Swimming lessions

Earilier this month I posted a pool safety video produced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here is part 6. It focuses the importance of getting proper training. I believe some parents forget that swimming lessons are more than just learning how to do the breast stoke. The Red Cross's swimming curriculum places as much weight on what to do in a water emergency as it does having fun.



Remember, proper safety makes the pool fun all summer long.

Until Next Time
Mike
Chicago Pool Service

A scary fact for pool owners: Drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries among children ages one to 14. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the following tips for staying safe:

• Never leave a child alone in or near a pool, even for a moment. Children should be actively supervised by an adult who knows CPR at all times.
• Practice “touch supervision” with children younger than five years old; this means the adult is within an arm’s length of the child at all times.
• If planning a pool party, then consider hiring a certified lifeguard to supervise. It’s required by law that a pool is separated from the house with a fence at least four feet high.
• Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than a child’s reach. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool.
• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd’s hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool. The use of air-filled “swimming aids” as a substitute for approved life vests isn’t recommended. Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted to reach for them.
• Remember to always secure a pool when not in use so children can’t get back into it.

While these are good tips, it is also important that you have the proper training. Learn CPR and keep your certification up to date. If you are on your own, you are going to be the first line of defense if something goes wrong. Being a strong swimmer and setting a good example for your children is also important. If they see you practicing good habits they will follow your lead. If you need additional information, the CPSC has created some videos with grade advice:



Chicago Pool Service

Boy hailed as hero in drowning rescues

I subscribe to a number of Google News alerts related to swimming pools. It almost always results in a string on depressing news. Decades after private swimming pools began appearing in the backyards of suburban homes, people still do not seem to take pool safety seriously. From ABC News in San Jose CA:

Firefighters in San Jose honored an 8-and-a-half year old boy that helped save a drowning little girl in a swimming pool. Wednesday's celebration serves as an important reminder about pool safety. Ishaan is being praised for his actions at a pool in the apartment complex where he lives. A small girl was riding on her grandfather's shoulders in the shallow end. Something happened; the girl and her grandfather fell into the pool and began drowning. The San Jose fire department thanked Ishaan Singh for rescuing a 3-year-old friend who was drowning by presenting him with a plaque and a ride in a fire engine.

Ishaan Singh's family provided him with the proper skills and training to recognize that something had gone wrong.

Chicago Pool Service

 

Does Your Pool Need Renovation?

We've been waiting for it all year -- summer has finally arrived. The warm weather brings out the desire in all of us to go swimming. Those of us that own pools can sit back relax and enjoy the rising temperatures without any worries, right? Well, the fact is that over the years pools become outdated, worn down, and even cracked. It's not too late to give your pool the facelift it requires so you can enjoy a fresh new look for your pool this summer.

Let's look into some of the main cues that indicate it's time to update.

Is your tile or plaster cracking?

As your pool ages, it is likely tiles will begin to fall off, crack, or fade. Not only do these cracks look unsightly, they are extremely dangerous to those using the pool. Cracked tiles should be replaced in a timely fashion to ensure your pool is safe to utilize for the entire summer.

A good indicator that you may need to replaster is when algae have grown in the pits of the plaster or if you begin to see the gunite shell showing through the plastered wall. When you decide to replace the plaster, it might be a good time to consider upgrading the material you use. Utilizing a higher quality plaster will ensure a more durable and longer-lasting finish for your pool.

Visit AAA Pool Service for more information about swimming pool renovation.

Requirements for Owning a Pool

I know how much of a pain it can be to keep a pool clean can be. Older pools built in skimmers do not always do a good job keeping a cool clean. Bottom pull filters can get clogged if the pool is not cleaned right after a big storm. Don't even get me started on automatic pool cleaners. Not only does the dog thing it is his mortal enemy, but there always seems to be one spot that it misses.

So before the kids jump in for hours of fun, you break out the pool vacuum and net. At the end of the day it is not really that much work. In fact, I find it relaxing. It is that last peaceful moment before the chaos of swim time begins.

Chemicals are a different story. I am conflicted on how to advice people. If you have the time, keeping leafs and bugs out the pool is not really that hard. But if you mess up the chemical balance of a pool, it can ruin a whole summer.

Here is what I do: At the beginning of the summer I have the pool professionally opened. Part of the opening process is having the water tested and the initial round of chemicals. At that point, I will work with my pool maintenance company figure out what I will need for the summer. I will add the chemicals and do at home testing. If something gets off, I will get the have it professionally test. Otherwise, I will have it tested  halfway through the season. 

This does not work for everyone. People in the midwest or in urban areas have a harder time keeping their pools balanced and safe. Even the lightest rain can through the whole thing off. If this is the case, it might be best to have a professional check chemical levels more often and fine tune the balance. 

Chicago Swimming Pool Service

Getting Approval for a Swimming Pool

There is no state requirement for pool operators to be licensed. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health developed a voluntary certification program and learning course to introduce the basic concepts and techniques necessary for the proper operation and maintenance of swimming pools. Many employers and insurance companies are mandating this certification.

Additionally, fencing in a pool will reduce personal liabilities by making it Harding for people to fall in. The state of Illinois require a 3 foot high fence around any pool more than 12" deep.

Swimming Pool Maintenance

Fun Pool Games

I came across a great blog post this morning:

Each summer we try to think of new activities for our children to play while enjoying their few months off from school. The swimming pool is the number one option of many children for summer fun. As the hot weather continues it is often a struggle to think of new activities or games to keep the kids happy and entertained. While toy makers keep coming out with more pool products, the cost of staying on top of those trends can add up quickly. Here are some pool activities that kids can enjoy without having to splurge on the latest pool toys.

I think it is missing a few key pool games: Marco Polo. One player is chosen as "It". This player closes their eyes so they can't see and tries to tag the other players. The player who is "It" shouts out "Marco" and the other players must respond by shouting "Polo", which "It" uses to try to acoustically locate them. If a player is tagged then that player becomes "It".

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