Swim and wade only. Never dive, jump or slide into the pool! Serious injuries could result from avoiding this rule.
Adult supervision is always required! An adult must control the activity of children swimming or playing
around the pool area. No one should be permitted to swim alone. Even good swimmers can drown in a crisis.
First-time users run the highest risk of injury! Teach the rules of pool safety to all users. Actively direct
attention to the "warning" pool sign before allowing them to enter the pool.
Electricity and water are a fatal mix! Keep all electrical radios, speakers and other appliances away from the swimming pool.
Teasing, roughhousing and horseplay do not belong in the pool area! Do not allow anyone to climb, sit or stand on the top rails of the pool. Play safe games. Be courteous and careful.
You should not permit alcohol or drugs at your pool. Keep anyone who is under the influence away from the pool area.

Adult supervision is always required!
Accidents do not take holidays. As a pool owner, you have a duty of care to all persons who use your pool.
Adult supervision is the key element in getting maximum safe enjoyment from your pool. One individual must
assume primary responsibility or supervising the pool. The pool supervisor must study the contents of the booklet and be thoroughly familiar with all facets of the safe operation and maintenance of the pool. He or she must take responsibility for communicating pool safety information to all persons who enter the pool area. Designate a back up for times when the primary supervisor is unavailable. A child left alone in the backyard for a moment can be serious. An accident can only take seconds. There is no substitute for adult supervision.

Tips to remember:

• Keep your child by your side! If you must leave the backyard, even for a moment, take your child with you. One lapse in attention can spell tragedy. Don't take the chance.
• Remove toys from the pool when it's not in use. Floating toys attract youngsters. Your child can easily fall into the pool trying to retrieve a toy. Don't allow children to play with toys having sharp edges because they could cut the liner and cause the pool to rupture. Serious personal injury could occur!
• Do not rely on plastic inner tubes, inflatable armbands or other toys to prevent accidents.
• Remove vegetation and other obstacles to assure a clear view of the pool from the house. Teach your children to swim!
• Be especially alert for potential drowning accidents. If you use any lightweight, floating pool covers (i.e. solar or insulating covers). No one should walk or crawl on them. The pool should never be used when these covers are in use because you may become entrapped. Always completely remove any cover before using your pool. Never swim under the cover. Drain any standing water from the surface of your pool. Even a small amount of water may be sufficient for a small child to drown.
• Do not allow children to play on the pool deck. A pool deck is not a safe play area. Teach your child to stay away from the pool until you (or another adult) can be there.
• Keep doors and gates locked. Doors opening to the backyard and unlocked gates give children a fast, easy track to the pool when your back is turned. Watch all entries to the pool and make sure they are locked.
• Maintain a clear zone around the perimeter of the pool. Do not place objects (chairs, tables or equipment) near the pool barrier because a child or youngster could climb them to gain access to the pool.
• Keep lifesaving equipment next to the pool. These items should remain stationary and not be misplaced.
• Do not permit playful screaming for help or false alarms, which might mask a real emergency.
• Never leave children with caretakers or supervisors unless they are capable and responsible in the pool environment. All supervisors must read the safety rules and be informed.
• Comply with Fencing rules and recommendations. Some states require pool fencing. A pool fence will deter unsupervised children from access to the pool. Locked exterior fencing around the entire pool is strongly recommended.

First time pool users run the highest risk of Injury!
Before pool users enter the pool, inform them of the safety rules. These rules should be clearly communicated and understood by all persons, who use your pool. Consistently enforce the safety rules. Inform family and guests who come to enjoy your pool of the safety rules that you have established.

Electricity and water are a fatal mix!
Consult with a licensed electrician for help in equipping your pool area correctly for electricity. The licensed electrician should be aware of any local electrical codes that apply in your area, and ensure that your pool equipment is installed to conform to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for pools and related equipment. Contract with a licensed electrician to make sure that your entire outside electrical lines are protected by ground fault interrupters (GFCI's), which are designed to protect against hazards of electrical shock. Stay out of the pool during lightning or rainstorms because there is a possibility of electrocution from lightning hitting the water. Please refer to your owner's guide for more details about safely operating your pump and filter.

Teasing, roughhousing and horseplay don't belong in the pool area!
Games that may appear safe sometimes are not. Encourage and supervise the use of good pool games and toys. Prohibit horseplay, especially throwing or pushing someone into a pool. Prohibit any diving activity. Do not allow running on the pool deck, as injuries may occur from slips and falls. No one should sit, lean or stand on pool top rails or fence rails. Deck must have a slip-resistant surface, such as synthetic turf or similar textured surface. Contact dealers for material and color selections.

Install a deck pool ladder for entry and exit from the pool. Keep deck clean and clear of objects that someone could trip over or step on resulting in injury.

Check regularly for signs of wear or loose bolts that could make your ladder or deck a safety risk. Follow local codes for deck construction. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation. Instruct pool users about proper use of pool ladders and stairs. Allow only one person at a time on the ladder. Never allow anyone to dive or jump from the ladder. If you cannot lock your ladder away when not in use, remove it from the pool when pool is not in use. Remember, locked exterior fencing around all four sides of the pools is strongly recommended and could be mandatory depending on your city codes. Check your city code for guidelines.

You should not permit alcohol or drugs at your pool.
Use of alcohol or drugs do not mix with pool activities. Persons who have been drinking alcohol should not be allowed in the pool, and should be carefully supervised in the area of the pool. Alcohol and certain drugs act as depressants. They can "slow you down". Alcohol can instill false courage; leading people to try things they normally would not. Prescription medicines can sometimes cause drowsiness or have other side effects. If you are taking prescription medicine, check with your doctor before using the pool. Many people believe that they have to drink a lot to be affected by alcohol. Alcohol, in just one or two drinks, can affect your judgment even though you don't feel or appear to be drunk. The effects of alcohol are a major contributor to pool accidents. Supervise your pool activities.

Always think "safety first" and share your wisdom!