Pools and spas are a pleasant attraction for customers and a welcome retreat for waterpark resort destinations. But the downside to pools and spas is they can be deadly if the risks aren’t mitigated. Drowning is the number-two cause of unintentional deaths for children ages 1 to 14, second only to car accidents.
Even if safety measures are in place at your business, how long has it been since you reviewed your policies and systems? Use this list as part of your pool and spa safety review.
Pool and spa safety review
Homeowners are often concerned with the liability that backyard pools and spas pose, also known as an attractive nuisance. Businesses are exposed to the same liability and more. See if your pool and spa areas have:
- Unblockable drain covers over suction drains (Must be American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American National Standards Institute-compliant.)
- A four-foot fence surrounding all sides of the pool or spa
- Fences that are not easy to climb or scale (chain link, for example, is easy to climb)
- Self-closing, self-latching gates to enter or exit the pool or spa area
- Automatic pool or spa cover
- Extra barriers to deter outdoor pool hoppers (such as thorny barrier shrubs)
- Rescue equipment within easy reach (shepherd’s hook, life rings, life buoy)
- Life jackets available upon request or within the area
- Signage indicating lifeguard on-duty hours
- Signage indicating when no lifeguard is on duty
- Signage indicating “no diving” and shallow area markings
- Signage indicating hours of operation
- Clean, undamaged ladders that are free from visible wear and tear
- Clean, undamaged non-slip flooring surrounding the pool’s walkways
- At least 8 feet of water depth below any diving boards
- Slides that are free from damage and sharp edges
- Changing room signage indicating hygiene procedures, including diaper changing stations
- Signage showing CPR and other lifesaving techniques
- Graduated poolside markings indicating pool or spa water depth
- Non-slip ladders or stairs for easy exit from the pool or spa
- Emergency phone easily accessible for 911 calls
- Automatic external defibrillator (AED) on premises
- Key card entry and exits for added security to deter children from wandering into indoor pool areas
Teach your employees about water safety
Drownings don’t often happen with a struggle or screaming. Most drownings are quick, silent, and may even happen in a crowded pool without notice. Review your written safety manuals and conduct employee training annual.
Consider hosting a CPR and water safety class at your business and encourage patrons to attend. (The American Red Cross is a good resource.)
Children and water create an attractive nuisance
Children can cover a lot of ground fast, and they often go unnoticed. Children are also attracted to water. When a child is reported missing and you have water attractions on the premises, always check the water areas first. Do not wait to check the water areas even if the child went missing far from a water hazard.
- Train your employees to respond quickly to all reports involving a missing child.
- Evacuate water areas to clearly see the bottom of the pool or spa.
- Have a communication system in place (walkies, two-way radio, overhead loudspeaker, SMS).
- Rehearse the communication and response procedures with all employees.
Train every employee (not just lifeguards) about what to do when a child goes missing: It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation.
Suction drains and drowning hazards
Suction drain systems pose a silent drowning risk: entrapment. The suction pressure of a blocked drain system is around 700 pounds. That’s enough to prevent an adult from breaking free from the drain. Improperly installed or outdated blockable suction drain systems can cause a child (or adult) to become trapped underwater.
Suction drains require ASME/ANSI-compliant unblockable drain covers — it’s the law
If your business has a pool or spa, you’re legally required to install anti-suction drain covers over blockable drains — or you risk closure by an inspector. A person’s hair, limbs, torso or swim apparel can get trapped in the powerful suction of a blockable pool or spa drain. Anti-suction drain cover regulations have been created to protect against entrapment, but they apply only to commercial pools and spas (not to the average homeowner).
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA or PSSA)
The VGBA addresses the dangers of entrapment involving suction drains in commercial pools and spas, and offers legislation on installing and maintaining anti-suction (unblockable) drain covers. Public pools include any pools that are open to the public, whether free or paid. Public pools also include private clubs such as members-only country clubs, hotels and other closed organizations.
The VGBA does not apply to private homes with pools or spas.
Contact your agent
Your insurance agent knows the liabilities associated with pools and spas. Ask about your general liability limits and let them know of any new spas, pools or other water attractions you’ve installed. And don’t forget to ask about commercial umbrella insurance to provide even more protection.