The Sensible Way to Enjoy Your Inground Swimming Pool

An Essential Safety Guide—Mandatory Reading

It is your responsibility to enforce the rules of safety. Preface Important!

If you have an aboveground/ onground pool, you should refer The Sensible Way to Enjoy Your to the “Sensible Inground Swimming Pool Way to Enjoy Your Aboveground/ Congratulations on being a pool owner! Your pool Onground Swimming can provide your family and guests many years of Pool” booklet, fun and relaxation. But as with any product, you and which is a separate only you can determine if your pool is used sensibly. The key to safe use of a product is a sensible and publication. Diving informed consumer. is prohibited at all times into This booklet has been prepared by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) to inform you about general aboveground/ safe use, operation, and maintenance of your pool. onground pools. It represents the current knowledge of the industry, but is not intended to cover all aspects of pool design operations, installation, and maintenance. It will help you understand some of the causes of pool- related accidents and how to prevent them. It is your responsibility to be sure that you, your family and guests use the pool sensibly.

Please refer to specific manufacturers’ instructions for more details on product installation, use, maintenance, and safety and keep them along with this booklet for ready use and reference. Be sure to pass them along to future owners or renters. Table of Contents

Good Reasons for Thinking Safety First ...... 2 By carefully reading this booklet, you may Drowning Prevention Tips ...... 4 save the life of a child Guidelines for Using Inground Pools ...... 7 or prevent serious • Supervision ...... 7 harm to yourself, • Swimming Ability ...... 8 • Entry—Diving and Sliding ...... 9 family members or • Principles of Entry...... 10 friends. It is your • General Use of Pool Slides ...... 11 responsibility to • Jumping ...... 11 learn and understand • Exercise and Fitness ...... 11 • Entertaining ...... 14 safety principles • One More Word on Drinking ...... 15 and rules. To ensure

Overall Safe Operation and Maintenance safety, every pool of Your Inground Pool ...... 16 owner must read this • Equipment In and Around the Pool ...... 16 booklet. • Layers of Protection ...... 18 • Chemicals ...... 22 • Electrical Maintenance ...... 24 • Recommended Use of Professionals ...... 24

1 Swimming pools Safety First are fun but along with the fun comes serious responsibility. Be sure that good times are safe times. Understanding Potential Dangers Establish rules and enforce them. It is the responsibility of the pool owner, parent, and caretaker to do everything possible to prevent accidents.

Informed pool owners and users are concerned about safety In recent years, because serious injuries and even death can result from unsafe manufacturers have use of pools, pool equipment, and associated products. designed drain covers that can minimize the By learning, setting and enforcing safety rules for your pool, you risk of entrapment. It is can help ensure that your family and guests are not victims of any strongly recommended of these unfortunate accidents. First-time users run the highest risk that residential pools use of injury. Before they enter the pool, inform them of the safety rules. approved anti-entrapment covers, along with additional Here are the dangers that you should guard against: protection for pools with single drains (unless they v Drowning – According and near drownings in are unblockable) such as: to the U.S. Consumer all aquatic environments, whether natural or Product Safety • Properly spaced multiple Commission, drowning constructed, is a primary outlets is the second leading concern of the aquatic cause of accidental death industry, health and • An unblockable outlet in children aged 1-14 safety organizations, and • Safety vacuum release in the United States, regulatory groups. system especially for children • Suction limiting vent line under five. Although v Entrapment– Inground the greatest percentage pools have one or more • Automatic pump shut-off of drownings occur in drains to facilitate system natural aquatic settings, emptying the pool and/ • Gravity drainage system (e.g., oceans, lakes, or circulating pool Replacement drain covers quarries, etc.) drownings water through heating for residential pools must do occur in swimming and filtering systems. meet federal law. pools. The water depth Powerful motors draw of any pool is sufficient the water into these systems, and as a result, Note that disabling the for drowning to occur. drain(s) or reversing the The U.S. Consumer there is significant suction at the drain flow eliminates entrapment Product Safety hazards completely and Commission reports openings. This suction is forceful enough to should be discussed with a drowning of children service professional. even in water buckets entangle or entrap hair, and toilets. swim clothing or body Note: Never swim in a parts, thereby creating a pool or use a spa or hot Protecting young children drowning hazard. (See also from accidental drownings pages 16–17.) tub that has a broken or 2 missing drain cover. v Paralysis – Improper There is no backup layer of protection in the diving or sliding, alcohol marketplace today for a missing or broken drain consumption, horseplay, cover that will protect against all five suction or roughhousing in and around swimming pools entrapment hazards. The pool or spa needs to may lead to serious be closed to bathers until a compliant cover is neck and spinal injuries securely in place. including paralysis, leading to quadriplegia or paraplegia. A number of these injuries occur yearly, with the v Burns/Fires – Chemicals a telephone) comes into overwhelming majority needed for clean, contact with the water. occurring in shallow sanitized water are Make sure all electrical water. A number of potentially harmful appliances and devices people who ignored when stored or used are protected by a ground these rules and chose to improperly. If mixed fault circuit interrupter dive into shallow water with other chemicals (GFCI). are now paralyzed. The or elements, explosions v facts show that many of and fire can occur. Cuts, Contusions, and these were experienced Read the label and Abrasions – The pool divers. Don’t let this follow manufacturers’ environment, as well happen to you. Inform instructions. Always as associated products family and guests who store chemicals where and equipment, can be a come to enjoy your pool they cannot be reached source of injury to users. of the safety rules you by children. Slipping and falling can have established. result in cuts or scrapes v Electrical Shock/ or broken legs and arms. Electrocution – Water is Running should never be an excellent conductor allowed on a pool deck. of electricity. Electrical Horseplay, improper use shock or electrocution of equipment or failure can occur in a pool if to follow manufacturers’ live electrical current instructions or warnings flowing through can result in serious appliances and devices trauma and permanently (including current from disabling injuries.

3 Safety First

Drowning Prevention Tips

Adult Supervision In addition to the Pool to complement the & Hot Tub Alliance, requirement for constant There is NO SUBSTITUTE organizations such as the adult supervision of young FOR ADULT SUPERVISION! American Red Cross, children around aquatic In the time it takes you the National Drowning environments. Remember, to run inside to answer a Prevention alliance, Think these layers of protection phone or take something First, the Centers for will only delay and may out of the oven, a child Disease Control, Young not prevent a toddler from could drown. NEVER leave Men’s Christian Association entering the pool area. children alone while they’re (YMCA) and the National Supervision is the only way swimming. Not even for a Rehabilitation Hospital, to prevent an accident. minute! recognize that constant adult supervision is the You never want to rely And...NO DISTRACTIONS primary element in an on only one means of when watching children! integrated approach to protecting your family Reading a book, cooking drowning prevention. and friends when they on a grill or talking to are enjoying the benefits your friends is not adult of a pool, spa or hot tub. supervision. Assign an adult Layers of Putting a variety of devices in 15-minute intervals to be Protection in place is optimum so that the “water watcher.” You’ll if one fails, another is ready save lives and everyone While supervision is the as a backup to help avoid will have an enjoyable key to accomplishing the unintentional accidents. experience. objective of reducing the number of submersion Layers of Protection should Drowning prevention incidents, it is well known comply with State and Local information is not “for that, at times, children Codes. someone else.” It is for you. may do the unexpected, Because only by increased Methods include: catching their supervisors • awareness and effort, can we Barriers (Most Codes off guard. Because being require a minimum reduce some very alarming caught off guard does occur of 4-ft.-high fencing.) statistics. Drowning is one and there may be a lapse in • of the leading causes of supervision, the Pool & Hot Self-latching and self-closing doors/gates accidental death for children Tub Alliance (PHTA) has under the age of five. This developed the ANSI/APSP/ • Alarms (door, fence, is an avoidable accident, ICC-8 2005 (R2013) Model pool, child) which can be prevented by Barrier Code for Residential • Safety covers constant adult supervision. Swimming Pools, Spas (See more on Supervision and Hot Tubs. ThisModel An outside phone and on pages 7– 8.) Barrier Code establishes rescue pole are also layers of protection recommended. 4 A telephone near the pool • Teach your children to • Make certain that all doors area will provide swim. Three to five years leading from the house of age is the best time to the pool area have a quicker access for swimming lessons. self-closing, self-latching to emergency However, do not be mechanism above the assistance in case lulled into a false sense of reach of toddlers to protect against unauthorized of an accident. security because your child knows how to swim— entry to or use of the pool adult supervision is still area. Limit access to the required. Never consider pool by locking doors or children water-safe despite gates whenever swimming Children are naturally their swimming skills, cannot be supervised. attracted to swimming pools previous instruction, • A fence, wall, or natural and associated pool toys. or experience. Many barrier should be of To prevent drownings and professionals warn that sufficient height to keep other serious injuries, you these lessons may provide unauthorized people out must keep children away a false sense of security of your pool. If access from pools and all bodies of to a child’s family and gates are used, they should water in the absence of adult not actually prepare a have a self-latching or self- supervision. Listed below child for surviving a true closing mechanism. are some safety tips that emergency. • If you use a pool cover can help save young lives. • Floating toys attract as a safety cover, it must For more free information, youngsters. Remove toys comply with ASTM F 1346 request the brochures from the pool when not in Standard Performance entitled “Children Aren’t use. Your child can easily Specification for Safety Waterproof” and “Layers of fall into the pool while Covers and Labeling Protection” from the Pool & trying to retrieve one. Requirements for All Covers Hot Tub Alliance, available • Keep toys, particularly for Swimming Pools, Spas at PHTA.org. baby walkers, tricycles, and Hot Tubs. Carefully or wheeled toys away read the manufacturer’s • If you must leave the pool from the pool. A child directions for safe use. area, even for one minute, playing with these could Always completely remove take your child with you. accidentally fall into the the cover before using your One lapse in supervision water. pool. Drain any standing can spell tragedy. Do not water from the surface of • allow anyone of any age Do not rely on plastic your pool cover (e.g., by to swim alone. Examples inner tubes, inflatable arm using a water pump). Even of good safety behavior bands, or other toys to a small amount of water by adults are important prevent accidents. may be sufficient for a models for children to • Remove vegetation and small child to drown. follow. other obstacles to assure a Be especially alert for clear view of the pool from the house. potential drowning accidents if you use any 5 Drowning Prevention Tips

CPR training can be lifesaving.

lightweight, floating • Supervision shall be cell phone) in the pool or pool covers (i.e., solar or continuous when the spa area. insulating covers). pool is in use. (When one supervisor is called away, 2. Give your: No one should walk or e.g., to answer the door A. Name, crawl on the cover. The bell, another supervisor B. Location, and pool should never be used must be appointed C. Telephone number you when these covers are in use immediately.) are calling from. because someone could be • When the pool is not entrapped. in use, the pool owner 3. Tell what happened and is responsible for how many people need • Maintain a clear zone safeguarding the pool. help. around the perimeter of the pool. Do not place • Prolonged underwater 4. Don’t hang up the objects (e.g., chairs, tables, breath-holding can lead phone until after the or equipment) near the to loss of consciousness emergency person does. or death, even in shallow pool barrier because a Adults in the family water. Never allow anyone child or youngster could should be trained to hold their breath or stay climb them to gain access in cardiopulmonary to the pool. underwater for more than a few seconds. resuscitation (CPR). • Keep lifesaving equipment CPR is the combination next to the pool. These of rescue breathing and items should remain In Case of artificial circulation for stationary and not be Emergency victims of respiratory misplaced. or cardiac arrest as a 1. Dial the local emergency • To avoid entrapment, result of drowning, telephone numbers never use a pool if any of heart attack or other (9-1-1, or the appropriate the drain covers or grate causes. CPR training is 10-digit number for outlets are missing or available through the broken. Emergency Medical local chapters of the Service [EMS], Fire or American Red Cross • Do not permit playful Police). It is advisable to or the American Heart screaming for help (false install a telephone (or use Association. alarms) that might mask a a cordless telephone, or real emergency. • Never leave children with PREVENTING AN EMERGENCY caretakers or supervisors unless they are capable IS THE BEST PREPARATION: and responsible in the pool Never leave a child alone in or near a pool, environment. spa or any other body of water! 6 Guidelines for Using Inground Pools

Supervision, supervision, supervision… is the key to preventing drowning. As a pool owner, you may be legally liable for the safety of all persons who use your pool. You have a backup for times when the ultimate responsibility. the primary supervisor is Be sure your insurance unavailable. policy is updated to include The supervisor is ownership of your pool. responsible for enforcing But facing ownership “pool rules.” Draw up these responsibilities does not rules from information in mean taking the fun out this booklet and other pool of using your pool. If you safety information you apply safety practices and can gather from informed use good judgment, you sources, such as the will find that the benefits manufacturers, the Young of a pool can far outweigh Men’s Christian Association the risks. Here are some (YMCA) or the American guidelines for using your Red Cross. These rules inground swimming pool. should cover such things as the proper use of diving boards and slides, diving Supervision and non-diving areas, pool games, consumption of food Supervision is a key element and alcoholic beverages, in getting maximum, safe pool maintenance, use of enjoyment from your pool. One individual must assume electrical appliances, and primary responsibility for the handling of chemicals. Establish rules immediately. supervising the pool. The Write them in simple pool supervisor must study language and post them the contents of this booklet where they are easy to see, and be thoroughly familiar near the pool. Use the safety with all facets of the safe information in this booklet operation and maintenance to develop your safety rules. of the pool. He or she will take responsibility for These rules should be clearly communicating pool safety communicated to and information to all persons understood by all persons, who enter the pool area. It young and old, who use is a good idea to designate your pool. Most importantly, 7 Guidelines for Using Inground Pools

consistently enforce these It also makes sense rules. Never leave the for the supervisor and pool unsupervised. When other responsible family supervision is not available, members to be trained even for a moment, close in artificial respiration the pool. and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It makes sense to pay Instruction is available special attention to from local community educating young children organizations. Remember: and non-swimmers There is no substitute for about important safety adult supervision! precautions. Make sure that your children learn In pools where there is a If you are uncomfortable how to swim and dive deep end (greater than 5 with people’s swimming (if appropriate for your feet of water), a rope and abilities, make sure they stay pool), and that they know float line should be installed in shallow water and watch how to properly jump to designate the transition them closely. If you wish or slide into the pool. from the shallow end to to teach non-swimmers the deep end. Make sure or poor swimmers, the Always steer up for non-swimmers and small shallow end of the pool children stay on the shallow a safe dive. is an excellent place for side of the rope. instruction. Make sure they keep to the shallow end. Instruction is available from Use a rope and float line to community groups such as Swimming Ability divide the shallow and deep the American Red Cross, To properly supervise your ends. the Young Men’s Christian pool, you must be able to Association (YMCA) or identify “real swimmers” Never swim alone or allow Young Women’s Christian from “non-swimmers.” This others to do so. Never swim Association (YWCA), Boy is no easy task. A working when overtired, feeling Scouts, Girl Scouts and definition of a swimmer chilled, or after taking drugs other similar organizations. might be someone who or alcohol. It is best not to When appropriate, you has achieved minimum swim immediately after may want to also teach your swimming proficiency by eating a heavy meal. children about equipment passing a certified course of maintenance and proper instruction. Use your best Describe or demonstrate to upkeep of the pool. As they judgment—many people everyone the under-water get older, your children will overestimate their abilities. shape and depth of the pool. learn from your example Keep a watchful eye for You should be aware that that they must respect the “swimmers” who appear to visual inspection of the pool swimming pool and pool flounder in your pool. may be misleading due to a area, and act responsibly. variety of factors. 8 Never allow children or other temporary or permanent bathers to play with or swim Never use paralysis or death. Too steep a dive can near drain covers. alcohol or drugs while diving or swimming. cause your head to hit the bottom. Entry—Diving Research studies have This can result in and Sliding shown that you cannot rely on the water alone to a broken neck and Do not allow any diving slow you down sufficiently paralysis. or headfirst entry into any to avoid injury. Protective pool until you are sure the action must be taken by pool is designed for diving the diver. Serious spinal and meets all standards for injuries can occur even diving pools, such as the at very slow speeds if the ANSI/APSP (the Pool & head strikes firmly against Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)) the pool bottom or side. Standards. Consult your The spine cannot absorb pool builder or PHTA as great an impact as the member if you have any skull can, especially if the doubts. Do not allow diving head has been fixed against into a pool, or any part of an immovable object. If the pool, that is not deep you are diving or sliding enough for diving. It is headfirst and hit your head recommended that “No on a hard surface, your chin Diving” signs be placed at goes down (rotates) to your all areas of the pool where chest. Your head stops, but diving is not appropriate. the rest of your body keeps on coming. You could break Your first entry into a pool your neck, back and/or should be feet first so you sever your spinal cord. can determine water depth and pool configuration. Many inground pools are Headfirst entry into the not intended for diving at water can lead to a very all. No diving equipment serious, life-threatening should be installed or accident. used on these pools and headfirst entry should The chief danger for divers not be permitted. Diving or headfirst sliders is serious equipment must be spinal injury. They may installed and used only in hit their heads against the strict compliance with the bottom or side of the pool equipment manufacturer’s or against some object or instructions. This includes person. Injuries to the spinal the minimum dimensions cord may result, causing and slope of the pool and 9 Guidelines for Using Inground Pools Standing, diving, jumping, or horseplay on or around a slide can lead to falls resulting in diving area, as well as the responsible for allowing proper means of entry from diving only into the proper paralysis or other a diving board. When you area of the pool. You should serious injury. Make do dive follow the basic also post “No Diving” signs sure your slide is safety rules on pages 10-11. where the water is too right for your pool. shallow for diving. Learn the correct Principles of Entry When you begin your dive ways to slide and Diving and sliding require you must get ready to steer enforce proper use. up. Always plan your dive you to think ahead. Your and make a shallow dive. personal safety depends on it. Because once you’ve By keeping your head and started your dive or slide impact as a dive from a hands up, you help protect board. And don’t dive across entry, you don’t have time your head from striking to think or change. Before the narrow part of pools. bottom. If a diver’s head hits you dive or use a slide, you Remember that injuries bottom, serious neck and should determine the shape have occurred after diving spinal injuries may occur. of the pool bottom, find from strange places such So always remember, head out how deep the water is as roofs, balconies, walls, and hands up! and plan your entry path fences and other places that were not meant for diving. to avoid other persons or And finally, as you follow obstructions. Therefore, never dive from through, you must learn any elevation other than a to control your entry path properly installed diving Most entry accidents through proper use of hands happen in shallow water. board. and arms. The proper Never dive or slide headfirst follow-through technique is Diving and sliding in the shallow part of the to have the arms extended equipment must not be pool. Headfirst sliding is prohibited on pool slides, fully, hands flat and tipped used improperly—absolutely which should be stated up. no horseplay. Only one in the manufacturer’s person at a time should Investigations have shown instructions. use such equipment. The A well-trained that many diving accidents diver can execute a dive in second person does not have resulted when people enter the water until the first shallow water, but for the were using the pool under majority of people, such a person has cleared the entry the influence of alcohol or area. Never allow diving dive represents a serious drugs. No one should dive risk of injury. Be concerned. equipment to be used as a after drinking alcohol or trampoline. Be smart—do not dive into while under the influence of shallow water. Use a rope any drugs. and float line to located where the shallow water Don’t run and dive. That ends. The pool owner is can give you the same

10 General Use of Under all circumstances you should prohibit: Alcohol or drugs Pool Slides do not mix with • Any slide other than Improper use of pool sitting, feet first pool activities. slides can present the same potential dangers • Headfirst entries from a slide as improper diving Certified swimming techniques. Headfirst • Horseplay instructors can teach you sliding is prohibited. See • Any slide entries by non- how to jump correctly into manufacturer’s instructions swimmers into deep water, a pool. This is especially and warnings. to protect them from important for beginning drowning swimmers or children and If you use a pool slide, you should be part of their water • Standing on the top of a must have a landing area safety instruction. with adequate clearance slide or outside the guide rails over the deck or the edge Exercise and of the pool (the coping), • Jumping from a slide and with an appropriate • Diving from a slide Fitness depth of water. Follow Your pool provides a place the slide manufacturer’s • Sliding into areas with for convenient, effective specifications regarding submerged obstacles, exercise. It can be used for clearance and depth, surface objects, or other both serious lap swimming installation instructions and swimmers. and for performing proper use. Jumping calisthenics and other When you are writing your exercises. Before beginning “pool rules,” consider who Jumping incorrectly into any exercise program, will be using your slide shallow water can be consult your physician. and how. Enforce proper dangerous, and injuries, Lap swimming is perhaps use of the slide. Follow such as a broken leg, can the best form of aerobic manufacturer’s instructions occur if you hit bottom Before conditioning—you can and warnings. with sufficient force. jumping, know the depth of efficiently exercise your heart the water and look out for without placing stress on any submerged obstacles, your weightbearing joints surface objects, or other and the lumbar spine. swimmers. Always jump directly forward from the edge of the pool or the diving board.

continued on page 14 11 Some DOs and DON’Ts of Diving

Plan your dive

Arms extended

Back arched

Always steer up for a safe dive.

12 DOs DON’Ts 3 Do know the shape of the pool bottom 7 Don’t drink and dive. and the water depth before you dive. 7 Don’t dive into an aboveground pool. 3 Plan your path to avoid submerged 7 Don’t dive into a pool not meeting a obstacles, surface objects or other “diving pool” standard. swimmers. 7 Don’t dive or slide headfirst in the shallow 3 Dive straight ahead—not off the side part of the pool. of a diving board. 7 Don’t dive across the narrow part of pools. 3 Hold your head up, arms up, and always steer up with your hands. 7 Don’t run and dive. 3 Keep arms extended and head and hands 7 Don’t dive from any place that is not up. specifically designed for diving. 3 Practice carefully before you dive. 7 Don’t engage in horseplay on diving or sliding equipment. 3 Test the diving board for its spring before using. 7 Don’t use diving equipment as a trampoline. 3 Remember that when you dive down, you must always steer up. 7 Don’t do a back dive; backyard pools are not built for this dangerous dive. 7 Don’t try fancy dives; keep the dives simple. 7 Don’t dive or slide headfirst at or through objects such as inner tubes. 7 Don’t put diving or sliding equipment on a pool that wasn’t designed for it. 7 Don’t swim or dive alone. 7 Don’t dive into unfamiliar bodies of water. 7 Don’t engage in extended breath-holding activities underwater. Head and hands up Hold diving form

13 Guidelines for Using Inground Pools Entertaining can be both fun and safe with a little planning and good judgment. Use only unbreakable dishes, Entertaining • Keep electrical appliances beverage containers a significant distance and utensils. And Your pool area can be from the pool. Don’t never allow anyone the setting for great use extension cords. Use entertaining. Plan ahead a ground fault circuit to use the pool to prevent accidents and interrupter (GFCI) on any under the influence injuries, and make your appliance that must be at of alcohol or drugs. entertaining truly enjoyable. poolside. Where possible, use battery-operated • Whether you’re having a appliances around the party or just having a few pool. Electrocution from people over for a swim, appliances and telephones • People with skin, ear, think about the number in contact with water is a genital or other body of invited guests and their real danger. infections, open sores or swimming skills. Plan wounds should not use • Insist that poor swimmers ahead. Invited children the pool because of the or non-swimmers among require more of your possibility of spreading your guests stay in water attention. infection. that is not over their • Food and drink play an heads. Do not assume that • If you use your pool at important part in your everyone near or in the night, provide adequate entertaining. Establish an water can swim well or will lighting in and around area away from the pool know what to do in the the pool so that the pool for refreshments to prevent event of an emergency. bottom is clearly visible. accidental slips or falls • Wherever practical, • Use of alcohol or drugs caused by spills near the anyone who uses your does not mix with pool pool or on the deck and to pool should shower with activities. These substances prevent debris from falling soap and water before act as depressants. They into the pool. use. Showering before use can “slow you down” • More likely than not, your washes away many of the because they affect the guests will be bare-footed common skin bacteria part of the brain that while near the pool. Use and removes lotions, exercises restraint and only unbreakable dishes, deodorants, creams, control. Alcohol can beverage containers, and etc. Perspiration and instill false courage or utensils. Never use glass lotions will reduce the bravado, leading people to anywhere near the pool. effectiveness of the pool try things they normally Broken glass is invisible disinfectant and lessen the would not, such as in water and extremely efficiency and effectiveness horseplay or swimming difficult to get out of the of the filter. and diving competitions. support system. Therefore, persons who have been drinking alcohol should not be allowed in the pool and should be carefully supervised in the area surrounding the pool.

14 • Prescription medicines • Do not allow running on alcohol is involved in 50% sometimes cause the pool deck, as injuries to 80% of all serious diving drowsiness or have other may occur from slips accidents. side effects. Guests who and falls. Stay out of your are taking prescription pool during lightning Plan your events so the medicine should check or rainstorms because swimming comes before with their doctor before there is a possibility of the drinking. The effects using the pool. electrocution from the of alcohol are a major lightning hitting the water. • Using inflatable toys, rafts, contributor to all other pool and floats in your pool can • You have the bottom-line accidents. Supervise your be fun. But remember that responsibility in poolside pool activities. they are also deflatable. entertaining. Use good Poor swimmers or non- judgment to help protect swimmers should use them yourself, your family, only in shallow water. and guests. If in doubt, prohibit use of the pool by • Games that may appear persons whose condition safe sometimes are not. or ability you doubt. Encourage and supervise Remember that you are in the use of good pool charge of your pool. games and toys. Prohibit horseplay, especially throwing or pushing One More Word on someone into the pool. Drinking • Prohibit activities such as diving through an inner Many people believe they tube. Serious head or have to drink a lot to be neck injuries could occur affected by alcohol. Studies regardless of water depth, show this just isn’t true. due to hitting the head on The alcohol in just one or the inner tube and/or the two beers can affect your bottom or side of the pool. judgment, even though you don’t feel or appear to • Help guests who have be “drunk.” Even a small removed eyeglasses amount of alcohol can or contact lenses for swimming to be aware that slow your reflexes. This is their depth perception and especially true if you are ability to judge distance tired or on medication— is changed. Children such as cold or allergy especially may be unaware remedies or prescription of the difference. drugs. Research shows

15 Safe Operation and Maintenance

Overall Safe Operation and Maintenance of Your Inground Pool Keeping your pool in top v SUCTION FITTINGS • Your pool’s inlet and operating form is very (DRAIN COVERS) – The outlet fittings, grates, important to help ensure drain covers are one skimmer, and suction the safety of those who of the most important outlet (main drain) use it and to protect your safety features of your covers should be kept investment. Carefully read, pool. Never swim in or in good condition and understand, and follow the use any pool that has a in place at all times operating and maintenance broken or missing drain and should be secured instructions supplied by the cover. If that occurs, in such a manner that pool manufacturer and the you must close the pool they can’t be removed manufacturers of associated immediately and contact without the use of products (e.g., chemicals). your service provider tools. This booklet is not intended or installer so that they to replace information can make the necessary • Your inground pool’s supplied by manufacturers. repairs. suction outlet fittings A good general rule is and suction outlet to visually inspect your • Never enter the pool covers must comply pool area and equipment if a suction fitting or with the latest edition regularly. If anything suction outlet cover of ANSI/APSP/ICC- looks broken, worn, (drain cover) is loose, 16 2017 Standard for corroded, frayed, or just cracked, broken, or Suction Outlet Fitting not right, contact your pool missing. Immediately Assemblies (SOFA) professional for advice and notify the pool owner for Use in Pools, Spas repairs. A simple repair or or operator if you and Hot Tubs. If the replacement may prevent an find the outlet (drain) suction outlet cover is injury or save a life. It may cover loose, broken, or in compliance there also prevent more serious missing. will be a designation or expensive equipment marker on the cover/ problems. • Never play or swim fitting. If the drain near suction fittings. cover does not comply, Your body or hair may shut down the pool Equipment In and be trapped causing until the drain cover Around the Pool permanent injury is replaced. Consult a or drowning. Tell pool professional. There are many products children, particularly, that you will buy to that these devices are • Anyone with long hair complement your pool. Be not toys. Instruct all should be cautioned aware of all precautions swimmers not to stick not to get their hair related to the installation, their fingers, toes or near a pool outlet. use and maintenance of body into them. Hair entrapment is 16 these products. the leading cause Safe Operation and Maintenance

of entrapment. The • For further consumer WARNING suction can cause hair awareness information, or body entrapment visit the website of the ENTRAPMENT and drowning. Never U.S. Consumer Product allow a child to play in Safety Commission at HAZARD a way that could permit CPSC.gov, PoolSafely. the child’s hair to come gov and the Pool & near the drain cover. If Hot Tub Alliance at you have long hair, pin PHTA.org. it up or wear a bathing cap. v POOL COVERS (SOLAR Avoid Evisceration OR INSULATING ONLY) • ENTRAPMENT – Older, – Pool covers are a missing or broken real benefit to you in outlet (drain) covers terms of saving energy or grates and other and keeping debris out suction fittings can of the pool. For safe entrap hair or body installation, use and Avoid Drain Covers parts and result in maintenance of these drowning. To prevent covers, carefully read injury, be sure your and follow the directions pool is equipped of the manufacturer. with an outlet (drain) These are not safety cover that is marked covers. They do not in accordance with prevent drowning or ASME A112.19.8 entry into the pool. Avoid Body Entrapment Suction Fittings for Use Safety pool covers must in Swimming Pools, be in compliance with Wading Pools, Spas ASTM F 1346 Standard and Hot Tubs or the Performance Specification ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 for Safety Covers and 2017 Standard for Labeling Requirements Suction Outlet Fitting for All Covers for Avoid Finger Entrapment Assemblies (SOFA) for Swimming Pools, Spas Use in Pools, Spas and and Hot Tubs.. Avoid the Hot Tubs. If you need possibility of someone assistance to determine being trapped under this, please consult a the pool cover by professional. completely removing the cover before use. For Avoid Hair Entanglement more information, see “Drowning Prevention Tips” on page 5. 17 Safe Operation and Maintenance

Layers of protection such as a fence, wall, or natural barrier around your pool can help keep out children under the age of five and all other unauthorized users. Make sure that your fence has a self-closing and self-latching gate and is properly maintained. Remember, there is no substitute for adult supervision.

v DECKS – A deck or Layers of concerning barriers and patio around your pool other layers of protection can add real beauty Protection around the pools. If none and enjoyment. Be sure Pools are attractive to exists, contact PHTA for your deck or patio has children, and children must the recommended ANSI/ a slip-resistant surface be kept away from them APSP-8 2005 (R2013) Model with adequate drainage. in the absence of adult Barrier Code for Residential Overall, slips and falls supervision. Layers of Swimming Pools, Spas and constitute the greatest protection such as a fence, Hot Tubs. If your pool is number of accidents wall, or natural barrier of indoors, lock the door to the involving pools. Keep sufficient height should room or have a cover that the deck or patio clean keep unauthorized people locks, to keep out children and clear of all debris. out of your pool. All gates and other unauthorized Check periodically for or doors with access to the users. Doors, including any signs of wear and pool must have a self- sliding glass patio doors, tear, which may make closing and self-latching should be self-closing and these surfaces hazardous. mechanism that protects self-latching to prevent against unauthorized entry entry to the pool area by Insist that there be no and use. (The inside latch children. Alarms similar running, pushing, or should be above the reach of to burglar alarms may be roughhousing near toddlers or young children.) placed on the doors to alert the pool. Never throw Check with your state and caretakers of unauthorized anyone into the pool. local government to learn entry to the pool area. All their specific requirements fences can be climbed by 18 children given sufficient electrical codes that v DIVING EQUIPMENT – time. Do not assume that apply in your area to Diving equipment should your pool is safe from entry ensure that your pool only be installed on pools because you have a fence. and its equipment are that have been designed A fence may lull you into designed and installed to accommodate diving; a false sense of security. to conform to the diving equipment should Only adult supervision can National Electrical Code never be installed prevent drowning accidents. for pools and related on an aboveground All layers of protection must equipment. Electrical pool. Comply with be kept in good working work is not for do-it- the manufacturer’s or order at all times. yourselfers or other installer’s instructions amateurs. Contract with and consult the v HANDRAILS, STEPS, AND a licensed electrician applicable pool LADDERS – Handrails, to make sure that all of standards. swimming pool steps, your outside electrical and ladders must be lines (not just those for • The particular piece securely mounted. the pool, its equipment of equipment selected Routinely inspect them and accessories, but must be matched with to ensure that they are also other appliances your pool’s dimensions. firmly in place. Check used outside as well) The selection and for broken treads, are protected by ground installation of diving sharp edges, and loose fault circuit interrupters equipment is not bolts and nuts. Keep (GFCIs), which are for do-it-yourselfers handrails, steps, and designed to protect or other amateurs. ladders unobstructed against the hazards of Contract with a for use. Don’t use them electrical shock. pool professional to for hanging towels or do this job for you. goggles, tying up rubber If you are installing your Insist that diving rafts and the like. own pool, it is your equipment be installed responsibility to make in conformance with v ELECTRICAL OUTLETS – certain that all work recognized pool To safely use electricity performed complies standards such as those in and around your with the National published by the Pool pool, you must have Electrical Code and all & Hot Tub Alliance equipment expressly other applicable codes (PHTA). Equipment designed for this and regulations. manufacturers will purpose. Consult with a provide detailed licensed electrician for specifications with help in equipping your regard to minimum poolside area correctly pool dimensions for electricity. Ask the and slopes, as well as licensed electrician to the proper elevation be aware of any local and location of their 19 Safe Operation and Maintenance Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices,

products. Insist and inspect it to be sure it as the suction from ensure that all of these is firmly in place, and drain outlets is strong requirements are met check for broken treads, enough to cause or exceeded. sharp edges, and loose entrapment of hair bolts and nuts. • Diving equipment must or body parts and be kept in good repair. v FITTINGS, GRATES AND drowning. Routinely inspect this DRAINS – Your pool’s equipment to be sure inlet and outlet fittings, it is firmly in place and grates and skimmer, v FILTER SYSTEMS check for sharp edges and main drain covers – and loose bolts and should be kept in good Most filter systems nuts. repair and in place at can maintain internal all times and should pressure even when shut Never perform work • Diving equipment be secured in such a off. on your filter equipment surfaces must be slip- manner that they can’t without turning the resistant. Keep them be removed without the entire system off and clean. use of tools. bleeding off the internal • Entering the water • Tell children, pressure. When you from a raised starting particularly, that these restart your filter after block entails a high devices are not toys. maintenance, or when level of risk and Instruct all swimmers you are turning on your therefore starting not to stick their fin equipment to put your blocks are not for use gers, toes, or body into pool in operation, always on residential pools. them. Entrapment and bleed off the air in your drowning can occur. filter tank and then stand v SLIDING EQUIPMENT back. Serious bodily – Just like diving • Everyone with injury can occur if the equipment, sliding long hair should be top of the filter separates equipment must be cautioned not to get from the bottom with matched to your pool their hair near a pool sudden force because of and installed by a outlet. The suction some problem or error pool professional. can cause hair or on your part. Always In accordance with body entrapment and securely clamp the top manufacturers’ drowning. and bottom of a two- instructions, your piece filter in accordance pool professional will For example, a drain with the manufacturer’s help you find the best without a grate can have a instructions. Serious location on your pool for pull of approximately 700 bodily injury can result the chosen slide. Sliding lbs.—enough to hold an if the top of a two- equipment must be kept adult under water. piece filter is blown off in good repair. Routinely by air pressure that is

20 allowed to accumulate Heaters may be hot to instructions will in the tank. If you are the touch. Do not place prevent injuries. at all unsure of how to or drape any flammable Gas is explosive and proceed, ask your pool material (e.g., a towel or flammable. professional. tee shirt) on top of or near a heater. v LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT • Carefully follow – Plan ahead for the manufacturer’s • If you wish to use a potential emergency instructions for propane heater, consult situations by owning and maintaining, servicing, your local regulations being familiar with basic or repairing a filter for the safe use, lifesaving equipment or separation tank. hook-up, and storage and procedures. Have Regularly inspect of propane products. at poolside a device this equipment while These regulations may such as a solid pole, it is turned off, with be under the control of a rope, or a life ring, the idea of replacing local fire or municipal which can provide worn or damaged departments, county immediate assistance parts. Never inspect building codes, etc. to a person in trouble. filtration equipment Learn your local Practice using these without being sure that regulations and follow devices correctly to be the internal pressure them. If using a ready in an emergency. has been bled off propane or natural gas Only use these devices through the manual heater indoors, make for emergencies. Do valve provided for that sure that the products not allow children to purpose. of combustion are play with lifesaving vented to the outdoors equipment. • Filtration equipment to avoid possible requires care in deadly carbon If proper equipment handling as well as monoxide poisoning. is not available in an regular maintenance emergency situation, and replacement parts • With propane or natural throw something to function properly gas heaters, when floatable (e.g., styrofoam and efficiently. lighting or relighting toys or boards, etc.) into the pilot or turning the the pool for the person v HEATERS – Heaters heater on or off, refer to grab onto until help should be installed to the manufacturer’s arrives, or until he or according to the instructions on the she gets to the side of manufacturer’s name and rating plate. the pool. instructions and should This plate is attached be in accordance with to the heater inside the state or local government control compartment. regulations or fire codes. Following these

21 Safe Operation and Maintenance

Don’t guess with chemicals. Before using, read the labels and follow directions carefully. Be sure to v ROPE AND FLOAT for informed decisions store them properly. LINES – If your pool about jumping, sliding, has variations in depth, or diving. install and secure a rope and float line across the • Keep the pool filled Such training is width of the pool 1 to to its proper level. available from local 2 feet just before the Periodically check the organizations such point where the deep water levels. as the American Red end slope begins. The Cross. • rope and float line will When opening your alert swimmers and pool each year, have divers to the separation the water professionally Chemicals tested to ensure safe of the deep end and the The chemicals for your swimming, and replace shallow end of the pool. pool help make it clean, your own test kit Prohibit playing with or disinfected, and more reagents. hanging from the rope attractive. But remember and float line. that these chemicals are v FIRST AID – Have a potentially dangerous and v complete first aid kit at ADEQUATE LIGHTING – may present some hazards if poolside and make sure If the pool is used after not used properly. Carefully that someone knows dusk, adequate lighting follow the manufacturer’s how to use the contents must be provided. instructions for the use and properly. Post a list of Illumination in the pool storage of chemicals. area must be sufficient to emergency telephone clearly judge pool depth numbers by the phone v IN GENERAL, HERE as well as all features in nearest the pool. This ARE SOME TIPS FOR and around the pool. list should contain the CHEMICAL USE AND For recommendations, names and telephone STORAGE: consult your local numbers of the closest licensed electrical physician, ambulance • Before using chemicals, contractor. service, hospital, police read the labels and and fire or rescue unit. It directions carefully and v MAINTENANCE OF POOL is a good idea to include follow the instructions WATER – Keep the pool your home address on carefully. clean and clear of debris. this list. For safety’s sake, any • Keep all chemicals • At least one responsible pool user—or supervisor out of the reach of person should be of young swimmers— children. trained in artificial must be able to see the respiration and or bottom drain or bottom cardiopulmonary of the pool. This is resuscitation (CPR). especially important

22 STORAGE: • Do not store your pool • Always add chemicals • Chemical reagents chemicals where other to water. Never add for test kits should be flammable items could water to chemicals. replaced each year. mix with them. For example, a mixture of • Never add chemicals • Keep the original pool chemicals and to the pool water while lids on all chemical fertilizer can cause a swimmers are using containers and make fire or explosion. the pool. sure the lids are closed tightly when not in use. • Wash your hands • Carefully clean up thoroughly after using any spilled chemicals • Do not stack different chemicals. with large amounts chemicals on top of of water, to dilute one another. USAGE: and wash away the • Never mix two chemicals. Check with • Store your pool chemicals together. local authorities before chemicals in a Use a clean scoop for sending disinfectants clean, cool, dry, each chemical and and pH adjustment well-ventilated area, never combine material chemicals to the sewer preferably off the from “old” and “new” as waste. floor to prevent containers. contamination from • Wash out empty other materials. Do • Always add the disinfectant containers not store chemicals chemicals directly to before disposing to near the pool heater. the pool water, either eliminate danger of Keep them away in a suitable feeder, fire, explosion, or from chemicals and distributed across the poisoning. equipment used for surface of the pool, garden and lawn or diluted and poured • Test the water in your maintenance. Keep into the water. Follow pool with a reliable acids away from other use instructions on the test kit on a schedule chemicals. label. recommended by your pool professional. As a • Keep liquid chemicals • When preparing rule, the more people away from dry water solutions for who use your pool, the chemicals. Keep apart feeder application more frequently you chemicals that are (e.g., disinfectant should test the water. different forms of or soda ash) pour Add the necessary oxidizing compounds. the chemical slowly chemicals according Physically separate into the appropriate to the test results and all different forms of amount of water, the manufacturer’s chemicals. stirring constantly to instructions. thoroughly dilute and mix. 23 Safe Operation and Maintenance

• Chemicals for test kits Electrical • Do not let water should be replaced accumulate on floor or every year. Maintenance deck areas where electrical switches are located. Working with electricity is • Do not inhale dust or a job best left to the experts. • Do not stand in water fumes from any pool Here are some general safety while operating electrical chemicals. If necessary, rules and precautions for components. use protective devices electrical maintenance: for breathing, handling, Recommended Use and eye protection. • Before working with any Promptly wash off any electrical equipment, of Professionals residues that get on make sure the electricity For your protection, only your skin. is turned off at the circuit pool professionals, licensed breaker or fuse box. • Never reuse old electricians, builders, • Make sure that the chemical containers. carpenters, or other electrical outlets near appropriate experts should the pool are protected • If you have any perform the following by ground fault circuit questions regarding services: interrupters. Ground safe handling, fault circuit interrupters storage, or use of pool • Selection, installation, and are designed to prevent servicing of diving boards; chemicals, contact the electrical shock. They are manufacturers. pool slides; electrical a kind of “fail safe” device equipment; heaters, that can shut off electrical filters, and separation current in fractions of tanks; covers (including seconds. Ask a licensed solar); solar systems; and electrician for more details. plumbing and related • If you have any frayed devices. cords, loose connections, • Acid washing of pool sparking or arcing, turn surfaces. off the power at the circuit breaker and call a licensed • Inspection and electrician. replacement of vinyl liners. • Have a licensed electrician • Replacement and repair inspect and test all of electrical wires and equipment prior to initial apparatus including pool operation and before each lights. season. • Building of walls, fences, • Never replace bulbs in and other barriers as layers underwater lights yourself. of protection. Get an expert to do this • Annual inspection of for you. all pool equipment and accessories. 24 For More Safety Information

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) offers many publications and materials to help you enjoy your pool. They also offer informative materials on spas and hot tubs.

Contact: Pool & Hot Tub Alliance 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314 www.PHTA.org

Notice to Parents and Pool Owners It is your responsibility to enforce the rules of safety. A good exercise would be to have each of your children and the other pool users who reside with you read this booklet and sign in one of the spaces indicated below. This will help you enforce the rules since you can always refer back to their promise reflected by their signature.

We the undersigned have read this safety booklet. We understand what is says and we promise to follow the rules of safety and to use our common sense.

Signed ______

______

Parents: The life and health of you and your children as well as your friends and neighbors are important. Please practice safety and supervise your pool. 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500 Alexandria VA 22314

PHTA.org

About PHTA

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the world’s oldest and largest association representing swimming pool, hot tub, and spa manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers, and service professionals. Dedicated to the growth and development of its members’ businesses and to promoting the enjoyment and safety of pools and spas, PHTA offers a range of services, from professional development to advancing key legislation and regulation at the federal and local levels, to consumer outreach and public safety. PHTA is the only industry organization Warning: recognized by the American National Standards Institute to There is no substitute develop and promote national for competent adult consensus standards for pools, hot tubs, and spas. For more supervision in the information, visit PHTA.org. swimming pool environment. Lives depend on you!