Pool Safety for Your Pets
Many families don’t consist of just their human members. Instead, they’re also made up of friends of the four-legged variety, especially cats and dogs. If you have animals in your life and you have a pool or are thinking of installing a pool, it’s important to keep your pets in mind. If you’re not careful, swimming pools and pets can be a disastrous combination. Be cautious, however, and the two can live peaceably together.
Always Supervise Swimming
While some pets are very scared of the water and won’t go near it, others love nothing more than to go for a refreshing dip. If your pets fall into this second category and if you’re okay with them doing some swimming, just be smart about it. Always watch your pet carefully when swimming and help them out of the pool if they appear tired or as if they’re having difficulty. Also, make sure you have a tall pool fence that you close carefully when the pool is not in use. That way, your pets can never wander in and swim unattended, which could potentially be quite dangerous for them.
Choose a Pool Safety Cover
In addition to proper monitoring and a solid fence, opt for a pool safety cover. Much more effective than their floating countertops, these covers are kept firmly in place and can handle a lot of weight. Plus, they serve as great backup just in case your pet happens to find its way into or under your fence.
Add a Pool Alarm
Did you know that pool alarms exist? A lot of people don’t, but they can be extremely helpful and even life-saving for pet owners and parents alike. These alarms are programmed to go off any time a person, pet, or object enters the pool area. However, most do require that the person, pet, or object have a set minimum weight, so ensure you find an alarm that will work with your pet’s weight if you choose to go this route.
Everyone in your home deserves to be safe, and that includes your pets! By taking these measures, you can ensure your pool is a safe place for everyone—furry or not!