If you are considering the installation of a backyard pool, you might be concerned about the possible safety risks a pool poses. Because no particular safety feature is completely foolproof, most swimming pool experts recommend providing layers of protection for best results. The more layers you provide; the better your protection is. We have some of the best layering techniques to ensure your time in the pool is as safe as it is fun.

Fencing

This is the first layer of protection that is actually required in most states in order to comply with building codes. Fencing should be at least four feet high, go completely around the perimeter of the pool and come with a self-latching gate. To ensure additional safety, install an alarm on the gate that will sound every time someone enters your pool area. It is also important to keep furniture and other structures away from the outer perimeter of the fence that children could use to scale the fence and get into the pool area.

Safety Equipment

Within the pool area, certain safety equipment should be in plain sight and easy for everyone to reach. This equipment might include a shepherd's hook, life rings or ropes used for reaching in and grabbing swimmers in trouble. If your pool has a deep end, add ropes or float lines that indicate where the depth of the water changes to keep less experienced swimmers out of potentially dangerous waters. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the safety equipment properly in case of emergency.

Safety Instructions

You can purchase safety cards to post within your pool area. These cards might include instructions in case of emergency and a place to write down emergency phone numbers. Make sure poison control is included on the list, since the chemicals used to keep your pool water clean can be dangerous to both people and pets. Post your card in an area of your pool where it will be easily seen by all the swimmers who visit your backyard.

Pool Covers

Some pool covers are better than others when it comes to pool safety, so invest in the best cover you can afford to keep your pets and children safely out of the water. Make sure the cover is strong enough to at least hold the weight of a child. Some covers advertise that they can hold a number of adults as well.

Supervision

This final layer of safety should not be underestimated. Sometimes the most dangerous times in a pool is when there are multiple adults sitting poolside and everyone assumes that someone else is watching the children in the water and. Always appoint one adult as the designated supervisor to ensure someone is keeping an eye on the water at all times. Never let children swim without adequate supervision no matter how well they swim.

Layering your pool protection makes it much less likely that an accident will happen. When all of these layers are included, you can rest assured that your pool time will be a safe and enjoyable experience.