New building materials and installation techniques have made a backyard pool or spa increasingly affordable. And, today’s pools and spas are more reliable and easier to maintain than ever. Still, owning a pool or spa is not only great fun but also a responsibility. So, take careful note before you take the plunge.
Pool & Spa Safety
Every year there are tragic stories of small children wandering or falling into a pool or spa. Take the necessary steps to avoid even the slightest possibility of this happening.
Local codes usually dictate stringent fencing and gate requirements for pool and spa areas. Think through your situation to be sure you will have a safe environment whether you are home or away.
When you have people over, you are responsible for their safety. Small children should be watched at all time, and they should use safe flotation devices.
Rails, grab bars, slides, and steps must be fastened firmly. If any of these is even beginning to wobble, call in a professional to have the device reattached or reinstalled.
Pool & Spa Maintenance
You can lessen the time you spend on pool maintenance; however, you will still need to attend, on a weekly basis, to your pool or spa’s water quality. Water must be cleared of leaves and large debris, filtered to remove impurities, and sanitized to kill all harmful bacteria and algae. While many devices perform these operations automatically, you will still need to attend to the quality of your water to ensure it is safe, free from noxious odors, and non-irritating to skin and eyes.
The best way to ensure your pool or spa is safe is to look through the HomeTips articles on Swimming Pools and Spas to understand water issues and the various devices and methods needed to maintain safe water. Armed with this knowledge, you can then choose systems that suit your lifestyle and make your pool or spa as worry-free an environment as possible.
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