A How-To Guide For Choosing A Home Pool That's Child Friendly
When it comes to deciding what type of pool to have installed at home, it's important to consider who’s going to be using it the most. Choosing your pool features based on this can help you construct a pool that is best suited for your family.
Often, we see that in families with children, it’s the kids who tend to spend most of the time in the pool. The absence of having to go to a daily 9-5 job, coupled with their absolute delight at having a swimming pool right in their backyard, gives them lots of time to splash around.
Either way, it’s important to install a pool that’s child-friendly. The pool you select for your home should support both their playtime and serious swimming routines. In this article, we explore how you can choose a home pool that is compatible with kids.
Tips to select a kid-safe home pool design
When choosing a home pool design that your children can use safely, it’s also important to consider future pool use as well. Kids won’t be kids always, and you’ll want a pool that’s usable by adults later in life. Here are some tips that will help you install a home pool that can be a great addition to your home, no matter how old your child is –
Consider at what age you want to introduce your child to the water
The younger your child is, the greater the need for a separate kiddie pool for them to splash in. While it’s okay to have a pool that is of consistent depth, it will require you to get into the water every time your tiny tot is using the pool. This may not be possible or practical all the time.
So, having a separate partition with a kiddie splash pool can be a great way to introduce your kid to water. You will be able to sit outside the pool and provide constant attention and supervision to your young one, without having to get into the pool. Additionally, it’ll be such a proud moment for everyone when your child will be able to transition to the “adult” pool later.
If your kid is older and you want to teach them to swim, having an adult pool helps them by making it easier and safer to learn to swim under your guidance.
Take your genetics into history
If your family is tall or strapping, chances are your child may also be so in the future. In that case, you’ll need to get a pool that can accommodate their swiftly growing and lengthening bodies. A pool with low depth and narrow width will not do in the long run. Plus, when you all decide to get into the pool together, it may end up becoming too claustrophobic. There is also a greater chance of your kid getting hurt, as they learn how to swim in the small/narrow pool.
Additionally, consider if disability or any medical conditions are genetic in your family. If yes, it helps to make your pool more disability-friendly and accessible right from the start. That way, you, your child or anyone else in your family won’t be forced to stop swimming because your pool isn’t safe for people with disabilities. You can install ramps that lead into the water, wall rods to hold onto on all walls in the pool and seats in the centre for people to rest in. (You may have to get these additions for your home pool if you do have a child with a disability).
Get the pool fitted with child-safe accessories and equipment
As a rule, it’s best to have your pool fitted with child-safety features and equipment. Here are some things you can do –
o Install a pool gate to prevent young kids from getting into the pool unsupervised. It should be self-latching from the outside, but easy to open from the pool-side, with latches above the reach of the child.
o You should also install a gate for any water slides or other fun fixtures you install around the pool for your kids.
o Have easy-to-climb steps constructed at both ends of the pool, which kids can use to get out of the pool easily.
o Have the controls for the pool heating and hot tub installed in a place where children can’t reach them.
o Get pool barriers designed, and ensure the gaps between the barriers are small and not large enough for children to squeeze through.
o Have a dedicated space made near the pool, to store first aid kits, extra life jackets, floatation wings, paddles and other safety equipment.
Here are five fun facts about swimming that may surprise you!
Other pool safety tips for families to follow when swimming with kids:
· Buoys should always be thrown in the pool for quick accessibility, with lines connecting to external structures outside the pool, such as the house fence or a concrete step.
· Switch off the filters and other pool suction equipment when you’re not around to supervise.
· Clear toys away immediately after use, so your kids don’t trip over them.
· Get a pool cover to discourage children from using the pool without parental/guardian presence.
· Have lifejackets, safety wings and paddles within reach for children to use every time. Teach kids how to wear safety accessories and equipment unaided, for events of emergency.
Have lighting installed to get clear visibility in the dark
Many of us love night time swims. You may even prefer to spend time with your family in the pool after work each evening. It’s best to have underwater lighting installed both outside and inside the pool, to ensure that you have clear visibility of the water. That way, you can keep your eye on your children all the time, while also enjoying your own swim.
Get water heaters fitted to prevent colds
Children are susceptible to colds and fevers as it is. Add extended periods of time in a cold pool to the mix and your young one will be more vulnerable than usual to illness. Having a heated pool can reduce your child’s risk of getting colds.
Of course, it’s easier to maintain a heated pool if it’s indoors. So, consider using a pool cover to keep the water warm when not in use. It will also prevent debris from falling in, which if not cleaned regularly, can cause more health problems in young kids.
Plan for future competitions and swim meets
Finally, think about if you want your children to take up swimming more seriously – perhaps even go pro – in the future. Since you already have a pool at home, that can be the foundation for a future as a professional swimmer.
In that case, you’ll want to get a pool that’s deep enough for your kid’s use as they grow up. Plus, it helps to have a diving board where they can practice their diving. You’ll need to let your pool installers know if you want diving boards for your kids. They can plan your home pool design accordingly.
In Conclusion
We are a reputed fibreglass pool installation company based out of Australia. We have immense experience building child-safe pools for families with kids of all ages. We can install a hybrid pool that is both safe for children and compatible with adult users. Our team has installed premium quality fibreglass pools with high-grade fixtures and fittings for homes of all sizes and families with diverse lifestyles. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs for a kid-safe pool.
