Florida Guide > Hints and Tips
Pool Safety
When you rent a Florida home, you'll almost certainly get a private pool of
your very own to use at the back of the house. Because you're probably not
used to having one in your own home, here are some safety hints and tips to
make sure that you enjoy yourselves but have no accidents! We're sure
you'll have a great time!
Pool Safety Features
Most Florida homes with their own private pool also have some security
safeguards to keep any little ones in your party from harm. These may
include pool door alarms (which sound a loud noise to make you aware that a
door leading to the pool area has been opened) or a safety net which acts like
a stair gate and stops children from getting to the pool. Some homes may
have both.
It's important that these safety measures are used all the time. Never tamper
with the pool door alarms (this is an offence anyway and could lead to a heavy
fine or imprisonment) as it is important that these are set all the time.
Always replace the safety net when you leave the pool area so that any of your
little ones who may stray out can be kept safe.
If there's any problem with the pool door alarms (they start 'beeping' or
don't work) or with the safety net, then let the management company know
immediately.
Always make sure that your little ones are closely supervised when in the pool
area - for their safety and your peace of mind.
Pool Use
If there's a pool blanket (plastic sheeting) at your rental home and you've
paid for pool heating, make sure that you replace the cover each time the pool
is left empty (i. e. you go out for the day) and always at night. This will
keep the maximum amount of heat in the water for the next time you want to use
it. Never let little ones play with the pool cover or jump into the pool
with the cover on it.
Don't let anyone dive into the pool - most pools are a maximum of around 5 - 6
ft deep and are certainly not deep enough for diving without getting injured.
Don't let kids run around or get too excited on the pool deck. This will
avoid anyone tripping over and falling into the pool.
The sun can still burn, even when it's cloudy and you'll probably lose track
of the time spent in the pool because it's so much fun. Make sure little ones
are protected against sunburn - if necessary, get them to wear an old T-shirt
in the pool as this will protect their shoulders from being burnt.
Even if your little ones have an inflatable safety device if they can't swim,
like armbands or baby seats for pool use, always make sure that you've in the
pool with them in case they deflate suddenly.
If you have little tots who are still in nappies/diapers then please buy some
swim ones to keep the pool hygienic for everyone else. These can normally be
obtained in any supermarket or pharmacy.
Pool rules should be posted in the pool area of the home you're staying in.
Always make sure that everyone in your party follows these so that they can
have fun but safely.
Around The Pool
Please don't use glass or ceramics (i. e. plates, etc) in the pool area and
always use plastic instead. Shards of glass or ceramics can cause painful
injuries to feet!
Pool deck furniture is for sitting or lying on and isn't meant to be thrown
anywhere, least of all the pool. It would be appreciated by your home owner
if you and your little ones respect the equipment provided for your (and
others) enjoyment and this will ensure that there are no accidents.
If you have a BBQ, please ensure that this is used OUTSIDE the net pool
screen. Remember that homes and, in particular, net screens are flammable!
Never lock the net screen doors (unless you've been specifically requested to
do so) as this prevents the pool maintenance company from looking after your
pool properly.
Leaving The Pool
Please use only the towels that have been designated for pool use by your home
owner or bring your own if these are not specifically supplied.
Don't go into the house with bare, wet feet as you're likely to slip or trip.
Always dry your feet and put shoes or sandals on for safety.
Please don't sit on the indoor seating in wet swimwear! This means that the
chlorine on your swimwear soaks into the seating and may bleach it.
Although the chlorine levels in private pools is less than in public ones,
always shower after leaving the pool to get rid of the chlorine on your body
and in your hair.
Rinse out your swimwear in plain (no detergent added) cold water and hang up
to dry - the garage is a good place to do this as it's normally quite warm and
things dry quickly. Some homes have towel and swimwear drying stands so you
can use these if provided.
Looking After The Pool
If you find water levels in the pool are getting low (you'll know this as
the pump will be making quite a loud noise! ), please either use the hose at
the house to top up the water level or tell the management company.
After heavy rain, you may find the pool water level is very high so tell the
management company and they can take action to sort this out.
After heavy rain, you may also find some dust, dirt or insects in the pool -
this is normal. Please just use the skimmer net provided.
Never, ever, alter or move the pool controls - pool equipment is very
expensive and may be damaged this way. If you have a problem with your
pool, always tell your management company immediately so that they can put
the problem right for you.
If Your Home Has a Jacuzzi or Spa (attached to the pool)
If you are in any doubt whether it would be safe for you to use the Jacuzzi,
please check with your doctor first!
The Jacuzzi should NOT be used by:
- Children under the age of 15
- Those with heart conditions or who have had stokes, guests with chest
conditions (ie asthma, etc), high blood pressure, diabetics (particularly
those with neuropathy) and pregnant women
The reason for is because the
Jacuzzi will raise your heart rate and blood pressure by increasing your
circulation (children under 15 normally have a higher heart rate than adults)
You should limit your time in the Jacuzzi to a MAXIMUM of 20 minutes each
session
Make sure that you turn off the Jacuzzi when you have finished using it so
that the water returns to circulate around the pool.
If Your Home Has a Jacuzzi or Spa (not attached to the pool) your home owner will have given you separate instructions on how to use
this. However, the guidelines above for those with medical conditions and for
children still apply. If you have any doubts about whether you should use
the spa, then please check with your doctor before you leave home.
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