Does your pool have these safety features?

There are always ways to make your pool safer. If you've had it for a long time, your safety features might be worn or outdated. If you've just installed a new pool, perhaps you left something out. Ensure the safety of your family and friends by perusing this checklist of essentials.

Fencing
When you own a pool, your first line of defense should be a barrier between the water and children. Younger kids and pets have a tendency to roam the house. Avoid any accidents by putting up a fence or gate around the perimeter. If you're not sure how to go about it follow these suggestions, courtesy of Healthy Children:

• The fence and gate should be climb resistant and taller than your children.
• It shouldn't have any footsteps or easy-access to get over the top of it.
• The gate needs to latch.

Stairs and Ladders
Beyond a gate or a fence, is it easy for people to get in and out of your pool? This is crucial because not everyone who visits your pool is going to have the same level of experience. The Red Cross found that more than half of all Americans can't swim, which is why it's important to install these safety features. If someone wanders over to the deep end and he or she can't swim, a ladder could save his or her life.

Chemical balance
For the sake of swimmers, it's also important to keep up with pool chemical balances. Whether you have a chlorine or salt system, your pool needs to be balanced because the pH and chlorine interact with one another. This happens because the natural pH of the human body changes the chemical levels in a pool. If there's too much or little chlorine, pools can become a hotbed for germs. Swimmers can get sick or they can have itchy skin and eyes after a swim. It's dangerous for anyone to be in a pool with too much or not enough chlorine. Keep your pool between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million for a healthy balance.

Drain cover
A less obvious but very important safety feature is the drain cover. You might not even know whether you have one or not but it's a required part of the pool that can save a person's life. Parents should advise children to stay away from drains first and foremost, suggested the Red Cross. The drain pulls water in and out of it. Objects and small children can get dragged under water. Without a cover, drains can entrap people and cause serious injury. The drains should be visible and properly attached, stated the source.

If your pool lacks any or all of the safety features and you live in Fort Worth, San Diego or Phoenix , call pool service professionals. They can install or repair drains, stairs and ladders. You can also set up a schedule to have your chlorine balanced. It's one less thing to worry about. Keep your pool safe and up-to-date so you can enjoy a peaceful swim.