Tips to Get Your Swimming Pool Ready for a Safe and Fun Summer

Summer will shortly arrive and it will be the season to open up and enjoy our swimming pools. It's a great opportunity to entertain, and to have guests over. There is nothing more popular than having a swimming pool party for your kids either! They can be the coolest kids on the block. Having a swimming pool can also be a dangerous proposition if you're not properly prepared to take care of it.

There are a few things you should do to get your pool prepared, and be safe, so you and your friends and make the most of your swimming pool season.

1.Check the area. You want to make sure you have secure fencing with a locked entrance to prevent children from getting in. Make sure there is always proper supervision, and if there is an area that can't be viewed constantly, make sure it's locked up tight! Spend some time walking around the pool, and look for any loose or rusted metal that has come apart of has been damaged, especially on above ground pools.

2.Make sure there is lifesaving equipment near the pool area with easy access if someone is in trouble. Have a life preserver hanging nearby, and a "Shepard's hook." It's also a great idea to keep a first aid kit within easy reach while people will be using the pool. Keep your cordless phone, or cell phone, handy while you're out using the pool, in case of emergency.

3.Watch your chemicals! Keep them securely locked up. And away from children. Remember, to read the instructions and follow them as directed, for the safety of everyone!

4.NEVER leave a child unattended in or near the water! Enough said!

5.Inspect the liner. Rips and tears can appear at anytime. Remember to check prior to opening up your pool for the season, and periodically thereafter. If you do find a tear, call a professional to have it repaired before it becomes worse. It's a lot cheaper to repair one than to replace the liner!

Regular maintenance is important to the life of your pool. Remember to walk the area frequently and check it out for potential problems. Nothing can ruin a pool party more than not having a pool. Remember when you close your pool to get ready for the winter, to decrease the water amount and cover properly. Check with a local pool professional for the best advice for your area.