Undoubtedly, there are certain safety features that add value to any inground pool. For pool buyers who are considering what features to add to their list when purchasing a pool, we’re here to help you get started. In 2022, a major focus will be on the integration of new technologies.
There are more than a few smart safety features that can make your pool and spa a more enjoyable experience all round while giving you peace of mind. Today we are going to discuss the 5 smartest pool safety features to add to your pool that really add a lot of value.
#1 – Pool Safety Fence
Adding a fence around your pool can help you feel more secure. Installing a pool fence in your backyard can help protect your pool area from neighbors. People who are embarrassed in their swimsuits or who just don’t like the idea of their neighbors being able to see them when they’re in the water may find this helpful.
Installing a security fence around your pool gives you additional peace of mind that the pool area in your backyard is not accessible without your permission. These extra precautions are especially important if you have small children or pets who could easily fall into the pool. Aside from being a useful safety feature, installing a pool safety fence is becoming mandatory in most regions of the country.
According to your insurance policy, you may be entitled to a rebate when installing a pool fence, and in some cases may actually be required by your insurance company. A bolted gate is usually required for a pool fence to qualify.
Homeowners can choose from a wide range of fencing alternatives, including wrought iron poles, wood or vinyl panels, and mesh pool fencing that are both durable, difficult to climb, and semi-transparent so you can have an unobstructed view of your pool while protecting your family.
#2 – Smart Fence & Pool Alarms
Another extra layer of security is the addition of a smart pool alarm. Today’s pool surveillance systems are technologically mature and act as virtual water guards, continuously scanning the pool area for unauthorized entry and detecting disruptions at an early stage.
One of the best ways to secure the pool area these days is by using smart IoT and AI. People are becoming more comfortable using technologies like Alexa and Siri, and forward-thinking homeowners are looking for similar devices that will keep their pool and spa safe.
Sai Reddy, Founder/CEO of CamerEye, one of the leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) based smart pool alarm monitoring systems; says: “The need for a smarter pool fence is obvious. Homeowners often have no idea when small children or pets are in the pool area.”
That statement ties in with the findings of a recent study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that analyzed drowning among children under the age of four in Arizona, California and Florida. Almost 70 percent of the children were in the pool, even though they weren’t expected there. 46 percent of the analyzed incidents were last seen in the house.
“The ability to draw an invisible boundary line around the pool area and be notified immediately when a loved one is in need is a critical water safety factor that will help prevent these types of tragedies from occurring,” he said reddy
Camera Eye – Proximity Warning System
#3 – Pool Safety Covers
Inground pool safety covers attach to the deck for easy installation and removal. Rainwater can safely drain through the cover’s dense mesh, while leaves and other debris are kept dry and simply blown away. Additionally, they look great around the pool and can easily last over a decade. The value proposition of adding a security cover pays for itself in the first year.
A durable pool safety cover is the best way to protect your family and your investment. (Photo courtesy of Loop-Loc)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4 years. The vast majority of these cases are in private swimming pools. The lack of a barrier to prevent unsupervised access to the pool is one of the major contributing factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen at home, were out of sight for less than five minutes, and were cared for by one or both parents at home.”
When there is no adult supervision, a pool safety cover is an effective way to keep children out of the water. Safety covers are made from a durable mesh or vinyl and cover the entire pool. Some covers can support the weight of a small SUV.
#4 – Safety Bars
Pool safety rails are popular in homes with young children or inexperienced swimmers. A safety bar is typically an 8 inch wide area that extends from the shallow end to the deep end.
Pool Safety Bar – Photo credit: PoolWarehouse
A conventional deep end of a swimming pool typically has only one ladder. If someone is swimming on the opposite side of the deep end and becomes tired or in distress, a pool safety ledge will provide them with a place to stand while safely catching their breath. If necessary, they can use the ledge to shimmy back to the shallow end.
#5 – Pool Lights
Aside from being a wonderful way to extend your pool use into the evening hours, pool lights save lives. One of the easiest ways to make your swimming pool safer is to provide effective lighting in your pool and spa. Lighting is sometimes overlooked when it comes to safety-related products, but it’s an important part of the mix.
Giving swimmers the ability to see where they are going and how far they can swim or dive before hitting the walls and bottom is critical. Being able to easily see into the pool to determine when a swimmer is in distress is an absolute must.
