What safety measures should pool owners implement to reduce liability?

The two most important components of a strong pool safety approach are common sense and eternal vigilance. Everyone knows that keeping children — whether they’re your own or from your neighborhood — away from untended or unfenced pools is paramount. Guarding yourself from personal liability in the event someone is injured or worse is secondary but is also extremely important. A pool owner needs to do the following at a minimum:

1. **Install a fence around the pool area:** A fence with a self-latching gate can help prevent children and pets from accessing the pool without adult supervision. The fence should be at least four feet high and have no gaps or openings that could allow a child or pet to squeeze through.
2. **Install pool alarms:** Pool alarms can alert you when someone or something falls into the water. There are several types of pool alarms, including surface wave sensors, subsurface disturbance sensors and pool perimeter alarms. Each type of alarm has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consult a pool safety expert to determine which type of alarm is best for your pool.
3. **Use safety covers:** Safety covers can be placed over the pool when not in use, making it difficult for anyone to accidentally fall in. Safety covers can be manual or automatic, and they can be made of mesh or solid materials. Automatic covers are more expensive but offer greater convenience and ease of use.
4. **Install anti-entrapment devices:** Anti-entrapment devices can prevent swimmers from becoming trapped in the pool's drain or suction fittings. These devices include safety vacuum release systems, suction limiting vent systems, and drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard.
5. **Provide adult supervision:** Even with all of these safety measures in place, it is still essential to provide adult supervision whenever the pool is in use. Never allow children to swim alone, and ensure that all supervising adults are aware of the safety measures and are trained in CPR.