Swimming Pool Safety Measures and Guidelines

Swimming pools offer a fun and refreshing chance to cool off during the summer heat. But an enjoyable aquatic day can quickly turn into a nightmare with devastating consequences if pool safety gets overlooked. Proper safety rules here in Texas and across the United States aim to keep swimmers safe. These rules, protocols, and guidelines help prevent accidents and minimize risk, which in turn protects the community, pool operators, and managers.

In this article, we explain and review important swimming pool safety laws, discuss some of the most common safety rules, and provide tips for how you can maintain a safe swimming environment for guests. 

[To Note: The information contained in this article is not legal advice and the laws contained on this page could be different in your State of Jurisdiction. This blog is meant to serve as a guide and basis of understanding regarding safe swimming pool practices.]

How Swimming Pool Accidents Happen: A Prevention Guideline

Swimming pool accidents often happen because pool safety is disregarded or not strictly followed by the swimmer, supervisor, or pool owner. Understanding how injuries and drownings happen is key to coming up with action plans to prevent them. 

Slips and Falls

The concrete and tile surrounding pools are constantly wet due to water splashing and spraying on them, creating a dangerous slippery surface. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 200,000 pool-related accidents occur each year, with a large percentage of these incidents being slips and falls. Slipping on concrete can result in broken or fractured bones, head injuries such as concussions, and more. Swimmers can slip off ladder steps that do not have strong enough traction pads for their feet to stay grounded. Damaged surfaces with holes or cracks, missing railings, inclined floors, and poorly installed pool equipment are also ways slips and falls can happen. To reduce the risk of pool injuries, slip-resistant surfaces with texture and grip ought to be implemented around pools. Some options to consider for non-slip materials include rubberized coatings, resin-based coatings like epoxy, paver stones, and concrete with textured finishes. 

Drownings

Drowning events often occur due to children or adults not knowing how to swim, or reaching the point of exhaustion while attempting to continue swimming. Each day here in the U.S., approximately 22 people experience a non-fatal drowning, and 11 people die in drowning incidents. According to American Red Cross, children between the ages of one and four have the highest risk of drowning compared to other age groups. Just a few minutes of experiencing oxygen deprivation underwater can cause physical and cognitive impairments that can sometimes leave a victim with long-lasting injuries.

Overcrowded Pools

A pool becomes overcrowded when people are still allowed in after it has reached its maximum capacity limit. Every pool is unique in depth, size, and shape and these factors contribute to the amount of people each one can safely hold. In an overcrowded pool, occupants are often so close to each other that they are shoulder-to-shoulder. This close proximity can lead to swimmers accidentally kicking, hitting, or pushing each other in the pool, resulting in injuries. A small child can easily get pushed underwater in a crowd of people and remain unseen by lifeguards due to the lack of visibility. To prevent an overcrowded pool, keep track of how many occupants are in the pool by using a check-in and check-out list.

Bather Load

Companies should hire a pool professional to aid in determining the proper “bather load”, which is the reasonable limitation on the number of swimmers in a given pool. Generally, you start by measuring the pool's dimensions. Then, experts calculate the amount of space not obstructed by features such as a diving board, floating basketball goal, or similar. Afterward, you divide the free space by the number of spaces needed for each swimmer. It is often asserted that a reasonable amount of space per person in a standard pool is 15-20 square feet. However, the above calculation is not a set standard, the amount of space and calculation often changes by region and also the intended use of the pool. 

Entrapment 

Every pool has a circulation system that pulls water in through a drain, filters it, and then pushes it back out. Drains are essential but can be dangerous if they are improperly exposed, or are faulty, the incorrect size, or placed too close to one another. If a drain is broken or missing a cover, it can create a powerful suction that can entrap a swimmer underwater, especially a child, by pulling in their limbs, fingers, toes, jewelry, hair, bathing suits, or whole body. In serious cases, victims of drain entrapment are disfigured or disemboweled from the intensity of the suction due to them sitting on or being too close to a faulty drain. To prevent entrapment from occurring, routinely check all drains and their covers to ensure they comply with safety standards.

Lack of Supervision

Children are the most likely age group to drown from a lack of supervision. It takes as little as 20 seconds for a child to drown, and that risk increases if a parent or guardian is momentarily distracted or absent. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends "touch supervision," which asks parents for close contact and supervision within an arm's reach of the child whenever they're in the water. To prevent drowning, post signage encourages parents to not allow their children to swim alone. 

Improper Lifeguard Training

Pool accidents and drownings can occur if a lifeguard is not given proper water safety training, or is not aware of the emergency action plans put in place. For example, if a lifeguard does not have the necessary rescue equipment on hand in the event of a drowning, it can delay the rescue and cause the victim to suffer serious injuries. Pool supervisors must ensure every lifeguard receives first aid, water rescue, and CPR training and should continuously refresh their memory on the procedures.

Imbalanced Pool Chemicals 

Pool chemicals are meant to protect swimmers from bacteria and illness, but sometimes they can cause illness if they are imbalanced. If a pool does not have enough chemicals, it can turn murky with algae and pose a significant risk for infections from bacteria growth. Too many chemicals in a pool such as chlorine, can cause skin irritation, breathing problems, and chemical burns. Follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to properly give pools chemical treatments to avoid injuries from a chemical imbalance.

Improper Lighting 

When lighting fixtures are inadequate at producing enough light to cover an entire area or are improperly installed, injuries can occur. For example, if a pool is open at night, it needs to have artificial lighting illuminating all parts of the pool including depth markers, entrances, signs, walkways, and railings. If a person can not determine how deep or shallow the water of a pool is, they risk injuring their body from jumping or diving and hitting the bottom of the pool or drowning from water that is too deep over their head. All lighting fixtures should be bright enough that the bottom floor of the pool is visible, but not bright enough to blind swimmers or lifeguards from the glare. Improper installment of lighting fixtures can cause electrical fires and possibly electrocute swimmers. It is important to check all wires and electrical outlets to ensure they are properly installed and undamaged before allowing people to use the pool. 

Basic Water Safety Tips

Danger lurks within the smallest things that are often not thought about or taken seriously. But one simple mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences. Swimming pool accidents occur when people fail to stay observant, follow rules, and take necessary precautions. Here are some basic water safety tips to consider:

• Always swim accompanied by another person

• Go down slides feet first and never sideways or backward

• Ensure areas are clear of other swimmers before diving or jumping in

• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages & taking medications that can impair the senses

• Keep floating devices near 

While these suggestions may seem insignificant, they ought to be followed to avoid swimming pool injuries and fatalities. 

Texas Pool Regulations and Guidelines You Should Follow

In Texas, there are rules put in place for both public and private swimming pools that ensure they are safe to use. The barriers that surround pools also have requirements to prevent uninvited guests from entering the premises. The following guidelines highlight the standards in place throughout the United States to ensure swimmer safety. Although these rules may slightly differ in a different state or municipality, these general principles exist nationwide. 

Pool Permit Laws

A permit is necessary to acquire for anyone who seeks to build a pool in Texas. Pool permits ensure that pools are safely designed. You can apply for a pool permit by visiting your county or city website. You will need to include the dimensions of the pool as well as the site plan in your application. The design and maintenance of a pool will need to be in accordance with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and the International Building Code (IBC). 

Regulations for Pool Fences

All fences surrounding a pool in Texas must be at least 4 feet tall and designed in a way that makes them unclimbable. Fences can not exceed more than 4 inches of space between the bottom of the fence and the ground to prevent someone from climbing underneath them. All gaps must be small enough that a circular object cannot pass through, which means that even decorative designs shouldn’t allow for openings of less than 1 ¾ inch in diameter. 

Standards for Windows and Doors

As an industry standard, any door that is in the entryway to a pool should have a keyless bolting device which can only be controlled from inside the door installed 36 inches from the ground. A keyless deadbolt adds an extra security feature that can only be accessed by those who are residents and prevents wandering children from entering the pool without a guardian. Windows that lead to a pool should be tightly secured shut. Alarms need to be added to windows and doors in cases where there are one or more walls surrounding the pool to alert a homeowner or pool supervisor of unauthorized pool activity.

Pool Location Rules

Pools can not be built on front lawns due to the weight, setup required, and chemicals used that can interfere with and damage the property’s landscape. Pools in Texas that are implemented in the backyard must be placed at least 5 feet from the property line to ensure homes are safe from electrical hazards in the case of water intrusion.

Public Restroom Availability

The Texas Health and Safety Code Section 341.068 requires that all public pools must have temporary or permanent restrooms to accommodate those who need to use them during the busiest times of the day. This mandate includes sports and entertainment venues, arenas, event centers, and amusement facilities. Excluded from this requirement are private businesses, along with churches, schools, and historic buildings. California and other states have similar laws and exceptions, with some local governments specifying how many feet the relief facilities must be to the water’s edge. 

Pool Gate Regulations

Installed pool gates in Texas must follow the same regulations as pool fences regarding structure and height. Gates must also have self-closing mechanisms and should automatically lock once closed. The door must open away from the pool to prevent people from being trapped or pushed towards the water in the event of an emergency. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) supports these rules as being a national guideline but notes that this is to be regulated by local rules.

Interactive Water Features 

Health and Safety Code §341.0695 applies safety regulations to all interactive water features that shoot, dump, or spray water. All water features must have a circulation system that accommodates 100% of the turnover flow rate with circulation equipment that complies with NSF and ANSI-50 standards. They will also need to be supplied with treatment tanks that have the ability to fully drain with an automatic control system for the water levels. Interactive water features need to be able to pass standard pH tests with no acidic reaction and should contain free residual chlorine with a level of 1.0 part for every one million units of water. Sanitation levels must be maintained so bacteria do not surpass safe limits. 

If you or someone you love has been a victim of drowning at a commercial pool, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the owner of the pool for failing to uphold these state-mandated requirements. Call (866) 434-0014) or fill out our online form to speak to a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your case.

Pool Designs and Defects 

Every pool has a unique layout that is designed to accommodate its specific needs for things such as its ranges of depth and the capacity of people it needs to hold. However, sometimes certain aspects of a pool’s design get overlooked, which can lead to structural issues that can cause injuries. 

Pool Depths

The functions of a pool and the type of people that will be using it ought to always be considered when determining how deep each section will be. As an example, for a pool to accommodate children, it will generally need to have shallow depths that should measure anywhere from 2-4ft. If a diving board is implemented, the water should be approximately 8ft deep with a sloped floor to protect the diver from hitting the bottom of the pool. Diving into shallow water can cause serious brain and spinal injuries. Visible markers should also be utilized to indicate changing water depths within the pool. There are generally State and City ordinances helping define these requirements. 

Structural Flaws

The foundation and structure of a pool are some of the most important elements to focus on when attempting to design a safe pool. Structural flaws often happen because pool owners choose low-cost over quality materials to build with, which can cause serious damage to a pool over time and injure those who use it, opening up the possibility for a lawsuit.  Low-quality concrete mixes and improper curing often cracks and holes in a pool shell over time. This form of preventable pool destabilization poses serious safety risks to pool guests. Trip injuries, skin lacerations, or worse injuries are common when pool flooring is not installed correctly. Other structural flaws include uneven or sunken decks, plumbing leaks, drainage issues, and poorly constructed pool add-ons. It is important for pool owners and operators to routinely examine the condition of their amenities. If repairs are not identified and remedied, the owner or operator could be deemed negligent after a swimmer is harmed by a structural flaw.  

Important Safety Guidelines For Maintaining A Pool

A poorly maintained and unclean pool can cause those who swim in it to get sick or injured. For example, if a pool has too much chlorine, it can cause eye injuries to those who get the chemical in their eyes. Too many chemicals, bacteria growth, gritty surfaces, debris, and poor circulation can all bring harm to someone swimming. Pool water should be thoroughly tested, filtered, and chemically balanced regularly to ensure it is safe to swim in. 

Equipment for Circulation

Both national and international swimming pool and spa codes discuss the requirement of water circulation systems. These systems ensure the water is properly flowing in order to disperse sanitizer evenly and help limit the spread of bacteria. The water current is formed by using pressurized jets that then flow into a skimmer basket to catch any debris, such as insects or leaves. Generally, a pool pump is necessary to pull that water into the main pool filter to catch any remaining pollutants. Additional components such as returns and main drains are not required but are helpful. When any of the parts break down, it can affect the entire system and expose people to unsafe conditions. 

Cleaning Supplies 

Failure to keep a pool clean can cause slippery algae to grow, minerals to harden on pool surfaces, and dangerous bacteria to multiply. Swimmers who ingest this bacteria can get fatally sick from respiratory or skin infections. They can also slip on algae, or get cut from the sharp buildup of minerals surrounding the pool. One of the best ways to combat this buildup is to use a telescopic pole with a brush on the end to get all of the hard-to-reach areas of the pool. Leaf skimmer nets are also good for collecting any debris floating on the water’s surface. Most jurisdictions don’t have set lists for items that are needed, but having these on hand is reasonably necessary to avoid civil lawsuits from being filed by guests who have suffered damages as a result of uncleanliness.

Pool Chemical Levels

Chlorine and bromine are chemicals that are essential for killing bacteria and viruses in water, but become a danger to the skin if the levels are too high. The proper disinfection of a pool requires a healthy balance of both chlorine and bromine, along with pH. The typical range of chlorine is between 1-4 ppm, with bromine levels being 3-8 ppm. Calcium hardness should be also measured at 200-400 ppm to ensure the pool water does not have a buildup of too many hard minerals. The pH levels of water reveal how basic (alkaline) or acidic it is. If something is basic, it means that it neutralizes acid. The higher the pH level, the more alkaline it is, and the lower the pH level, the more acidic it is. Pool water should maintain a 7.2-7.6 level, which is in the middle of the pH scale range (0-14). Alkaline levels are important to keep track of as well since they keep the pH levels fairly balanced. If any of these levels are too high, a swimmer has the risk of obtaining chemical poisoning. 

If you or a loved one has gotten sick while swimming at a commercial pool due to the owner’s failure to clean and chemically maintain it properly, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer at (866) -434-0014). Our lawyers can aggressively investigate your case to find evidence to support your claim.

Lifeguard Responsibilities and Procedures

Those who swim should be able to confidently put their trust in the hands of the lifeguards who survey the pool, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a lifeguard is distracted, not fully equipped with rescue devices, or is unfamiliar with their training, it becomes difficult for them to rescue drowning victims. Below is a comprehensive list of the skills and procedures a lifeguard needs to have to be rescue-ready.

Effective Zone Coverage

Zone coverage involves dividing a swimming pool area into smaller zones, and positioning a lifeguard to be responsible for a particular area. For effective zone coverage, each lifeguard should be able to see the area completely, from the bottom of the pool to the surface, without obstruction. Each attendant is then designated to handle emergencies within their area and must be able to reach a troubled swimmer within seconds. Some operators might divide the areas based on depth or shape, while others might even allow for overlapping zones.

Proper Mindset

Lifeguards must have a proper mindset at all times to recognize danger and respond quickly. When this does not happen and a victim drowns, it is most likely due to an interruption or distraction from their duties. This improper mindset of a lifeguard is referred to by the acronym R.I.D. which stands for “Recognition, Intrusion, and Distraction.” The ‘R’ of R.I.D. refers to when a lifeguard fails to recognize victims in distress from other swimmers. Intrusion happens when a lifeguard begins their secondary maintenance tasks too soon before another lifeguard has had the chance to cover the zone they left. Distraction often happens when a lifeguard is socially interacting with others and misses a drowning victim. 

Rescue Equipment and Safety Supplies

Lifeguards must always be in proper uniform and have rescue equipment on hand at all times. The uniform consists of polarized sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun from obstructing the view of their zones. Lifeguards are required to have whistles around their necks, rescue tubes on their chests, and rescue equipment such as gloves and masks in a pack around their waists. Other helpful equipment for lifeguards to have include ring buoys, shepherd’s hooks, throwlines, rescue cans, and backboards. Safety supplies such as first aid kits with tools like bandages, antiseptics, and gauze pads are necessary for a lifeguard to have to quickly respond to injuries.

Emergency Procedures

Every pool should have a unique EAP (emergency action plan) in place that is designed in a way that suits the facility’s layout and characteristics. This plan is meant to cover evacuations, water rescues, water emergencies for accidents such as spinal or head injuries, severe weather protocols, chemical spills, and more. 

Need To Speak With A Personal Injury Attorney?

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a swimming pool, it is strongly recommended to consult with an experienced Drowning Accident Attorney as soon as possible. Pool-related injuries often involve layered legal issues, include liability, contributory negligence, insurance claims, multiple defendants, and complex safety regulations. An attorney that regularly handles pool incidents can help properly investigate the case, secure key evidence, handle all conversations with insurance adjusters and defense counsel, and represent your interests in court if the liability entity does not offer your family full compensation for your losses.

Contact Sneed & Mitchell LLP through our confidential online form, or by calling our Texas office directly at (866) 434-0014. Our legal team is ready to help answer your questions and aid you and your loved ones during this difficult time.