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        Pool Safety Information (cont.)      
  1. Place a phone nearby the pool with emergency numbers (911, fire department, poison control center, etc.) listed. Signage about the pool, with "pool rules" is a good idea, but remember to always instruct new users of your pool to what is allowed and what is not. Having a pool can make you popular with neighborhood friends of your children. If rules are not followed, do not allow these children to use the pool.

  2. Having rescue equipment on hand can help prevent a drowning person from drowning someone else. Ring buoys & reaching poles with life hooks should be at the ready. First aid kits should be nearby also.

  3. If you use a pool or spa cover, follow all instructions for their safe installation, use and maintenance. Always remove a cover completely before using the pool, and do not let standing water remain on top; pump it off.

  4. Do not allow children to play near a pool. Games and bike riding can result in someone going in, perhaps bumping their head on the way.

  5. Learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).

  6. Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age.

Use of Diving Boards
  1. If the diving board bothers you, have it removed. If it is too large for the length and depth of the pool; found on many older pools, have it removed.

  2. Inspect the board, the stand, and the hardware for signs of age, cracking, rust, etc.

  3. Do Not allow any drinking and diving. Place a chair on top of the board, with a "No Diving" sign during pool parties.

  4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on safe diving practices, or consult NSPI's pamphlet "Knowing how to dive can be worth more than gold". Instruct all users of your diving board on proper technique.

Chemical Use and Storage Safety

Chemical Safety practices are important to prevent accidents during the transportation, use, and storage of pool chemicals.

Transporting Chemicals
  1. Keep your vehicle clean and organized.

  2. Separate incompatible chemicals, distribute between front seat, back seat and/or trunk.

  3. Don't purchase or carry damaged containers.

  4. Anchor your load securely, so that it won't move around.

  5. Ask your pool supply dealer for MSDS sheets, for your information and HAZMAT personnel in case of an accident.

Storing Pool Chemicals
  1. Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, with a locked entry. Do not set outside in the sun.

    • Keep out of reach of children.

    • Keep pool and spa chemicals separate from each other, and from other chemicals. Violent reactions such as explosion, fire, or noxious gas production can occur when incompatible chemicals contact each other. Never, ever mix any chemicals together.

    • Do not stack chemical containers on top of one another.

    • Replace lids and caps firmly and immediately after opening.

    • Post MSDS sheets and emergency information and phone numbers nearby.

Using Pool Chemicals
  1. Follow label directions carefully. Read the instructions! If the label is faded or torn, don't guess what it is. Return it to your dealer.

    • Add chemicals to pool water, not the other way around. Chemicals should be added directly to the pool, or through a feeder especially designed for that type of chemical. Chemicals added directly to the skimmer could allow strong concentrations to harm pool equipment or swimmers. If the instructions suggest diluting with water first, use a clean, oversized bucket with water in it, then add chemicals to the water in the bucket. Read the Instructions!

    • Wear safety gear when handling chemicals. This may include a breathing respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes, face shield, gloves and apron.

    • Do Not mix chemicals...EVER!  This includes direct mixing of full strength chemicals in a bucket, diluted concentrations and even adding chemicals to the same location in the pool. At the very least you may get a water quality problem, or you may endanger your life or the life of others. Chemicals can mix with each other by using containers or scoops which were previously used for other chemicals. Always use a clean bucket and scoop, designated only for that chemical.

    • Dispose of wastes and spills safely and properly. Immediately clean up any chemical spills. If a violent reaction has occurred, contact the fire department immediately and they will instruct you on steps to take until their arrival, if any. If the spilled chemical is a solid, carefully sweep it up using a clean broom and shovel, and place it in a clean, dry, plastic container. Avoid breathing the dust. If possible, dilute the chemical in water and add it to the pool or spa. Then test and balance the water. If this is not possible, contact the fire department for instructions on disposal. Do not place floor sweepings of chemicals back into the original container. Any foreign substance such as dust, dirt, and water can cause a reaction inside the container. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or shop-vacuum to clean up spilled substances. If the spilled substance is a liquid, it should be soaked up with clean, absorbent materials and placed inside a clean plastic or plastic lined container. Flush the area with large amounts of water.

    • Never smoke around any chemicals. Fire or explosion could result.

    • Do not breath chemical fumes or dust. Wash skin if contact occurs. If chemicals splash in eyes, flush eyes for 15 minutes, and see a physician immediately.

    • Use ONLY a water filled fire extinguisher on a chlorine chemical fire. Never use the dry chemical type of extinguisher.

    • Keep posted emergency numbers for the fire department, poison control center, and MSDS sheets of all chemicals on hand.

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