Swimming pool liability precautions

Fun in the sun is even better when you have a swimming pool in your backyard to stay cool on hot, summer days. Despite all the entertainment that a swimming pool offers, there are also homeowner liabilities. To help you minimize your risk, we’ve gathered some safety tips to keep you in the know as you swim.

Sink Swimming Pool Dangers

To Minimize Drowning Risks:

• Install safety fences around the pool with a locked latch and place a cover over the pool when you are not using it. This should deter unwelcome guests from entering your property and trying to swim.

• Always supervise swimmers at all times.

• Do not allow swimmers to dive in shallow water.

• Keep lifesaving equipment near the pool and learn how to properly use it.

• Do not allow swimmers to horseplay in the pool.

To Minimize Disease Risks:

• Keep the pool water properly filtered and chemically treated.

• Do not allow swimmers with open wounds or illnesses to go in the water.

• Do not allow babies in a pool unless they are wearing swim diapers. Regular diapers do not provide protection in water and will not protect against accidents.

• Keep pets out of the pool.

• Before going in the pool, make all swimmers take a shower.

• Do not allow swimmers to drink pool water.

To Minimize Chemical Risks:

• Avoid over-shocking the pool; keep chemicals at the proper levels.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding chemicals to the pool or filtration system.

• Keep pool chemicals stored and locked away so they are out of children’s reach and access by those who may try and enter your property to use the pool without your permission.

• Store chemicals in a cool, dry place where they are away from fire hazards and lawn care products.

Helping you to avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. Contact Warren G. Bender Co., broker for COA-sponsored personal lines of insurance offered at a discount to COA members, at 916-380-5300 or coa@wgbender.com for more information.