The temperature is wavering between chilly and warm here in Central Florida, but for most of us, pool season has come to an end. It is true that more accidents happen around the pool in the summer months, but serious accidents can and do happen during the off season. Since swimming isn’t on your mind, it is easy to become less aware of the pool than usual; however, accidental submersion is still a serious risk during the colder months. Pool safety is still an absolute must even if no one is actively using the pool. It is our mission at Pools by Bradley for everyone to enjoy their pool to its fullest, but most importantly, that it is enjoyed SAFELY for years to come.
Pool Safety Tips for the Winter
It is required by Florida law that all new pool construction must meet at least one of the following requirements relating to pool safety features: (a) the pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements; (b) the pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover; (c) all doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet; or (d) all doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor. This requirement can vary by municipality with some counties’ law calling for at least 2 of the requirements listed above to be met. Be sure to check your municipalities requirements!
Pool Safety Fence
Even if you have a safety pool cover, it is still recommended that safety fences also be installed in homes with small children. Even if your pool is not in use, small children can easily end up near your pool in the winter months. Just as you would install a baby gate on the stairs to prevent injury, installing a barrier or safety fence around the pool will drastically decrease the risk of injury to your children. It is also extremely important to remember to inspect your safety fence on a regular basis as over time, fences can break down or dry rot, depending on their material. Give your safety fence a thorough inspection at least 4 times a year.
Pool Alarms
Pool alarms set off a sounding alarm to alert you if young children or pets try to enter the pool area. If you look into installing pool alarms, there are different types of to choose from. They can be on windows and doors that face your pool or on gates that lead into the pool area, on a person’s wrist, on the surface of your pool water, or even submerged in your pool.
At the end of the day, it is best to prepared and take all the necessary precautions to ensure your family stays safe. Talk to your children about the dangers associated with falling in the pool and teach them about pool safety. Most importantly, never leave children unattended around a swimming pool, even if it has been closed for the winter or isn’t being used.
Pools by Bradley is Here for YOU
Everyone here at Pools by Bradley lives and breathes our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere. We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. BUT – we especially want it to be safe and to emphasize the importance of water safety! Our motto is “take care of the customer and everything else will take care of itself”. When you choose Pools by Bradley to help you build your dream pool, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the very best.
As a local family owned and operated company founded in 1996, we have received numerous design awards and honors. Pools by Bradley is rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S., plus recognized as the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row! We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Contact us online or call us today at 407-323-7946 to see how we can help you build the pool of your dreams!
