Swimming pools are great, but they can also be a hazard. Drowning deaths among children increase significantly during the summer months when children have access to opened swimming pools. Just a few minutes of unsupervised time can lead to disaster. Make sure that you have some (or preferably all) of the following safety features in place. Even if you do not have small children living in your home, you should use these safety devices to ensure the safety of neighborhood children or visitors to your home.

• Fencing – Most states require that some form of fence enclose your pool to keep children out. Even if your state does not have this law, you should still enclose your pool to prevent unauthorized access.
• Safety Pool Ladders – There are several kinds of pool ladders that restrict a child’s access to an above ground pool. Some have a locking gate that blocks steps when not in use. Others have a roll guard that is pulled down and works like a garage door to cover the ladder. No matter which kind of safety ladder you choose, they are an outstanding way to prevent children from entering the pool.
• Pool Alarms – Pool safety alarms do not prevent entry into the pool. They alert you if a child DOES fall into the pool. When something weighing 10-15 pounds or more (minimum weight depends on brand), a high decibel siren is sounded, both at pool level and at a receiver inside the house. You will be alerted instantly, and those precious saved minutes could be the difference between life and death.