Summertime Safety Tips for Swimming Pools
Essential advice to reduce accident, microbial risks

ARLINGTON, VA -- With the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day, thousands of residential and community swimming pools nationwide will open for use. To help families enjoy a safe and healthy summer poolside, the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council has teamed up with the National Consumers League and the National Swim School Association to offer the following important safety tips to the millions of Americans who will take the plunge into swimming pools across the country.

Tips for Pool Safety

2. Be certain the pool is properly sanitized with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria. Swimming pools can be a breeding ground for dangerous microorganisms; chlorine helps to maintain a clean and safe pool. Be sure to carefully follow all directions on pool treatment products.

3. Prevent accidents by not running by the pool or engaging in horseplay. Horseplay at poolside is a major cause of pool-related injuries.

4. Keep lifesaving equipment and a first aid kit nearby. For those who own their own pool, be sure that adult supervisors have been trained in CPR.

5. Ensure against unattended pool use by maintaining layers of safety protection. Fencing, latched gates and pool covers can prevent small children from entering your pool without your knowledge.

Kip Howlett, Executive Director of the Chlorine Chemistry Council, notes that while some of these safety tips may seem second nature, many swimmers fail to inquire about the treatment of the pool where they are swimming, putting them at risk from waterborne disease. "Properly disinfecting and maintaining pools can make the critical difference between a refreshing dip and a bath in a microbial soup," said Howlett.

Free Brochure, Online Information Available

The Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council has produced a free brochure that provides information about swimming pool treatment and answers commonly asked questions about chlorine's use in pools and spas. To view the brochure online, click here. For a copy, please write to the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209 or send an email to info@c3.org.

The Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council
May 26, 1998