6 Pool Safety Tips for Your Single-Family Apartments

Many families prefer single-family apartments for various reasons. They provide enough space and end the problems of co-ownership. If you add a pool into the mix, even more families will find your property appealing! However, a pool doesn't only add value to your property. It also brings more responsibility to you as a property owner or manager.

While a pool offers entertainment, it can also become a hazard if not properly cared for. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 11 drowning deaths in the country daily. Families who know about the risks will either find another property or need assurance that your pool is safe.

Finding residents and increasing resident retention are equally important for single-family apartments. To make your pool an additional benefit and not a danger, here are some pool safety tips for single-family apartments:

Install Pool Barriers

When kids are involved, it's best to prepare for anything imaginable. It's the kids who usually get incredibly excited when there's a pool, so think of any possible pool-related hazards. Small kids can easily crawl or climb up pool decks or ladders, and bigger kids may be daring enough to jump over pool fences. To prevent these pool-related accidents, you can install pool barriers around your pool area.

Child-proof pool fences are usually four feet tall and made of durable materials like vinyl. Most pool fences come with self-closing and latching gates, so your pool will stay secure even if no one is around. Ensure there are no gaps between any pool structures to avoid accidents.

Another recommended element of protection is pool covers. Pool covers are excellent additions or alternatives to pool fences as they stop anyone from accessing the pool without supervision. Adult tenants can easily open or close pool covers to prevent kids from accessing pool water when no one is around.

Besides pool barriers, pool safety devices are also one of our recommended pool safety tips for single-family apartments. A pool alarm is an excellent device to notify you and your tenants when someone unauthorized enters the pool area. CCTV cameras can also help identify pool problems quickly.

Install a Standard Drain Cover

The drowning incidents mentioned earlier occurred mainly due to pool drain entrapment. Pool owners are required to install drains that comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The act was named in memory of a seven-year-old girl who died from pool drain entrapment. It requires pool owners to install pool drain covers compliant with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 pool drain requirements.

Anti-entrapment drains are designed to reduce pool suction and prevent pool entrapment. These drains are also essential pool safety tools for single-family apartments, especially when hiring a lifeguard is not an option. Moreover, not all adults are aware of pool entrapment, so your pool drain covers should ensure the pool is safe for everyone.

Another thing that makes drain covers fundamental is the fact that drowning isn't always easily noticeable. There isn't always splashing or calls for help when pool entrapment happens. Adults can easily miss pool entrapment, so installing drain covers as a pool owner makes you more responsible.

Use a Safety Vacuum Release System

Safety vacuum release systems (SVRS) are pool safety devices that detect pool entrapment and shut down the pool pump.

An SVRS minimizes pool entrapment risks by stopping the pump operation, reversing flow circulation, or providing vacuum release at a suction with detected blockage. An independent third party must test the SVRS and confirm that it conforms to the ASTM standard F2387 or ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17.

Most pool pumps have built-in SVRS technology. Otherwise, pool owners can install SVRS pool safety devices to add an extra level of pool safety. It would also be best to educate tenants about the system so they can be more aware of pool entrapment risks.

Implement Pool Safety Rules

Imposing pool rules in single-family apartments can be challenging because pool owners have no control over pool activities. Even if you post pool safety rules, there's still a chance that tenants won't follow them. However, creating pool guidelines is the first step. Worry about pool rule enforcement next.

You can start with pool rules like the following:

• No running or diving in the pool area
• No alcohol consumption while swimming
• No glass bottles or containers in the pool area
• No poolside plugged-in devices
• No pool toys unless authorized by a pool owner
• Required pool supervision for children

These pool safety rules can help increase pool safety for single-family apartments. You can also add pool rules based on the pool's size, shape, and fencing. You should post rules in a visible area for all tenants to read and follow. If your tenants have pool-related concerns, you may also revise your pool safety rules to address them.

It's best to inform your single-family apartment tenants about pool safety rules. Let them understand that while they're welcome to enjoy the pool, safety should always be the priority. They can even impose their own additional pool safety rules for their visitors!

Ensure Tenants Know Lifesaving Techniques

Even if you have pool personnel and pool safety devices, it still helps to educate everyone on the pool premises. Ask your tenants if they know basic pool lifesaving techniques, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and poolside rescue. First aid may also help them feel more prepared for pool entrapment emergencies.

If you're willing to invest as much as possible in pool safety, pool classes may be a great option. Encourage your tenants to take pool safety and poolside rescue courses for their safety. Help them understand that having a pool isn't just a leisure activity. It involves safety protocols that everyone must follow.

Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

Lastly, never take pool maintenance for granted. Regular pool cleaning and checkups are essential pool safety tips for single-family apartments. Inspect pool fences and barriers for any signs of wear and tear. Moreover, check pH and chlorine levels in the pool to keep them within the suitable range.

If anything breaks, you must replace it immediately. Even the most minor details can lead to pool accidents. For example, broken pool tiles can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Dysfunctional pool covers may also lead to pool entrapment accidents.

Regularly communicate with your tenants about pool maintenance schedules. It's also best to trust professional pool maintenance services to ensure pool safety.

Conclusion

It's your responsibility as the property owner to ensure that every area of your property, including the pool, is safe and secure. Implement pool policies, educate tenants on lifesaving techniques, and perform regular maintenance checks. Install everything that can help pool safety!

Yes, owning properties for rental comes with responsibilities, especially when pools are involved. However, following pool safety tips for single-family apartments makes you 100% ready to market your property to your tenants and retain them for a long time. With pool safety, you can protect your tenants and their visitors while they make the most of pool amenities.

Do you need more help in single-family housing management? For anything about rental property management, ExactEstate is ready to help. Contact us today!