Denver summers are one of the highlights of living in the city. With the highest number of sunny days in all of the United States, having a pool in your backyard can make the summer in Colorado perfect. Wetworks Pool and Spa are here to help you cool off in the summer sun! Private pool ownership is a great responsibility that reaps excellent rewards when safety precautions are respected. Pool safety should always be a homeowner’s number one priority. Please keep reading our top swimming pool safety tips for Denver home swimming pool owners. Ready to build your own custom pool? Click to find out about our custom pool building services in Denver.

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Top Swimming Pool Safety Tips

A pool is a lot of fun! Backyard swimming pools can be a welcomed relief to the summer heat, a great way to exercise, or a place to relax. Safety precautions should always come first, no matter your use of the pool. Whether you are a guest at a pool, using a shared community pool, or are an at-home swimming pool owner in Denver, we recommend making yourself aware of the safety rules of each swimming pool upon arrival.

Our Top 7 Swimming Pool Safety Precautions

Establish Rules
Learn to Swim
Supervise Children at All Times
Install Pool Barriers
Lightning & Thunder Safety
Be Prepared
Take Care of Your Body

Establish Rules

Part of being a responsible pool owner is establishing rules and seeing that they are followed at all times. No matter how many precautions you take, owning a pool can still be dangerous. To minimize your legal risks, in addition to the personal tragedy of a loved one drowning in your pool, be sure to establish and post your pool rules where everyone can see them. You can also share where the rules are posted with each guest as they arrive and ask them to refresh their memory.

Here are some rules you may include in your pool safety:

Only swim when an adult is present.
Never swim alone; always swim with someone.
No diving in shallow pools.
No running on the pool deck.
Do not swim while intoxicated.
No pushing or horseplay.
No electrical appliances near the pool.
If someone is in trouble, get help FAST. Post what to do in an emergency.

Spinal cord injuries are no joke. Permanent brain damage or even death can result from diving into shallow water. Above-ground pools are very rarely deep enough to dive into. One should never dive into a pool toy or through an inner tube. Above all, be aware of your surroundings and respect the depth of the pool you are enjoying!

Learn to Swim

Swimming is not only fun, but it is also a lifesaving skill! We always encourage pool owners (and pool enjoyers!) to ensure everyone in their household knows how to swim. Non-swimmers should wear CoastGuard-approved life jackets at all times. A life jacket needs to properly fit the age and weight of the person wearing it. Common blow-up swimming aids or toys are not a proper substitute for a life preserver and should never be utilized as such, especially in open water. Learning to swim will benefit you for years to come, as you feel confident in enjoying different bodies of water. Swimming is excellent exercise and a great reason to build a custom pool in your Denver backyard.

Supervise Children at All Times

In addition to teaching your children to swim, we recommend any children swimming be supervised at all times while in your pool. In the water, toddlers and infants should always be within arm’s reach of the adult supervising them. As children age and gain swimming experience, they can be supervised from further away. The supervising adult should be free from distractions like talking on the phone, drinking alcohol, doing chores, or observing through a window. A child should never be left alone out by the pool. The supervising adult should always know how to swim and perform CPR.

Install Pool Barriers

There are a few different barriers every backyard pool owner can install for added safety measures. Here are a few of our go-to barriers. Any fences surrounding the pool should be at least four feet high and built in such a way that prohibits children from climbing over them (with no hand or footholds to help one climb). Consider where your lawn furniture is placed, making sure it is away from the fence so it cannot be used to climb on. When the pool is not being used, remove or lock ladders to prevent easy access. Keeping toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use to discourage children and neighbors from using the pool without your knowledge is always recommended. Pool alarms and safety covers are other barriers to help protect unsupervised swimmers but are not replacements for a fence.

Double-check your homeowner’s insurance policy to include liability coverage, and take all the required measures to create a safe pool area. Some insurance policies will not cover pools with diving boards or slides and insist that safety measures exist. These policy details may influence your decision.

Lightning and Thunder: “If you can see it, flee it. If you can hear it, clear it.”

Lightning can be unpredictable and random. A conservative approach to water safety should always be taken in terms of thunder and lightning. Someone in your group should always be designated as the weather lookout and frequently check the Weather Channel or radio for local weather updates. Pools are connected to a large surface area via underground water pipes, gas lines, and electrical wiring. This network could induce electric shocks when lightning strikes the ground near a pool. Lightning can strike before the rain so keep an eye on the sky for large cumulus clouds, as they are often the first signs of a thunderstorm. Pool activities should be suspended for at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder.

If you are caught swimming during a storm, get out of the water and find shelter as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb is to count how many seconds pass from the first flash of lightning to the sound of thunder. Thirty seconds or less typically means that you are under 5 miles from the lightning. This is the danger or threat zone, and you should take cover immediately. If someone in your group is struck by lightning, you must help them as soon as possible. Call 911 for guidance and apply first aid to any burns. The heart can stop due to electrical shock, and a trained person should administer CPR as fast as possible.

Be prepared for an Emergency.

While we always hope we do not encounter one, emergencies happen. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of four, and it is the fifth leading cause of unintentional deaths for people of all ages. CPR classes are recommended for everyone in the household, as are water safety and first aid certification courses.

Rescue equipment should be easily accessible and in good condition for your at-home swimming pool. This includes safety rings, floats, and a reaching pole or shepherd’s hook. In an emergency, directions of what to do could save someone’s life. For the benefit of your guests or babysitter who may not have your address memorized, a laminated poster or sign in the pool area with your address and emergency phone number could come in handy. Yell for help during an emergency, begin CPR, and immediately call 911.

Stay Hydrated While Protecting your Skin

One of the easiest safety precautions you can take during the summer is to drink enough water! The dry, hot summer heat paired with our mile-high status here in Denver makes it imperative to stay hydrated. Dehydration happens quicker at high altitudes, especially when paired with the midday sun. While sweet beverages like juice and energy drinks can be tempting on a poolside afternoon, sugary drinks can leave you feeling extra lethargic or nauseous in the heat. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water each day is generally a safe bet, but athletes such as swimmers (even if only for a day!) may need more. Dietitians recommend including water-rich foods like watermelon, celery, tomatoes, broccoli, and citrus fruits for summertime snacking to help hydrate the body.

Protecting your skin with 30+ SPF sunscreen will also help prevent dehydration! Did you know severe sunburn and sun poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness? Extra fluids will help with these symptoms and boost your recovery. Dermatologists recommend that SPF 30 or above be applied to the skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays) and water-resistant. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours to be effective immediately after sweating or swimming (sunscreen is water-resistant, not waterproof). Wide brim hats, sunglasses, and clothing add an extra layer of sun protection as well!

Safety is a part of owning a swimming pool in your backyard. We hope that you will feel more confident and prepared to own an at-home pool in your Denver home with these tips. Owning your dream swimming pool is within your reach—peace, love, and SPF.

For more information about home pool safety, design, installation, and maintenance here in Denver contact Wetworks Pool & Spa today.

We are Denver’s Top-Rated Custom At-Home Swimming Pool Builder.

by SEOteam

Building a custom swimming pool in Denver brings with it multiple benefits:

You can skip the large summer crowds at public pools and enjoy swimming with just your friends and family.
Swimming is a wonderful exercise routine! Adults and kids alike can improve both their strength and stamina from swimming, among other benefits.
Every summer birthday in your family will have the perfect party venue.
Adding a custom swimming pool can even increase the value of your property!

Before scouting for pool companies in Denver, there are a few factors to consider:

What is your purpose in building a pool?

Begin by establishing your reasons for wanting to build a pool at home. These reasons will influence the pool’s size, shape, depth, and the type of construction. Is the pool for training or relaxation or recreation? Once you have a clear idea of the whys, the succeeding decisions you’ll be making will nearly answer themselves.

Is your property up to it?

Ask any custom pools Denver CO company and they will tell you that it is easier to build a swimming pool on a level site. Construction costs will be higher if your area slopes steeply. The ground conditions of your property, like a high water table or rocky unstable soil, can make building a pool trickier.

Another environmental consideration is if you live in an earthquake-prone area or there could be potential flooding when it rains heavily. If so, you may need to commission a geotechnical engineering report or soil tests to make sure of your target area’s suitability.

The location and the size of your property will present the outline of options for the size and shape of the swimming pool you are going to build. You’ll also have to take into consideration that small urban sites will have strict requirements on the type of construction close to boundaries, like shading from neighboring buildings or trees will put limitations on where you can place a swimming pool. Consulting a reputable Custom swimming pool Denver company like WetWorks Pool & Spa will be able to offer you solutions for any of the mentioned scenarios that may pop up.

Where are you going to put the pool?

You’ve decided which type of pool you want to build, now it’s time to determine where you want to put it. Your first task is to check your area’s council and building regulations, on-site coverage allowance, proximity to wastewater fields, pool fencing requirements, and the location of utilities like electrical gas, cable, water, telephone, and water lines, among others. Other important factors to consider:

The view of the swimming pool from inside your house, as well as the rest of the backyard area. Being able to see the pool from the inside is important if you are going to have children swimming. You may consider adding lighting or water features to enhance the appearance and visibility of the pool.
Maximize sun exposure. This is important because sun exposure will help keep the water temperature warm. Large trees around the vicinity of the pool tend to block the sun and the leaves will inevitably drop into the water, leading to frequent maintenance for you down the road.
Wind exposure will cool the water down and increase evaporation. In lieu of building screens around the pool area, plants provide a natural barrier that also enhances the space aesthetically.
Consider the flow, or circulation routes, of your custom swimming pool in Denver. How are people going to enter and exit the pool?
Is there an area for poolside entertainment and relaxation? Do you intend to build a mini bar by the pool or do you envision lounge chairs? Is there enough area to add sun umbrellas, offering shade? Would you like a space for kids to play or add poolside toys? Maybe there’s even a changing area!
Determine where to store your custom pool essentials such as filtration equipment and cleaner. These should be stored together, out of reach of children, in a dry place.

Consider Alternatives to Chemical Cleaning.

A recent trend for homeowners today who love the idea of having their own custom swimming pool in Denver but dislike like pool chemicals, is building a natural pool. This trend, like so many others, is inspired by natural pools in Europe. These pools are inground, lined plants and rely on natural processes and filtration to keep them clean. While they may have a higher cost on the initial build, natural pools have lower maintenance costs year to year. They are also adaptable, as you are creating a mini ecosystem to naturally filter the water, keeping your pool chemical free! Swimming surrounded by plants also welcomes the feeling of escaping to a relaxing getaway, only steps from your kitchen.

What is your budget?

You should start your research with an initial budget that you are ready to spend. It is important to set a budget because that will determine what materials you’d use for the pool, among other factors like the size and location. Fiberglass composite materials may start at $35,000. You may opt for concrete pools with customizable shapes and sizes, ranging upwards of $55,000. This costing usually includes heating, decking, covers, and landscaping. The costs of filtration parts (pumps, filters, etc.) and keeping the water clean (chemicals, chlorinators, suction cleaners, self-cleaning units, etc.) will all depend on how you choose to customize your pool.

Bottom Line

Summer months in Denver are remarkably hot and dry. With limited pools in the area, building a pool in your backyard is a great idea. Custom swimming pools in Denver with WetWorks Pool & Spa could be the perfect addition to your space at home. Pools not only provide you with the perfect venue for summer time gatherings, they provide you with a piece of paradise just outside of your kitchen door. Call WetWorks Pool & Spa, we want to hear about your dream pool!

by Content Team H

Now more than ever, families are craving to head out on a vacation. We all need a break every once in a while to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. However, planning a vacation can be overwhelming, especially with safety concerns regarding travel. Additionally, vacations are often expensive, and many people don’t have the extra room in their budgets to splurge on a trip. So, what can you do to reap all of the benefits of a vacation without the hassle and expense? Our suggestion is a staycation.

With a pool in your very own backyard, you can have a staycation whenever you please. No preparation is required – you can just head outside and enjoy an outdoor escape from the daily grind. Let’s learn more about Denver home pool staycationing and the perks of considering a custom pool for your abode.

Staycation: Vacation Without Leaving Home

What exactly is a staycation? It’s a holiday break that you take right from the comfort of your own home. By taking a staycation, you can enjoy the relaxation of a vacation without all of the complications that come along with a trip out of town. For a summer holiday, having a Denver home pool can upgrade your staycation. When you relax by the pool, you’ll automatically be transported to a calmer, more luxurious place. Clear blue water under the bright Colorado sunshine will offer you a break from day-to-day stressors and your regular routine without ever setting foot off of your property.

The Benefits of a Staycation at Your Home Pool

Save Money

One of the main perks of taking a staycation in lieu of an out-of-town trip is cost-effectiveness. Vacations are undeniably expensive. Between flights, rental cars, hotels, meals out, and activities, your vacation may cause more financial stress than it’s worth. When you opt for a staycation, you get to avoid extraneous expenses and focus on what’s important. After all, relaxation and the company of loved ones are priceless. With a staycation, you won’t have to worry about staying within budget – in the comfort of your home, you can relax without spending a dime.

Ditch The Dangers of Traveling

Currently, traveling is associated with health risks. If you don’t feel comfortable with these risks, or if you want to avoid the restrictions that currently come along with traveling to several locations, consider a staycation instead. With your loved ones and a pool in your backyard, you can simply enjoy the fresh air – no masks required.

Avoid Time Off Work

Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the flexibility to take extended periods off of work. But, if you’re planning a vacation, it may feel disappointing to put effort into the trip if you can only stay for a few days. A staycation will give you the complete flexibility to only vacation for as long as your work allows. Even if it only lasts for a weekend, a staycation can lower your stress levels and give you a chance to slow down amidst the daily chaos.

Skip The Pet Sitter

Many of us here in Denver and around the United States have one or more pets as members of the family. Especially if you have a pet that requires daily care, like a dog, heading out of town to go on vacation will require you to hire a pet sitter. If you choose to bring your pet along with you on vacation so that you don’t have to be apart from your furry friend, you’ll have to put extra time and energy into making sure that your vacation spot is pet-friendly. If that sounds like a hassle to you, a staycation is an excellent alternative.

During your staycation at your home pool, your pets can be in on the fun. The whole family will be together – including the pets – for a tranquil break from routine.

Home Pool Construction In Time For Summer

If you want to prepare now for a summer of staycations, consider getting started on your home pool project now. Wetworks Pool and Spa provides custom pool design and construction services to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more!

by Content Team H

We’re about to embark on a new year, and it’s the perfect time to explore the pool design trends that are currently circulating among Denver home pool owners. Whether you’re planning on renovating the home pool that you own now, or looking to install a home pool for the very first time, we’re here to help you get the most out of your backyard oasis. There are many exciting trends in residential pool design that we’re excited to share with you.

LED Lighting

Pool lighting is a must for many homeowners. One of the main perks of owning your own pool is that you can head out for a private swim at any time, day or night. But, if you head out for a night swim, you’ll need lighting to stay safe and comfortable under the night sky. For the most effective and energy-efficient pool lighting, many homeowners are now opting for LED lights.

Energy-Efficiency

LED pool lights are preferable to traditional incandescent bulbs for several reasons. The main reason that comes to mind for most is energy-efficiency. LED lighting uses less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. This is not only better for the environment, but also for your monthly utility bills. With LED pool lighting, you’ll pay less each month in energy expenses than you would with a traditional pool lighting system.

Longer Lifespan

As an added bonus, LED light bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs. This is partly due to the fact that LED bulbs have included heat sinks that prevent them from overheating. So, with LED pool lighting, you won’t need to have the bulbs replaced as frequently. This will further save you money and make your pool maintenance to-do list a bit shorter.

Fire Elements

Fire and water create the ultimate juxtaposition. Combined as part of your home pool design, fire and water are simply spectacular. This is why fire elements are one of the hottest pool elements among homeowners today.

Fire bowls are popular for home pools. These bowls are striking and modern, providing a spectacular take on the tiki torch. Additionally, fire bowls come in all different shapes and materials. With a wide array of fire element designs available, you’ll easily be able to find an option that appeals to your Denver home pool vision.

Attached Bar

Entertaining is one of the key motivators for people to invest in a home pool. With a pool in your backyard, you’ll have a convenient venue for any get-together that you won’t have to worry about reserving. Cocktail parties at your home pool are sure to be the talk of the neighborhood!

To facilitate parties at your home pool, you can consider having an attached bar included in your pool design. Attached bars are becoming a popular add-on for home pool owners, and it’s not hard to see why. With an attached bar, it’s easier than ever to access drinks and bar snacks while you’re entertaining at the pool. Plus, this pool design element looks incredible. With an attached bar, you’ll have a mini-resort in your own backyard.

Natural Pools

In past eras, chlorine was the virtually universal option for home pools. When it came to sanitizing your pool, you’d need to have this chemical added for sanitation. Nowadays, homeowners are starting to opt for natural pool sanitation systems instead. There are many natural pool options available, allowing home pool owners in Denver and beyond to skip the chemicals without sacrificing a safe, clean pool.

Aquatic Vegetation

For a wholly natural pool option, many homeowners today are choosing aquatic vegetation to act as naturally-occurring water filters. Zero chemicals are required to keep this type of natural pool clean – all you’ll need is the aquatic vegetation.

Saltwater

Saltwater pools are also popular as chlorine pool alternatives. Saltwater pools have been around for a long time. But, they’re now becoming more widespread among home pool owners. Saltwater swimming water is much gentler and more pleasant than water with added chlorine. Plus, with a saltwater pool, less maintenance is required to keep the water clean, providing additional convenience for home pool owners.

Ready to upgrade or construct your Denver home pool? Contact WetWorks Pool and Spa today to get started.

Tag: Denver home pool

Safety Precautions for Swimming Pools in Denver CO