Summer Holiday Special Feature: Enjoy your pool safely

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Is there anything better than lounging poolside, or next to the hot tub, on a beautiful summer day? To truly rest easy knowing that your loved ones are safe, take a moment to read these handy tips.

Children’s safety

Children’s safety is serious business when you have a pool. Make no mistake: the risk of drowning is real. That’s why following all applicable regulations, and the safety tips below, is a must :

  • Restrict pool access

In-ground swimming pools need to be fully fenced-in. A clearance of 1.8 m (6 ft.) is required between the edge of the pool and the fence to allow people to walk. Remember that where pools are concerned a hedge—no matter how dense—can’t be considered a fence. If you have an above-ground pool, the ladder must be removed every time you finish bathing, and stored out of sight and reach of children. Some retractable swimming pool ladders include a safety feature enabling you to lock them and restrict access when the pool is not in use.

  • Store chemicals for pool upkeep in a safe place outside the house.

The storage area must be dry and well-ventilated, and should be kept locked. Certain chemicals must never be stored side-by-side, to avoid potentially dangerous chemical reactions.

  • Keep appropriate life-saving equipment on hand

And make sure your equipment is in good working order. We recommend child-sized life-jackets as well as other standard equipment (e.g., a life buoy).Remember that no equipment can take the place of careful supervision: always keep a close eye on all children using the pool.

Home insurance or pool insurance?

  • Fact: Your pool is not automatically covered by your home insurance. For most insurers, hot tubs aren’t either.
  • Your patio and any platforms attached to your pool or hot tub (but not affixed to your house) are also covered by the endorsement.
  • We recommend you also take out additional civil liability insurance to protect you in the event of a law suit.

Finally, don’t forget to inform your insurer that you have a pool or hot tub when you get a home insurance quote. Your insurance agent will tell you all about what the endorsement includes and other terms and conditions. And while you’re at it, why not find out about coverage for your equipment and the value assigned to your pool setup.

Have a great summer and enjoy the swimming!