The Ultimate Guide To Pool Safety

Owning a swimming pool isn’t just about enjoying lazy afternoons in the sun—it also means keeping a close eye on safety, both in and around the water. Two of the most critical areas for responsible pool ownership are chemical safety and safe poolside behavior. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials to avoid accidents, injuries, or worse—so your pool remains a source of joy, not stress.

Looking for more pool care tips? Visit our blog library for in-depth guidance on weekly maintenance routines and seasonal preparations.

1.CHEMICAL SAFETY

When used, stored, handled and applied properly, pool care chemicals don’t pose a danger. If they’re mishandled, they can be hazardous.

Always read the product label and follow directions carefully. It contains important information on the proper application, handling and storage of the compound you’re using.
Never mix chemicals of any kind together. An uncontrolled reaction such as fuming, fire or explosion could occur. Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and in different areas.
Never overdose your pool. Use the exact amount specified on the label. Knowing your pool’s exact volume will help prevent over‑ or under‑application.
Never add water to chemicals; always add the chemical to large amounts of water.
Never inhale fumes or allow products to get in your eyes, nose or mouth. When opening a product point the container away from you. In the event of accidental contact or if product is swallowed, follow emergency advice on the product label and call your doctor.
Never smoke around chemicals. Some chemical fumes can be highly flammable, and a lit cigarette or match can ignite sanitizers or oxidizers.
Never allow children to handle, measure or dispense chemicals.
Never interchange measuring scoops or place wet scoops back into any chemical container.
Never store liquids directly above sanitizers and oxidizers; they may accidentally leak and contaminate other products.
Never store pool sanitizers and oxidizers near metal products like bicycles, lawn mowers, cars, etc., because they may cause rust.
Always clean up spills as soon as they occur and dispose of the material safely. Small spills can be diluted by hosing them off into the pool. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean spills. It’s hazardous to throw chemicals into the trash or put spilled material back into the original container. Dispose of all chemicals according to label directions.
Always store chemical products safely and out of the reach of small children. Keep your pool maintenance products in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum products.
Always keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.
Always wear protective equipment when directed on the label of the product.
Always use care when broadcasting powdered products into the pool (especially on windy days) to prevent the product from getting in the eyes or mouth or onto skin.

2. Safety Around the Pool

SUPERVISION

Adult supervision is key to getting the maximum, safest enjoyment from your pool. One individual must be responsible for supervising the pool and consistently enforcing pool rules. Pool rules should be communicated and understood by all persons, young or old, who use your pool. Pay special attention to educating young children and non‑swimmers about necessary safety precautions.

SWIMMING ABILITY

If you’re uncomfortable with someone’s swimming abilities, make sure they stay in the shallow water area and watch them closely. Never swim alone or allow others to do so.

HEADFIRST ENTRY

The chief danger for divers or headfirst sliders is serious spinal injury. Serious spinal injuries can occur even at very slow speeds if the head strikes firmly against the pool bottom or side.

DO…

Know the shape of the pool bottom and the water depth before diving.
Plan your path to avoid submerged obstacles or other swimmers.
Hold your head up, arms up, and steer up with your hands.
Keep arms extended and head and hands up.
Practice carefully before you dive or slide headfirst.
Test the diving board for its spring before using.
Remember that when you dive down, you must steer up.
Dive straight ahead ‑ not off the side of a diving board.

DON’T…

Drink and dive.
Dive or slide headfirst in the shallow part of the pool.
Dive across the narrow part of pools.
Run and dive.
Dive from any place that is not specifically designed for diving.
Engage in horseplay on diving or sliding equipment.
Use diving equipment as a trampoline.
Do a back dive; backyard pools are not built for this dangerous dive.
Try fancy dives; keep the dives simple.
Dive or slide headfirst at or through objects such as inner tubes.
Put diving or sliding equipment on a pool that wasn’t designed for it.
Swim or dive alone.
Dive into unfamiliar bodies of water.

Stay Safe, Swim Happy

Pool ownership brings sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable memories—but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether you’re shocking your water or supervising swim time, a little awareness goes a long way.

Need a hand with maintenance or safety inspections? Contact our experts for a customized pool care plan that lets you enjoy every splash—without the stress.