Swimming Pool Safety- Home Inspector

Pacific West Home Inspections Warns Consumers to Inspect and Maintain Swimming Pool Barriers

Tag: ASHI, CREIA, Pool Barriers, Pool Fences, pool drain entrapment, Granada Hills, Home inspection, Home Inspector,
Each year, about 260 children under age 5 drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect your family, be sure to take the following steps. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children, and be prepared in case of emergency.
Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access. Fences and walls should be at least 4-feet high and installed completely around the pool. Gates should be self-closing, self-latching, and swing away from the pool area. The latch should be out of reach of small children. If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children. For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new “anti-vortex” type drain covers are usually domed-shaped, with smaller openings – instead of the old flat drain covers. Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected. Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump. If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction - pry a hand between the drain and the person’s body to break the seal. Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for proper safety barriers, and entrapment or entanglement hazards
Greg Noyes
Pacific West Home Inspection
818-362-5578
greg@ehomeinspector.com
www.ehomeinspector.com