Say you’re capable enough to have a swimming pool in your own backyard. It’s summer and you probably want to get more mileage from your investment. Hey, nothing beats the heat with a good dip in a cool pool. However, there had been a tad too many accidents in private pools so better be on the alert whenever someone uses it, since it will be most probably be a member of the family. Here are some tips for swimming pool safety.

• Always keep a life rope, a life ring, or even a long pole (your skimming net’s already one) handy just in case a swimmer needs help.
• Install a floating rope that “divides” the shallow and deep portions of your pool.
• Keep pool covers nicely drawn taut. Many a pet and child have drowned from careless installations. A pool cover that gives is an instant death trap.
• Always provide adult supervision and make sure that adult knows what to do. Have every adult trained for first-aid, CPR and basic lifesaving. Your local Red Cross may even provide trainings for free.
• Be wary of lawsuits. If your kids are fond of having friends over, be sure that you explain to them your pool safety rules. Since they’re on your property, they will be under your liability. So if they insist on doing Jackass-type stunts in the pool, be sure to be on your guard. Ban naughty kids if you need to.
• Pool chemicals need to follow proper mixes and proportions so be sure to follow them. Store pool chemicals in a locked toolshed.
• Never add pool chemicals when people are in the water.
• Pool test kits are available so be sure to use them. Replace test kits yearly.
• Never place electrical equipment near water. Boom boxes and stereos while seemingly a must with any pool party, should be placed at a relatively safe distance from water. Oh and you don’t want to short out you iPod, do you?