Make Sure Your Backyard Pool Is Safe for Winter

Updated May 29, 2019

Summer is officially over. As we move into fall, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and preparing for the long winter months. For some of us, that means closing the pool for the season.

Opening, maintaining, and closing a pool is a lot of work, and millions of us enjoy the summer months by swimming and relaxing in backyard pools. Tragically, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year.

Swimming Pool Safety Standards

The Indiana Residential Building Code governs safety features of residential swimming pools. Here’s what we found.

Restricted Access

Access to residential pools should be restricted by one of the following:

• Walls or fencing not less than 4 feet high surrounding the pool with lockable gates
• A power safety pool cover that needs a key or secure access to open and close

Lifesaving Equipment

Residential swimming pools must have the following lifesaving equipment installed:

• A ring or rope-throwing buoy
• A pole not less than 12 feet in length
• Access to a telephone

Transition Rope

In pools where the slope change occurs in water depths less than 4.5 feet, a transition rope supported by buoys must be installed.

Closing Your Pool

If you haven’t already closed your pool, you will soon. Make sure your pool has the aforementioned safety devices installed. Now is also a great time to walk the perimeter to make sure your fencing and pool cover are in good condition and the locks and latches are working properly.

Wilson Kehoe Winingham brings you this information with best regards for you and your family’s safety.

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