Have your children been begging you for a private pool? If so, you may want to consider the responsibilities involved before giving in.
It only takes a split second for an unsupervised child to fall into a pool and possibly drown.
As a pool owner, you not only have responsibilities to your own family, but you also have responsibilities to anyone who uses the pool.
You'll have more expenses than just the pool, as you'll need to ensure that you have safety equipment, including a shepherd's hook, very close to the pool.
You'll also want to install a phone near the pool.
In the case of emergency, every second will count and you won't have time to look for your cell phone.
If you don't already have a privacy fence that locks, you'll need one.
A responsible pool owner knows that it is vital to prevent the temptation of pool-hopping.
' The fence should truly keep unwanted guests out of your pool area.
It will need to lock, and will need to be tall enough to act as a privacy fence.
Do you already know CPR? You will need to if you own a private pool.
Remember that in an emergency, it will be whoever is present that must take action while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.
If you have children, have them learn CPR as well, this is a skill that may very well save a life, and all pool owners should be comfortable in using it.
All parents must be safety-conscious, but for pool owners, there are truly catastrophic risks.
Many families get a great deal out of a pool.
They get exercise while enjoying time together, and children who are raised with a pool are more likely to be strong swimmers, which may save their life one day.
Just be sure to take the proper responsibilities if you would like to own a pool.