Tips to Prepare Your Pool for Fall – and Avoid Liabilities

Even though we do not have to “close” our pools here in like people in other parts of the country, most of tend to swim less during the fall and winter months. Whether you are winding down the swimming season or simply doing some Fall maintenance so that you and your guests can keep swimming year-round, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Tip # 1: Keep Your Pool Deck Free of Leaves and Debris

Wet leaves can present slip hazards. Branches and other debris can cause trips resulting in serious injuries. In order to reduce the risk of a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, make sure your pool deck is clear of debris whenever someone is swimming.

Tip # 2: Keep Your Pool Water Clean

Leaves, sticks, and other debris can limit swimmers’ visibility, and they can present potential choking hazards as well. If your pool will be accessible during the fall and winter months, make sure you have it cleaned out regularly so that Fall-related debris does not create issues for your family and friends.

Additionally, rain water, storm runoff, and other contaminants that are more common during the Fall and Winter can present potential health risks for swimmers. As a result, pool owners should check their pools’ levels regularly and clean and chlorinate as necessary.

Tip # 3: Do Not Over-Chlorinate

Although chlorine is critical to keeping freshwater pools well-maintained, too much chlorine can present severe health risks as well. Chlorine poisoning is a very real concern, and it can have symptoms including:

• Burning sensation in the throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Red and itchy eyes
• Vomiting

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable (and potentially dangerous) on their own, around a pool, their consequences can be even more severe.

Tip # 4: Set Rules for When You Are Not Home

Fall means school is in session; and, since school gets out before the end of the work day, many school-age students find themselves home alone in the afternoons. If you have a pool and your child (and his or her friends) will have access to your pool while you are at work, you should set clear ground rules that are appropriate for your child’s age and level of responsibility.

Tip # 5: Follow Year-Round Pool Safety Practices

Of course, Fall is not the only time pool owners need to be cautious safety. While pools offer endless fun (especially in sunny Palm Beach County), they can also present various dangers when not monitored and maintained appropriately. For more tips on pool safety, we encourage you to read: How to Keep Your Pool Safe.

Speak with a Palm Beach County Injury Lawyer for Free

At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we help victims of slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents in Palm Beach County Demand More® for their injuries and losses. If you have been injured and would like to speak with an attorney, you can 24/7 for a free consultation. To speak with me, attorney Brian D. Guralnick, personally your case, call 561-202-6673 now.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.