This is the time of the year when we all want to kick back and have a good time. With people spending more time at home, swimming pools are more popular than ever. Now is the time to make sure that your pool is ready for a safe summer. If you are getting a new pool make sure you read and understand all of the information that came with your pool. Be extra careful if you are going to be using the pool before the surrounding area is finished.
Whether your pool is old or new, there are some things that should be checked on a regular basis. Just as last month, when I reminded you to check your deck, I would suggest checking the fencing around the pool including the gate and the latch. The gate should be latched and in good working order. I know some people who padlock their gates when the pool is not being used. Master has a new combination lock that is very convenient. It uses a combination of letters and numbers and you set your own combination. Even with the gate locked a floating pool monitor is good back up. They float on the water and make a sound like a smoke detector if someone or something should fall into your pool. Make sure you test your GFI on the electrical circuit. It may be located in your main breaker panel or a sub panel near your pool. Remember the function of the GFI was covered in a previous article and it is a very important safety item where electricity is used around water. If you have a small portable pool make sure it is plugged into a GFI protected outlet. Bottom line, if you don’t have a GFI get one. If you have one and it is not functioning properly replace it immediately. Check the chemical levels in your pool on a regular basis. Make sure all pool chemicals are stored in a safe location. Do you have a long pole and flotation devices near your pool for emergencies? Kids should always, no exceptions, be supervised by an adult when they are in the pool and adults should not swim alone.
Every family should have pool rules. You might even choose to post them. Adults should lead by example and follow the same rules. Kids are like sponges, they watch us all the time. You do it and they will too! Common sense should dictate your rules. Make especially sure that you explain the “why” of a rule and not just answer, “Because I said so”.
Taking a little extra time to be safe and careful can allow us to have a fun filled summer enjoying the backyard pool with our family.
Household Hints
Enjoy your stereo while swimming and install outside weatherproof speakers.
If you are handy and the fingers in your earth filter need cleaning, take it to the self car wash. The car wash does a great job. This is not, however, a substitute for an acid bath if that is needed.
If your skin is sensitive or you don’t want to handle a chlorine tablet you can slip a plastic bag over your hand and then pick up the tablet. Keep the plastic bag by the bucket and reuse. This is much cheaper than using gloves.
Have you checked your tire pressure? To improve gas mileage, check your tire pressure once a month and make sure your wheels are properly aligned. This reduces tire wear and makes your car roll without scuffing. (This one is a reminder!)
If you park your boat trailer or camper in the driveway, park it with the tongue facing away from the road if possible. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal it. It would be wise to invest in a tongue lock.
John Fischer, Mr. Fix-It, is a retired Industrial Arts/Technology teacher. He taught middle school and high school students for 33 years. John enjoys using his skills by working part-time doing odd jobs for people and repairing wood furniture. John is a father of two girls and has one granddaughter.
He would enjoy getting feedback from his readers about whether or not the articles he has done have been helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions for future articles please email him at mr.fixit@mvparentonline.com
