Top Three Dangers of Swimming Pools

Going to the swimming pool is probably what most people do to relax and unwind after a tedious work. Who would say no to an hour of splash and dive in the vast clear pool water? Just perfect for cooling those senses.

Swimming could have been the best form of exercise and relaxation but, beach and pool enthusiasts should take the most stringent safety measures. Why? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers and public health officials of injuries and deaths associated with swimming pools.

The Commission identified drowning as the second leading cause of death among children under age five. In 2002, approximately 1,600 children drowned in public and residential pools. Individual can drown in a very short period of time, and even near-drowning accidents can result to permanent debilitating injuries.

Drowning can happen in various circumstances. So far, diving boards, pool toys and ladders are among the major causes of drowning and other pool-related accidents involving children and amateur swimmers. Logically speaking, the majority of swimming pools are not deep enough to require a diving board. Removing the diving board from your pool and encouraging a “no diving” policy will decrease the likelihood of a swimming pool accident, or injury, by as much as 50 percent. On the other hand, pool toys can cause young swimmers to flip over and get trapped under the water; while, stairs and ladders can increase the risk of fall.

According to CPSC, one can minimize the risks of drowning by paying strict attention to safety measures. It is very important for homeowners and resort owners to avail professional pool service in Spring Texas and Katy Texas for maximum pool protection.
Close supervision of young children is vital in homes with built-in pools. Just because a child knows how to swim, doesn't mean he can be left alone in the pool. All children should be supervised every second while in and around the pool. Pool alarms can maximize pool protection. The Commission advises consumers to use remote alarm receivers, so the alarm can be clearly heard whether you’re close to or distant from the pool area.

Aside from drowning, entrapment in pool drains and electrocution are also devastating issues. Since 1978, the CPSC has recorded 49 incidents of pool entrapment. The pipes leading to a pool drain or pump draw water from the pool creating suction. If something blocks the pool drain leading into its pipe, the amount of suction will increase as the pump draws water. The increased suction can entrap parts of a person's body, causing the person to be held underwater. In wading pools, if a person sits on the drain outlet, the suction can cause entrapment. Monthly pool cleaning in Houston TX or Texas is advisable to reduce the risks of entrapment.

In addition, there have been 60 records of deaths over the past 13 years caused by electrocution in and around swimming pools. The CPSC has pinpointed faulty underwater lighting, obsolete electrical wiring, and use of sump pumps, power washers, and extension cords as the potential causes of electrocution.

Andrew Beene is a web copywriter in a web design company associated with a company offering pool service Katy Texas and pool service in Texas