When we think of pool safety, usually we think of keeping children safe around a swimming pool. But, I can tell you first hand, that you need to consider your pets when thinking about pool safety as well. About 5 years ago, when we first built our swimming pool, we had an unfortunate discovery. When cleaning out the skimmer basket, my husband discovered our beloved cat, Maya. He found her too late and she was lifeless. Despite the fact that our pool has a bench that is only 8 inches deep, she was not able to find her way out of the pool and she drown. It was very sad to think of the suffering she must have gone through. This could have been prevented had we taken the appropriate safety measures to ensure our pets safety. This leads me to a current project that we are in the process of building. A client of ours raises tea cup chihuahuas. When one of our design professionals met with them, they articulated that their pets safety was a major priority. Taking this into account, the designer was able to come up with a design that pleased the homeowners. He designed the swimming pool with a ledge all the way around the perimeter to ensure that the dogs would be able to get out of the water on their own. This decreases the risk of the dogs drowning. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your pets safety around a swimming pool:

1. Install a fence around the swimming pool with a self closing ans self latching gate. Do not let your pet in this enclosed area without your supervision.

2. Keep exterior doors leading to the pool closed and secured.

3. Consider installing a floating pool alarm device that will sound if the pool surface is disturbed. Or, better yet, consider installing a safety cover for your swimming pool.

4. Do not throw your pets in the swimming pool. Although a lot of dogs can naturally swim, they may panic and not be able to get out of the pool.

5. Consider the age of your pet. Older dogs and cats may be more prone to slipping and falling into a swimming pool.

These are just some ways to help prevent an accident from happening. I just wanted to share our story with you so that it might help to save a pet. After all, our pets are a part of our family.

As always, we at Watercolors Custom Pools would love to hear from you. Please feel free to post a comment or share your pet safety ideas.