Pool Safety

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Swimming pools are a great way to pass the time and cool off on a hot summer day. Proper supervision is the number one way to prevent pool injuries and drowning. In addition, there are other precautions that can be taken to keep pool areas safe and secure. A proper fence can act as a barrier all around a pool. ASTM F1908 provides recommended minimum requirements for various types of fences for residential outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Other safeguards and preventative measures include pool alarms and covers. ASTM F2208, Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms, covers devices that provide for rapid and automatic detection and alarm in cases of unintentional or accidental entry of a child into a swimming pool or spa, while ASTM F1346 establishes requirements for swimming pool safety covers. It is important to remember the popular above-ground pools as well. Subcommittee F15.60, a part of Committee F15 on Consumer Products, has developed ASTM F2666, which addresses pool hazards such as childhood drowning, sanitation, electrical safety and entrapment for portable pools for residential use. Keep these ASTM standards in mind to ensure that your pool is as safe as it is fun this summer.