While this additional protection will slightly increase your premiums, it can shield against the medical care costs that are associated with pool injuries.

To make sure your in-ground pool is safe for everyone, turn to the specialists at Practical Pools & Ponds, LLC in Robertsdale, AL. Backed by two decades of experience, these professionals can handle every aspect of swimming pool installation to ensure your setup is safe as well as stylish. To help keep this feature in good shape all season long, the team also offers pool cleaning services and supplies at affordable rates. To learn more about their services and equipment, visit the custom pool company online or call (251) 945-4769.