Best Pool Safety Equipment

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Pool safety equipment such as physical barriers and alarm systems can help prevent unsupervised access to the swimming pool. Adding safety equipment to your pool is also a smart way to protect your family and loved ones. If you own a swimming pool, learning about the best pool safety equipment is probably a good idea. We’re happy to educate you and recommend which pool safety equipment you should always keep around your pool in case a leisurely swim session turns into an emergency.

Recommended pool safety products by category:

Your swimming pool can be a beautiful location for relaxation and enjoyment, but you must also think about the safety of your family members. A pool safety fence, for example, is a wonderful way to secure your pool and a smart pool safety features you can add.

Choosing the best pool fence for your swimming pool area necessitates serious thought. We’ve highlighted and recommended a variety of pool safety fences to help you select the correct pool barrier.

GLI Pool Products are the trusted name in pool safety equipment. The PROTECT-A-POOL fencing system is the easiest way to make your inground pool safe from unwanted intrusion of children, pets, or stray animals.

Fence installs in minutes with an ordinary hammer drill. Sections latch and unlatch in seconds for easy pool access, or use the optional self-closing gate. Fencing comes in 10′ pre-assembled sections to fit any area. Also comes with a 5 year warranty.

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WaterWarden consistently leads the industry in product quality, reliability, ease-of-use, and service.

Using a WaterWarden Pool Fence is a great way to protect against unauthorized access to your pool area, keeping your loved ones safe from accidents. While sturdy and extremely safe while in use, it's easy to remove for any occasion.

UL-Certified and made of super-strong, UV protected Meshylene fabric with reinforced edging to prevent fraying.

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Each section of fence measures 5’ high and 12’ long. The spring-loaded safety latch system quickly and easily joins fence sections together, and you can buy as many sections as you need to safely surround your pool.

Installs very quickly. A drilling template, instructions, hardware, hooks, and insert caps to cover holes are all included.

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The Giantex pool fence frame is made of a high grade aluminum that is lightweight but still very sturdy. The fences are connected with a hook and eye. The hooks themselves are very stable and quickly connect the fence system tightly together. This is a sturdy DIY pool fencing system that can stand up to windy weather.

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This fence is 4 feet high, which is perfect for keeping children, pets, and family's security.

A quality safety fence made of premium mesh fabric material. What we like is that it is also extremely durable which means it will not crack easily and can be used for a long time. The assembly is a snap and when not in use, the fence can be rolled up for easy storage until the next pool season.

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Vingli's inground pool fence is made of premium mesh fabric and high-quality aluminum which is strong enough to still stand thunderstorms. It is also extremely durable which will not crack easily and can be used for a long time. When not in use, the fence can be rolled up for easy storage and preservation.

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Setup is a snap and this pool fence is designed to safeguard your pool area from an accidental drowning. Vingli's safety fence is a great choice to keep out pets or kids out of the pool and gives your peace of mind that your family will be safe.

Vingli's pool fence child barrier is a great value alternative that can easily be removed and reinstalled quickly by a single person. Vingli is definitely a strong low-cost option.

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VGB-approved pool drain covers replace current pool drain covers to keep swimmers from becoming entangled in the suction of the drain. A pool safety drain cover's design allows more water to flow through the cover, reducing the chance of a swimmer becoming trapped by severe suction. The VGB pool and spa safety act requires the use of safety drain covers on all pool and spa installations. Here are our list of recommended products.

Hayward Square Drain Covers are suitable for residential and commercial concrete pools and are available in a range of sizes and flow designs to satisfy any installation requirement.

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Designed for an extensive 7-year life span. All Hayward WG Series suction outlets and replacement covers are VGB compliant and are tested to ASME A112 19.8b-2009 and ANSI/APSP-16 standards as well as meeting CPSC requirements.

This hi-flow cover and inner frame safely covers with variety and style. New safety suction outlets meet all federal requirements.

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For decades Paramount has been a leader in pool drain covers and is a trusted manufacturer in the pool & spa trade.

VGB/ANSI certified sump-less suction outlet cover protects against all types of entrapment. Designed to fit existing suction outlets up to 10-Inches in diameter

Protects against entrapment from hair, limb, body suction, evisceration, and mechanical

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A reliable manufacturer of pool safety drain covers, Aquastar is one of the leading firms in the industry.

VGB compliant – All components (cover, sump, screws) meet or exceed ANSI/APSP 16-2011 and NSF/ANSI 50-2009 a national standards and ASTM G154 UV testing exposure.

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An unmonitored body of water presents a safety hazard around the home. Installing a pool alarm is a smart way to protect your loved ones. There are a variety of different pool alarms on the market that provide distress detection, active monitoring and alerts. Knowing which is the best pool alarm system to purchase can make all the difference.

Advanced artificial intelligence pool monitor capable of detecting distress in real-time. CamerEye's smart hub can be configured with multiple cameras to have full detection capability for larger-sized pools.

Voted "Best Pool Alarm" of the year by Pool Magazine, the CamerEye device is a state-of-the-art pool monitoring system for your pool and backyard.

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Lunasea Lighting has been creating revolutionary electronics since 1981. The LunaSafe device is a best-in-class wearable that was specifically engineered for pool & pet safety. This water-activated transmitter is waterproof, wearable, and a perfect way to detect when pets or small children get into the pool. The 5 year battery makes for a long lasting device that never needs to be recharged and is always ready for use. Definitely the best wearable pool alarm on this list.

Designed to provide an extra layer of protection for your family, the Pool Patrol alarm meets the criteria of ASTM Protection Specification F 2208 and adds an extra layer of safety, giving parents, guardians, homeowners, facility managers, life guards, and all pool or spa owners peace of mind.

A transmitter and receiver are included in this model. It's designed to notify you at the pool if there's been an incursion, and it’ll send a signal to a receiver nearby.

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Be prepared and armed with the PoolEye Immersion Pool Alarm. With its underwater motion sensor, PoolEye provides an extra layer of protection when it comes to pool safety.

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The new Poolwatch pool alarm system is compatible with both above-ground and in-ground pools, giving you a cost-effective and hassle-free pool security option. The Poolwatch is packed with proprietary features to make your swimming environment safer for your family, guests, and pets.

NSF Certified, Meets ASTM F2208 requirements for pool alarms.

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Lifebuoy alarms are equipped with motion detector sensors which trigger the alarm when a child or pet falls into the water. It can easily detect motion in the pool.

Lifebuoy pool alarm system comes with a smart Bluetooth app which is used to setup and control the pool alarm. Top notch pool safety for all types of pools: a pool alarm for above ground pools, inground pools, spa.

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Pool safety covers prevent unwanted entry into the pool and help prevent accidental drownings. This is in addition to their role of protecting the pool from debris and the elements. There are a variety of safety covers on the market and we’ll take a look at some of the best ones available.

The cover so strong it can withstand an elephant. Loop-Loc has been one of the first names in pool safety covers for decades. Highly rated for their line of durable high-strength covers, Loop Loc continues to set the bar in pool safety equipment.

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Loop-Loc manufactures the strongest most reliable safety pool covers. The covers are designed to keep your pool clean and maintenance-free between pool closing as well as provide security for your inground swimming pool when not in use.

Available in a variety of sizes, Loop-Loc is one of the first covers you should consider if in the market for a safety cover.

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This swimming pool cover features 2-ply strapping that's triple-stitched throughout for maximum strength. All straps have non-corrosive aluminum tips and large X-tacking manually sewn on. Break-strength of over 4,000 lbs. Abrasion-resistant pads protect the cover from wear at its contact points with your pool decking.

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In addition to a pool safety cover and a pool alarm, there are a wide variety of safety accessories to ensure that your swimming pool remains a safety area for family and guests. When evaluating which pool safety equipment to purchase for your backyard, you have your pick of products to choose from. Identifying which pool safety accessories can help save a life in an emergency is vital.

Every backyard with a swimming pool needs a reliable life ring in case of emergencies. Swimline makes some of the best value life rings on the market.

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The Vevor pool handrails are designed to help you easily and securely get in and out of the swimming pool. The pool handrail features a users-friendly curve design, which conforms to the principle of fluid dynamics.

A cost-efficient pool safety equipment choice for swimming pools, and spas.

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High-Quality Safety Hook. These safety hooks are a great way to provide an immediate response to any emergency situation in your pool. These are high-quality hooks that are strong and lightweight.

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Critter saving escape ramp for Frogs Toads Salamanders Bees Chipmunks Ducklings Lizards Snakes Small Turtles Small Rabbits Squirrels Mice Birds and more. Allows animals to easily escape to safety when accidentally landing in your pool or spa. Simple design makes for an easy set-up, assembly, and placement process.

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Pool safety signs help keep guests aware of the rules and safety conditions. Displaying a pool safety sign prominently ensures that everyone is aware of acceptable behavior and best practices around the swimming pool. Here's a recommendation of some signs to display around your own pool to ensure better safety practices in your backyard.

A good pool safety ladder is essential for your swimming pool. According to HoneySweetHome, a leading pool ladder related blog, installing the proper pool ladder can help prevent injuries and damage to your pool walls. Here are our top 3 picks for pool safety ladders.

Confer Plastics Entry System is composed of durable plastic and is designed to keep you and your pool safe when entering and exiting the pool.

INCLUDES: A gate, pickets, two side rails, a top platform, and treads. A padlock has been installed to the self-latching gate to ensure the safety of the swimming pool.DESIGNED FOR YOU – Grey with blue treads, our entry system contrasts beautifully with your above-ground pool.EASY TO ASSEMBLE – Quick and simple assembly.

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We like the Blue Wave Neptune because it features two handrails for a secure grasp. It has a top rail clearance of 12 inches and is adjustable from 48 to 56 inches. This small pool ladder provides the most utilization.

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The BiltMor Step and Ladder System is an above-ground pool step and ladder system that is practical, affordable, slip-resistant, and provides excellent water circulation and increased safety. It can be mounted on a pool without a deck using either the traditional ladder or a self-latching method.

For increased security, the ladder flips up and fastens with a padlock to create a barrier at the entrance. With each step measuring 11 inches high and a 21-inch wide opening leading up the ladder, it also makes access for kids simple.

This set will suit above-ground pools that are 48″, 52″, or 54″.

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Anything that can be used to prevent or aid in the case of drowning is considered pool safety equipment. This might range from the very basic to the really necessary.

Pool safety equipment is an important part of pool ownership and assists in the prevention of drowning. An unprotected body of water presents an immediate danger which is why safeguarding the pool remains such a top priority. Statistics in the U.S. show that each year nearly 900 children and adolescents die from unintentional drowning.

Having the right pool safety equipment available is an absolutely essential function of pool ownership. Accessories such as life rings, pool safety fences, pool covers and a variety of other water safety equipment can make all the difference when a swimmer is in distress.

It's a fact that over 87% of drowning fatalities happen in swimming pools or hot tubs for children younger than 5. Most instances of drownings happen in swimming pools that are owned the homeowner or a neighbor. Children 5 to 17 years old are the most likely percentage to drowin in a swimming pool, pond, or lake. Making sure those pieces of safety equipment are available in case of an emergency can help save a life.

We hope that by now you have a better idea of what pool safety equipment is, why it's necessary, and what some of the best options available are.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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As a community, let's make a difference and put water safety as a top priority this entire pool season, not just during Water Safety Month.

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As Water Safety Month comes to an end, the importance of education and awareness remains a top priority, especially during the busy summer months. Drowning prevention and water safety efforts are ongoing, requiring the collective efforts of both pool owners as well as professionals to educate and promote proper safety measures. As a community, spreading the message, sharing resources, and working with organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable water experience for everyone.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 1-4, and it can occur quickly and silently. To effectively prevent drowning incidents, it is crucial to implement multiple layers of protection. By understanding and embracing the five layers of protection, we can actively prevent tragedies and save lives. Take a few minutes to learn these layers, and together we can create a safer environment:

These important facts highlight the critical need for ongoing education, access to swim lessons, and the implementation of preventative measures. Making water safety a priority during the pool season is crucial for families to protect their loved ones and prevent tragic incidents. Children are particularly vulnerable to drowning, and accidents can occur unexpectedly. By implementing better water safety measures, families empower themselves to respond effectively and ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

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PHOENIX, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Many Americans do not know how to swim, placing themselves at risk as they enjoy swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans this summer.

According to a recent Leslie's-commissioned survey conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63% of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36% of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim.

The numbers are even more alarming for children. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 years of age say their child does not know how to swim, and 61% say their child has not taken swimming lessons. Almost 30% of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.

Those concerns are well-founded. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year in the U.S. there are an estimated 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children ages one to four years with the majority of the drownings occurring in swimming pools versus natural bodies of water. The CDC also reports that drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 years old, behind motor vehicle crashes. Among children 5 to 14 years of age, 30% of the drowning deaths occur in swimming pools, while more than half of the drownings among people 15 years or older are in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

"Children are irresistibly drawn to water, whether it's a backyard pool, a pond, or a river. It's better to teach them how to be safe in the water than to instruct them to avoid it and hope they listen," said Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist, who is now a swimming lessons advocate and Leslie's water safety collaboration partner. "Learning to be safe and at ease in the water also opens up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others."

Jones nearly drowned at age five. His mother reacted — not by keeping him out of the water, but by enrolling him in swimming lessons, where he thrived. While swimming lessons are important, pool owners should take additional safety precautions to prevent drownings.

Three Tenets of Water SafetyA priority at Leslie's is to spread awareness of three primary tenets of pool safety, including maintaining healthy and safe water, ensuring a secure pool area, and encouraging swimming lessons and water safety education.

Leslie's is dedicated to helping its customers stay safe during swim season and all year long. To maintain clean and healthy water, regular testing is crucial to uphold proper water balance. Leslie's makes it easy with its free AccuBlue in-store water test and treatment plan. The AccuBlue technology is a product of Leslie's 60 years of water testing experience and the accumulated data from more than 50 million tests. AccuBlue covers 10 parameters and generates a water health score and customized treatment plan to help pool owners get their water back in balance. The company offers additional products, tools, and information to stay safe in and around the pool, from the latest in pool security fencing, gates, safety covers, and alarms to learn-to-swim products.

Encouraging swimming lessons and education, Leslie's is proud to support the water safety efforts of the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. From May 5 through October 31, 2023, Leslie's will be accepting customer donations in all their more than 1,000 stores across the nation and online to support water safety programs. To benefit our communities, 100% of all donations will be split equally between the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, both of whom share Leslie's passion for water safety. Leslie's and its customers have contributed more than $500,000 to these two nonprofit organizations. For the first time, Leslie's is sponsoring the Phoenix location of the World's Largest Swim Lesson, to be held at the South Valley YMCA on June 22, 2023.

About Leslie'sFounded in 1963, Leslie's is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Phoenix-based Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie's whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie's consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie's, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie's on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

About Cullen JonesCullen Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. He nearly drowned at age five in a water park in Pennsylvania and after that incident his mother enrolled him in swim lessons, and it soon became clear that Jones had natural talent as a swimmer. He dedicates a significant portion of his time to his role as a water safety advocate. He is a partner of Leslie's, the most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, as the voice of water safety, especially during May, Water Safety Month, and across the entire swim season.

About the SurveyThis survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie's from April 25-27, 2023, among 2,050 adults ages 18 and older, including 687 parents of children under age 18. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, household income, education, marital status, and size of household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

A TikTok video shown as a "parenting hack" is raising alarms with pool safety experts.

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A video gone viral on TikTok caught the attention of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), which is sending a cautionary message to parents.

In the video, which is presented as a "Parenting Hack," a mom suggests placing a playpen in a body of water as a way for both parent and child to enjoy the deep end of a lake or pool, "without having to worry about our little ones." After being flagged by Tik Tok and many users, the video was removed, however not before having gone viral with several hundred thousand views and shares.

As many in the U.S. prepare to enjoy the busiest water recreation season of the year, and with child drowning rates at historic highs, NDPA is raising a red flag to parents to ignore this irresponsible and dangerous advice.

Said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, NDPA, "We implore all parents to disregard this message, and not put playpens in any body of water. This is not a recommended water safety measure and could put a child at an increased risk of drowning."

To keep a child safe from drowning, NDPA recommends adhering to the Five Layers of Protection. Added Katchmarchi, "Drowning is fast and silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds with no sound. Backyard pools, ponds, canals, lakes, rivers, and other manmade and natural water features that surround homes can be dangerous if the five layers of protection are not in place."

Developed by NDPA with input from pediatricians, epidemiologists, and aquatics education professionals based on best practices in drowning prevention, the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent child drowning include barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency, use of lifejackets and other approved floatation devices, and emergency preparedness. No one practice should ever be used in isolation. To learn more about how to prevent drowning, visit NDPA.org/Layers.

The CDC states that drowning is the single leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of injury-related death for children up to age 14. According to reports from cities and towns across the U.S., childhood drowning rates have been steadily on the rise since 2019. In 2021, the number of child fatalities due to drowning was equal to as many as 11 school buses of children or almost 18 children per week. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that for every (one) fatal child drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for a non-fatal drowning.

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is "Elevating awareness to educate, advocate, innovate, and equip to prevent drowning." NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning by creating a united alliance to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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