Owning a swimming pool or spa can be an enjoyable experience, providing a great place for families and friends to spend time together and have fun. It also comes with much responsibility. It is important to ensure everyone stays safe. Here are some helpful safety tips to ensure that your time spent in and around your backyard swimming pool or spa is both enjoyable and safe.


Never allow children to swim alone without adult supervision. Keep a close eye on kids in and around the swimming pool.


Be sure your pool is completely fenced in. Fences should be at least four feet high and have no footholds or handholds that could help a child climb it. Install self-closing and self-latching gates, and position latches out of reach of young children.

Do not allow running on the pool deck or diving in a shallow pool.

Do not put electrical appliances near the pool.

Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place. This could cause a child to become trapped under it. Always remove the cover completely.

Remove steps to aboveground pools when not in use.

Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Also have a telephone at poolside and keep emergency numbers nearby.


Follow these tips to ensure the safe handling and storage of swimming pool and spa chemicals.

Follow manufacturer’s directions, reading all labels carefully and following directions precisely.

Do not mix chemicals together, as chemical reactions, toxic fumes, explosions or a fire may occur. Add each chemical to pool water separately.

Always add chemicals to water, rather than adding water to chemicals.

Always use exact quantities specified, never more.

Use caution when storing and displaying chemicals. Store chemicals in a cool, drive and well-ventilated space and keep chemicals away from heaters or open flames.

In case of a chemical spill, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure that no contaminant is present, provide ventilation, and clear the area of children and other people. Always wear protective gear like rubber gloves and safety glasses, and use only clean, dry brooms, shovels and containers. Never use a vacuum cleaner. Separate spilled material from original container, and never put spilled material in any sewer or stream.