Learn how to make an above-ground pool safer for toddlers and pets with practical tips for preventing accidents.

How to Make an Above-Ground Pool Safer for Toddlers and Pets

Every year, hundreds of children under five years old lose their lives in pool accidents, and many more are seriously hurt. Pets face similar risks, especially smaller dogs and cats who might fall in and struggle to get out.

According to Pool Safely, roughly 389 – 400 children aged below 15 die every year from pool and spa drowning in the U.S, and this is no different for the pets, too. The Northeast Animal Hospital reports that around 5,000 family pets drown in backyard pools every year.

The truth is, drowning happens fast and quietly. Most drowning incidents occur when adults are nearby but not paying close attention. This is why having multiple layers of protection is so important.

Install Fencing Around the Pool

Many states have laws that require you to have one, but even if your state does not require it, a fence is still a smart choice.

A good pool fence should be at least four feet tall. This height makes it hard for small children to climb over. The fence should go all the way around the pool area with no gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through.

The fence should also be hard to climb. Some fences have decorative elements that can act like a ladder. Pick a fence design that has a smooth surface on the pool side. This makes it much harder for curious kids to find a way up and over.

Use Only Safety Type Ladders with a Locking Ladder or Gate

Regular ladders can be dangerous because they provide children and pets with easy access to the pool, even when adults are not present.

Safety ladders, on the other hand, have special features that make them a great choice. Many pools have gates or locks that prevent access when they are not in use.

Some ladders can be removed completely when the pool is closed. Others have a locking mechanism that keeps the ladder from being used.

Go for ladders with wide, sturdy steps. These are easier for everyone to use safely. The ladder should also have handrails on both sides.

If There Is a Deck Around the Pool, Use Automatic Closing Gates

Many above-ground pools have decks that make getting in and out easier and more fun. These decks can be excellent for family gatherings and pool parties. But they can also create safety concerns if they are not properly secured.

Self-closing gates are a great safety feature for pool decks. These gates automatically close after someone walks through them. Even if you are carrying pool toys or towels, the gate will automatically close.

Self-latching gates take safety to the next level. Not only do they close automatically, but they also lock themselves. This means that even if a child tries to push the gate open, it will not budge unless an adult operates the latch properly.

Inquire About the Safety Measures Before Buying

If you’re about to get an above-ground pool and just reading this post to know how to make it safer, then it’s a good idea to let your pool company know about your situation.

Inform them that you have young children and pets, and ask for their advice. These companies understand that a pool that works well for adults might not be the best choice for a family with toddlers, so they will suggest ideas and safety features that fit your lifestyle.

Find out what safety features can be included during installation. Many pool companies offer safety packages that include fencing, safety ladders, alarms, and other protective equipment. Getting these features installed at the same time as your pool is usually easier and less expensive than adding them later.

Teach Babies and Young Children to Swim

Teaching your children to swim is one of the best gifts you can give them. Swimming skills can save lives and make pool time more enjoyable for everyone.

However, always remember that swimming lessons are not a substitute for drowning prevention. Children can still get into trouble in the water, even if they know how to swim.

Teach your children what to do if they accidentally fall into the pool. Show them how to get to the side of the pool and how to call for help. Practice these skills when you are in the pool together. Make it fun, but ensure they understand the importance of it.

Do not forget about your pets. Many dogs are natural swimmers, but some breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Bull Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Boxers, struggle in the water. If your dog spends time around the pool, make sure they know how to get out safely.

Keep Chairs and Tables Away from the Pool

Keep all furniture at least 3 feet away from the pool fence. A chair placed too close to the fence can become a ladder that helps a child climb over. Even small stools or toys can give a determined toddler the boost they need to get past your safety measures.

Store pool furniture away from the pool when it is not being used. This is especially important if you have young children who might try to use the pool without permission.

Only buy pool furniture that cannot be moved easily by children. Heavy chairs and tables are less likely to be dragged around by curious kids. And be especially careful with anything that floats. Pool toys, floats, and even some types of furniture can end up in the water, and your child or pet may want to retrieve them.

Wrapping Up

Don’t make the mistake of thinking only one strategy from this list is enough to protect your young ones.  No single safety measure is enough on its own, but combining multiple layers of protection should do the job.