Inflatable Pool Safety
Tips on Securing Inflatable Backyard Pools to Keep Kids Safe
By Kelly Burgess
"Aside from the tragedy of losing a child, one thing people don't think about is the legal liability if someone drowns in a pool on your property," Delaware says. "That liability is there even if you have a standard fence but don't have a fence up around the pool."
In addition to fencing, Delaware recommends:
Be sure ladders are removable or are on hinges that can be folded up and locked. Carefully evaluate your backyard and be sure there is nothing a child can use to access the pool, such as chairs or toys. Use a pool alarm. This is often not recommended for this type of pool because of the high incidence of false alarms for pools without covers, but better to respond to false alarms than to not be alerted at all. Use a door alarm. Kids are adept at opening locks that adults may think they could never figure out. A door alarm is another layer of safety. Play with your kids in the pool. It's difficult for a parent sitting in a chair to see over the sides of the larger inflatables, and drowning can occur in moments. If you're actively involved in the pool activities, nothing will escape your notice. "People may think that the odds of someone drowning in their pool are astronomical, but the fact is that Murphy's Law lives everywhere," Delaware says. "While you may have financial considerations over some of the permanent safety solutions, you can't ignore safety altogether."
| While drowning is a serious concern with inflatable pools, Kang and Delaware also pointed out a few other safety issues that owners of inflatable pools should be aware of. Drains: Be sure drain covers are safe. The suction of the pumps, small as they are, can be powerful enough to injure children or, if their hair is caught, to hold them under water long enough to drown. To be safe: If you have an older pool, be sure it has drain covers that are safe for kids. Consult a local safety expert or your local chapter of the Red Cross or contact the CPSC. Have children with long hair wear bathing caps. Be sure all drain covers are intact and properly installed. Keep sharp scissors nearby to cut hair if necessary. Electrical: A structure that holds water and has an attached device that runs on electricity, such as a pool pump, needs to be properly installed. To be safe: All electrical outlets in or near a pool should be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device. The GFCI device detects a leak of current and trips the breaker inside the outlet or at the circuit breaker, which then prevents extreme exposure to an electrical shock. Do not allow anyone to plug in electrical cords or extension cords to non GFCI protected outlets and then use the appliances near the pool. | |
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