Pool Safety

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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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