It's summertime. You've got kids, and it's super hot outside. What's the first thing that comes to mind?
If you thought 'swimming pool', you'd be spot-on.
The pool is kind of the highlight of family summers. It's where you can basically spend most of the day, and it never gets boring. There's something to do for both the adults and the younger ones. Kids can swim and splash around, and the adults can relax and chit-chat.
And while this all sounds fantastic, there's one thing that should be on the parents' minds, and that's safety.
Without safety, the whole experience is kind of ruined - for the adults at least - because you just can't relax. You're worrying all the time, and you can't get yourself to focus on the good side of things. And with good reason. Pools can be dangerous.
But, luckily, they don't have to be a place of stress. This article is all about that. We'll go over how you can turn your pool into a place where you can 100% focus on fun!
Fun Pool Games (for Everyone)
If you think 'pool', you think 'swimming'. It only makes sense; the word 'swimming' is in its name.
But a pool doesn't have to be JUST swimming. It's a place of fun and of creating lifelong-lasting memories. A pool can be a palace where the whole family gets to enjoy a serene moment and/or family games that are super easy to play and can easily turn into a wonderful tradition for the whole family.
Here are some simple pool games everyone can play and enjoy:
- Glow Sticks Night Swim - There's something magical about a night swim. Under the stars, toss waterproof glow sticks in the pool. Kids can chase glowing orbs and lights, bringing extra fun to the night swim.
- Water Volleyball - All you need is a ball and some net (or a simple rope), and split into teams. In this kind of game, anyone can be involved, even beginners.
- Relay Races - Set up teams for a fun relay where players can float, dive to a point and back, swim, and tag in the next teammate.
There are so many games that anyone can play in the water. You don't need fancy equipment, and these games can be played anytime, with whatever you have around.
Safety Always Comes First
Every parent wants their kids to have a blast in the pool, and they worry about their kids' safety, but they don't want to ruin the enjoyment.
With a few steps, you can have an enjoyable time, and the kids are safe and sound.
Basic Safety Rules:
- Adult Supervision: Always have one adult watching closely during any pool activity.
- Life Jacket or Floaties: For less confident swimmers and for younger ones, these provide extra security, plus they have brilliant colors or patterns.
- No Running: Remind everyone to walk around the pool deck; just one wrong step and someone can slip, and many things can go wrong.
- Game boundaries: When kids play games in the pool, make sure they hear clear boundaries and rules everyone can understand. Safety measures don't have to be boring - they can be part of the game.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated: keep everyone drinking water and their favorite drinks. Don't forget to protect your skin from sunburn.
Practical Pool Safety Tips
There are several times in a day when kids are left just a few minutes alone in the pool, and with these gadgets and extra items, you can still enjoy your time without worrying about the pool activities.
Safety should be prioritized even when there's no one in the swimming pool:
- Pool Alarms - Sensors alert you if someone enters the water unexpectedly. Super important if you have small (and curious) kids around, especially if they're non-swimmers.
- Security Cameras - Install a waterproof camera that lets you monitor the pool area from your phone, even if you're inside the house or somewhere else. If it has motion detection, it can not only serve as a security feature for the whole house, but you can also get a notification/ping on your phone when one of your kids comes dangerously close to the pool without you knowing (amazing for non-swimmers).
- Pool Fence - A physical barrier is the best solution to keep little kids (and pets) from wandering into the pool.
- Anti-Slip Decking - Material that helps reduce slipping. And with all the water splashing around, and with kids running around (you know they'll run once they get excited, regardless of what instructions you give them), you'll need this type of safety to prevent any falls/bruises/breaks.
- Safe Lights In The Pool - Always have your outdoor lights on. Pool safety lights are motion-activated, or you can get LED lights that are waterproof and increase visibility.
- First Aid Kit - Bandages and antiseptics within arm's reach are a must, because minor accidents happen quickly; that way, you're always prepared.
- Save Energy - Turn off pool pumps or equipment when it's recommended because it keeps things safe, plus it saves you energy and money.
When Is It Time to Bring in the Experts?
For real safety, it's crucial to let the experts do their job. They can install sturdy fences with self-closing gates, set up automatic pool alarms, and create or fix pool edges. They know all the rules and how to install them in and around the pool.
A swimming pool contractor can help you transform your pool into a secure and wonderful space. And if you don't have one, they can build you one from scratch. They ensure all aspects meet local codes and also use high-quality materials that can last for years. They customize safety features that fit your style.
Basically, you imagine it. They build it.
Conclusion
When building a pool, you can be completely forward-thinking and make the whole palace bulletproof in terms of safety for the kids. This way, you don't have to do later add-ons, upgrades, or do any type of patchwork to compensate.
Everyone can (and should) have a perfectly safe swimming pool area and an AMAZING pool experience so that they get to build long-lasting and happy memories without stress bothering them along the way.
By putting together some basic (but very important!) safety rules paired with some fun activities such as pool games, drinks, and snacks, you can make each summer day unforgettable!
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