Swimming Pool Safety
Last modified: September 26, 2008 - 4:20 PM
All swimming pool owners must make sure that an approved C.P.R. (Resuscitation) sign is prominently displayed in the vicinity of the pool at all limes.
C.P.R. (Resuscitation) SIGN/WARNING NOTICE
The sign must include the words, "Young Children Should Be Supervised When Using This Swimming Pool". It must also show CPR cechniques for adults, children and infants.These signs may be available for purchase from your local Council.
The CPR sign must be maintained in a clear and readable condition. Example of a C.P.R. (Resuscitation) Sign (see Figure 8).
Please see downloadable document below: Australian Resusciation Council - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guidelines.
BUILDING FEATURES
Means of Exit from the Pool
Pools should have a ready means of exit from inside the pool, eg; steps in an in-ground pool or a ladder inside an above ground pool.This helps children leave the pool easily. The treads of steps and ladders should have a non-slip surface.
The top surface or edge of the pool structure or coping (ie the part of the pool a user would attempt to hold if they tried to leave the pool without using the steps or a ladder), must be designed to provide an adequate hand grip for children.
Pool Surrounds
The pool surrounds, including coping, paving or decking, should have a surface finish that is not slippery when wet.
Depth Markers
It is recommended that the depth of a pool should be clearly marked. If the depth of the pool changes from one end to the other, the extremities (deep and shallow) should be marked.
Diving Boards
Diving boards should not be installed. If you want to install a diving board you will need to check that the pool dimensions fit the requirements as set out in S.A.A. Guide to Swimming Pool Safety MP 33-1980.
SPLASHER OR WADING POOLS
These types of pools should only be filled with water when being used and young children must be under adult supervision. They must be emptied after each use.
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF POOL CHEMICALS
Like most chemicals, those used for pool maintenance need to be used carefully to avoid any potential hazards.
Chlorine compounds should be treated with care because they can react explosively with other substances.They must be kept away from petroleum products (grease, oil, petrol, etc.), acids and alcohol, and should be handled only with a clean, dry, non-combustible scope (ie. won't catch on fire). Pool test chemicals should also be used carefully.
The dangers presented by pool chemicals can be reduced if you follow some precautions:
- Read the instructions on the chemical container and follow them carefully.
- Do not mix different swimming pool chemicals together.
- Avoid contact with pool chemicals and always wash your hands after using the chemicals.
- Do not empty test samples of pool water and chemicals into the pool,
- Do not let young children handle or purchase pool chemicals,
- Do not store large quantities of pool chemicals.
- Store the chemicals in their original containers and never change chemicals from one container to another.
- Pool chemicals should be kept under lock and key, (eg. in a locked cupboard or shed).They should be kept away from containers of other household substances such as mower fuel or fertiliser, in case they react dangerously.
- If pool chemicals are spilt on the ground, they should not be put back in their containers. Such spillages (other than spillage of test chemicals) are best disposed of in the pool.
- Dispose of empty containers with care. Do not leave them lying around the house or yard.
- When hand dosing with chemicals, make sure the chemical is evenly distributed throughout the pool before allowing people to enter the pool.
POOL WATER MAINTENANCE
The water in a pool must be kept at the correct pH level (7.2 to 7.8), properly treated with chlorine compounds or other suitable treatment, and must be properly filtered.
If these requirements are not met, it could result in a rapid increase of organisms (such as bacteria) which may be dangerous to health.
Another danger is that organic build-up can cause the water to become turbid, which means the bottom and sides of the pool cannot be easily seen.
The following procedures are recommended:
- Follow the instructions provided by the chemical suppliers with your pool chemicals regarding water treatment and pH levels.
- Clean the pool regularly and keep it free of leaves, dirt etc.
- In the event of a problem with pool water, contact Council's Environmental Department which offers a service for technical advice.
- Filter the pool daily for the recommended periods of time, and service the filter at regular intervals to maintain its efficiency.
- Make sure that all pool users visit the toilet before entering the pool.
The New South Wales Health Department publishes guidelines for disinfecting public swimming pools and spa pools.The recommended minimum free chlorine concentration for outdoor pools is 1.0mg per litre.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY AROUND THE POOL
Because bare feet, minimum clothing and wet skin effectively lower the body's electrical resistance, the effects of an electric shock on a person, in or near a swimming pool are likely to be even more serious than in other locations.
Under some fault conditions, the water and wet surrounds of a pool may become alive and a small electric current can produce an electric field in the water which could cause loss of muscle control.
It is vital for safety that any electrical equipment associated with a swimming pool be installed correctly and maintained in first-class condition.
The following points must be observed:
- All electrical installations must be installed in accordance with AS 3000-1991.
- Make sure that any overhead wires are well clear of any diving board areas and are out of the reach of long handles of pool cleaning equipment, contact your local electricity supplier if overhead mains exist near the proposed pool site.
- Do not use mains operated electrical appliances (such as TV, radios, record players or food preparation equipment) in wet locations or near the pool. These items must be used in dry areas only, at least 3m from the pool.
- The use of extension cords must be avoided where possible. You should install power points at suitable locations.
- Do not allow power lead plugs and sockets to lie on damp ground, or in low lying areas of the pool where water may collect. Keep them as far as possible from the pool and clear of access paths.
- Any flexible power leads which are used in the pool area must be kept in good condition.
- Never make or break connections in power leads while the power is switched on.
- Make sure that protective and waterproof covers for electrical equipment are kept in place at all times.They should only be removed for the purpose of maintaining the electrical equipment.
- The electrical installation can deteriorate because of the chemicals used in the pool water. It is recommended that a safety inspection be carried out by a licensed electrician at least every two (2) years.
- If you want to install underwater lighting Council recommends that you contact your electricity supplier.
SAFETY IN POOL USE
To make sure your pool is as safe as possible for exercise, relaxation and enjoyment the following recommendations should be followed in the day to day use of the pool:
- Do not leave any objects near the pool fences which could be used by young children for climbing on or over the fence.
- Do not leave young children unattended in a pool, even when they are using flotation toys or swim aids.
- Provide some means with which a non-swimming person can give help to a person in trouble in the pool. A pole with a blunt hook, or a buoyant aid on a rope is suitable and should be kept near the pool.
- Make sure that somebody in the household who owns or uses the pool, has a working knowledge of resuscitation methods and first aid.
- A durable (long lasting) C.RR. instruction chart MUST be prominently located in the pool area, and in addition, a list of emergency telephone numbers (doctor, ambulance, police) should be kept on hand.
- Do not leave floating objects in a pool because they can attract young children.
- Do not use or leave glass objects near a pool. Broken glass is hard to find in a swimming pool.
- Do not swim alone. Do not mix alcohol and swimming.
- Deep breathing before swimming (hyper-ventilation) can cause loss of consciousness when swimming. Do not try to swim long distances under water and do not hyper-ventilate before swimming.
- Do not swim after a large meal.
- Do not swim when you are overheated, overtired, or when the water is very cold.
- Do not prop open self-closing gates. m. Make sure that the pool is safe by regularly checking and oiling the gate latch and self-closing mechanism, and making sure that the fence is in good condition.
- Always empty splasher or wading pools when they are not being used, and leave them in a position that will not allow water to build up in them.
- Do not allow running or rough play in the pool areas because these areas may become slippery when wet.
NOISE CONTROL
Consider the position of the pool in relation to neighbours and other residents and reduce noise associated with activities carried out in the pool or from pool equipment, such as cleaning equipment.
Council may require mechanical equipment to be suitably acoustically treated so that noise to adjoining properties is reduced.
Contact details
Dungog Shire Council
02 4995 7777 (ph)
02 4995 7750 (fax)
shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au
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