In the United States, May is recognized as National Water Safety Month (NWSM), a timely moment to educate swimmers on the importance of water safety as the peak swim season approaches. A joint effort by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) with support from the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Waterpark Association, Pentair Pool is proud to return as a Program Sponsor for NWSM this year.
In every facet of life, learning keeps your skills sharp, and this is particularly essential for aquatics. Whether you’re a service professional or pool owner, learning to safely enjoy water should be a top priority to mitigate risks, prevent accidents and create a secure environment for enjoyable aquatic experiences.
“At Pentair Pool, we help people safely and sustainably enjoy water. And safety is more than a priority — it’s at the core of our values and the foundation for how we conduct business,” said Greg Claffey, group president for Pentair Pool. “National Water Safety Month is a time to reflect and act on the importance of pool safety innovation and education in creating a safer environment for everyone, from pool owners to pool service professionals.”
Essential Tips for Ensuring Safety in Residential and Commercial Pool Settings
Discover crucial safety measures that both residential and commercial pool owners and professionals should implement to ensure the well-being of pool users and create a fun and effortless experience for all who dive in.
Pay Close Attention
Whether you have an above-ground pool or an inground pool, safety should always be a top priority, especially when children are involved. In fact, fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a pool owner, supervision is the number one thing to save kids from drowning.
From repairing broken tiles to keeping your pool equipment in tip-top shape, your attentiveness now could prevent a sunny day emergency. In addition to creating a safer swim environment, leaning on a pool servicer can help you keep your pool in safe operating condition.
“Paying attention to safety is an important part of doing business and gaining people’s confidence,” said Kenneth Gregory, Safety and Compliance Manager at Pentair Pool. “If pool professionals see an issue in the backyard, it is their responsibility to flag those issues to the homeowner and correct them as soon as possible.”
Install Safety Equipment In & Around Water
Swim safety doesn’t start when you walk up to the pool. Pool fences, gate alarms, drain covers, cameras and water rescue equipment are just some of the essentials for a safe home pool environment.
“There are a myriad of things to pay attention to when owning and installing a pool,” said Eva Marcial, Director of Customer Experience at Pentair Pool. “Simple steps such as making sure the gate latch is working properly to ensure the continued security of your pool area to understanding the basic maintenance of a pool are all equally important when it comes to safety.”
Innovative products that promote pool safety, such as Pentair’s NSF-certified BioShield® UV System, which reduces harmful chloramines, assist in making pools safer and more enjoyable for swimmers. The BioShield UV System reduces chloramines by up to 25%, which can help reduce itchy eyes and skin irritation*.
“Pentair’s BioShield UV Pro System water conditioning device is the very first to receive an NSF 50 approval to help reduce chloramines in swimming pools, which reduces chemical odors that can cause itchy skin and burning red eyes,” said Gregory.
Ensure Proper Maintenance
Getting to know the equipment at your pool and the do’s and don’ts of maintenance can also be valuable knowledge to keep in your toolkit. For example, understanding the safe and proper procedures for cleaning and maintaining your pool filters can help prevent safety hazards like trapped air. This is why pool owners should find a pool professional to handle this service. Trained experts know how to prevent this from happening, and they can answer any questions owners have about their pools, too.
Water chemistry is also a critical component of pool safety. To ensure the highest water quality, test pH and free chlorine levels daily, adding chemicals as needed. Proper chemical usage is important for maintaining a healthy pool. Be sure to follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions closely regarding the proper dosage based on pool size.
When it comes to water clarity, pool owners should keep their filter, pump, lint trap and skimmer baskets clean and in proper working condition to help ensure their pool water stays sparkling clear.
“Clarity of water allows lifeguards to see swimmers and is a critical component of water safety,” said Marcial. “By following proper guidelines for handling, using and storing pool chemicals, you can help prevent accidents and assist in the maintenance of pool equipment.”
Qualified pool professionals can help keep your equipment in ready-to-use condition and check to make sure your pool complies with safety standards.
Teaching Water Safety
Pentair Pool provides educational materials thatdelve into crucial safety measures for both residential and commercial pool owners and professionals to ensure the well-being of users and to adhere to proper safety regulations. These resources offer key considerations such as proper fencing and gating, regular maintenance routines, service training and compliance with safety standards. By implementing these tips, pool owners and professionals can make water safety a priority beyond the swimming pool.
“Pentair Pool offers training on all its products for proper installation and maintenance,” said Gregory. “We conduct safety training for not only pool professionals but building and code officials as well on compliance with safety codes and standards. For this reason, Pentair is recognized as the industry leader for water safety.”
You can’t put a price on preparedness, so take the time to become First Aid/CPR certified. It doesn’t take a lot of time and the benefits are immeasurable. The Red Cross also offers classes, so don’t hesitate to find one near you. In addition to being certified in First Aid and CPR, you should have a pool safety plan, a phone nearby with emergency numbers and lifesaving equipment (like a hook or flotation device).
Pentair Pool takes water safety seriously. That’s why we’re a proud sponsor of the 2024 National Water Safety Month. Get more ideas on how to promote water safety here.
* Devices evaluated for a reduction in Combined Chloramine have demonstrated a 25% or 0.25 mg/L, whichever is greater, reduction during the test period as compared to the baseline period.
