Home swimming pools are fun and relaxing diversions from the stresses of daily life, but they require substantial investment as well. Not only do you need to have the pool built if you don’t already have one on your property, but you also have to pay for regular maintenance to make sure the water and surrounding area remain safe for your friends and family to use. If the pool has a heater, your utility bills increase as well.

As a result, it is vital to protect the area around the pool as well as the pool itself. While theft isn’t usually a concern, depending on what equipment or furniture you keep around the pool area, vandalism is an expensive problem. Keeping the pool secure also prevents accidents from occurring that potentially leave you in a position of legal liability.

The Problem

Pool vandalism is a common issue, and it sometimes costs thousands of dollars to repair the damage. Vandals sometimes contaminate the pool water with other chemicals or soap, spray graffiti around the pool area or throw nearby furniture and devices into the water. What’s worse, if a vandal trespasses, slips by the pool and injures himself, you could face a liability lawsuit. Pool safety therefore needs to be a top priority all year round.

The Solutions

• You must have a proper fence with a locked gate installed around your pool. This helps deter vandals, but also prevents children and pets from entering the area unsupervised. Ensure the gate is spring-loaded so it closes automatically once someone goes through it. This prevents the risk of someone inadvertently leaving the gate open.

• Place a heavy padlock on the gate whenever the pool is not in use to prevent people from entering.

• Post signs around the pool area proclaiming it private property and warning of possible slipping dangers. These signs help protect you in a legal dispute.

• Keep the pool well-lit at night. Motion-activated lighting is useful to scare away people who get too close to the area after dark.

• Add a security camera to the area if possible. This helps you monitor the pool area and also provides you with legal evidence in the event of a crime or an accident. Position the camera in a location that a vandal can’t easily reach.

• Hire a pool maintenance company to make sure the water quality remains safe at all times. It is time-consuming and risky to do it yourself. The extra investment is worth the peace-of-mind, especially if a legal question arises.

• Talk to your neighbors and ask them to alert you if they see anything unusual happening around the pool area. Make sure they have your direct phone number. Invite them to a pool party to help keep them on good terms with you.

• Invest in a pool cover for when the area isn’t being used. It helps protect the water, and anyone wanting to use the pool without your permission has to go through the added trouble of removing the cover before jumping into it.

• Use a sturdy cable lock or chain to connect all your pool furniture, grill and other loose items together at night. This makes them harder to steal or damage.

Treat your swimming pool area with the same care and attention you give the rest of your house from a security standpoint. The pool is actually at higher risk if it is outdoors, because it is easier for an unauthorized person to access it. Research your local laws and regulations regarding pool areas as well to make sure you are in full compliance. An additional liability insurance policy also helps protect you in the event of an accident. If you can afford a swimming pool, you should also be able to afford the maintenance and responsibilities that go with it.