Pool Slides and Safety
With snow on the horizon in some areas of the country, visions of summer fun are calling our names. The rush of swooping down pool slides into the cool water is one of summer’s great joys. If you’re thinking of purchasing a pool slide, you will want to do your research before deciding on a slide. When the weather begins to warm up, you’ll be ready to go!
Pool slides can be fun, but also very dangerous. You’ll want to make sure your slide is in proper condition, that you’ve set some ground rules for usage, and that you are prepared in the case of emergency. Let’s spend today’s Pool Fence DIY post discussing each of these things.
Features to Look Out For in Pool Slides
The most important step in buying a pool slide is to make sure that it is CPSC-compliant. This means that the pool’s features fulfill with the safety guidelines outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some features to consider:- Handrails: There should be a grip on the handrail for the stairs that lead to the top of the slide. Having a non-slip material will prevent wet hands from slipping.
- Craftsmanship: Be sure that there aren’t bolts or screws protruding from any area of the slide or its ladder.
- Wear and Tear: Once you have your pool slide for more than a season, it’s a great idea to get in the habit of checking it from year to year for any sings of wear and tear.
Be Prepared
The truth is, just a bit of important preparation when planning for a day by the pool can go a long way. Slides are fun, but there’s always the unfortunate possibility of an emergency. This is especially true when there are people in the pool and others sliding into the water. However, there's no reason not to have fun if you are prepared!- You don’t swim on a slide, but you still land in the water. Make sure that anyone who may be in your pool and on your slide knows how to swim. Those who are still beginners should be outfitted with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, even when they are going down the slide.
- Always have an active supervisor assigned to “pool duty” at all times. We’ve talked about the responsibilities of active supervisors
- Someone who is CPR-certified should always be present when people are in the pool or using the pool slide.
Being Responsible
Pool slides are great fun on their own, so you don’t need any tricks to make them better. Being responsible is a big part of being safe on a pool slide. Formulate a list of rules for your pool and go over them with your swimmers before they enter the pool.- Alcohol and swimming simply don’t mix. That goes for pool toys, hot tubs and pool slides as well. Drinking alcohol clouds your judgment and reflexes. Don’t drink if you are planning to enter the pool.
- Only go down the pool feet-first. Sliding face-first can cause serious injury.
- Slides are riskier for some people more than others. Know your limits and those of your guests. People who are fragile, pregnant women, very young children, and people with heart conditions or pre-existing injuries to their back, should avoid the pool slide.
- Only one person should be on the slide at a time. Wait until the person before you has completed their turn, but make sure that no one is in the path of the end of the slide.
