Having a pool in your backyard can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with big safety risks if you do not take adequate precautions. A pool accident could trigger an onslaught of legal trouble and regret.
Knowing some strategies for lowering your liability can help you prepare for a safe and rewarding experience with a backyard pool.
Invest in pool barriers
Regardless of whether people can easily access your pool, you should invest in barriers. There are all kinds of fencing options that will prevent people, particularly children and pets, from getting into your pool without supervision. You might also consider motion-activated lights and cameras that will help you monitor movement in your backyard when you are not outside.
Secure liability insurance
Make sure you acquire sufficient liability insurance for your pool. According to Money.com, negligence laws vary from state to state and will impact the type of coverage you need. You will also want to consider what purpose your pool serves in determining the type of coverage to get. For example, do you allow people to use your pool for swimming lessons? Do neighborhood children frequent your pool? Do you rent your home throughout the year? Assessing your liability will take time and require a thorough review of your situation.
Enforce pool rules
When you have people at your pool, enforce safety rules. Remind people of your expectations for pool safety. If you notice non-compliance, use consistent disciplinary measures to reinforce your expectations.
You do not want an accident to happen at your backyard pool. However, adequately preparing for the unknown and making sure you take every precaution can reduce your liability in case an accident does happen.
