A swimming pool can be dangerous place for children and pets. The major hazard is drowning and there is much that the homeowner can do to minimise the risks associated with this.

Broken Glass

Other hazards that are often overlooked are injuries through broken glass round the pools, cutting feet on hidden glass in the pool. Again, the answer is simple - remove the problem, do not allow glass near the pool area.

Slip Risks

Always ensure that the tiling around the pool is non - slip. Many injuries are caused by slipping, these can even lead to death, imagine running and slipping and banging your head, or even worse knocking yourself out as you fall into the water.

The best way to eliminate risks is to remove them, make it impossible to happen. For example, in Australia, swimming pools have to be fenced off and there can be no access to the pool directly from the house. They have passed these laws to remove as much risk as possible.

In other parts of the world, we do not have these laws for residential pools and its up to the individual to decide what to do to make their pool safe, there is a range of products available to us.

Covers, Fences, Nets, pet ramps and electronic alarms

	The rigid automatic pool cover is great for safety. Once the cover is closed it will support the weight of a person. It has the added advantage of keeping the pool cleaner and warmer if heated. More info
	Glass fences keep pets and children away from the pool and are aesthetically pleasing. The glass is both toughened and laminated, so is very durable.
	Net fencing isolates the pool and is easily removed. Ideal for places where children only occasionally visit.
	Nets cover the pool and some are so strong that they will support the weight of a car. They function very well from a safety point of view, there track record is unblemished, but can be fiddly and time consuming to remove and replace. Pictured is the Katchakid system.
	Pet Ramps give animals a way out of the pool. Pets normally drown because once they fall in, they cant find a way to get back out.
	Electronic alarms. These alarms are triggered by movement in the water, they are a great help, but as said at the beginning, removing the risk is the most important thing. With an alarm, the risk of falling in the pool is still there.

Another risk associated with pools, that is often overlooked is injury or death from falling into an empty pool. If the pool is empty, make sure that access to it is restricted.