Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Swimming Pools

With summertime right around the corner, many residents are either considering installing swimming pools on their properties or preparing existing pools for the season.

Those who own residential pools or consider installing them, must be aware of important guidelines, that often, can be lifesaving. Many communities, including East Hartford, have enacted safety regulations for barriers at residential swimming pools—in ground and above ground. In addition to following these laws, parents who own pools can take their own precautions to reduce the chances of their youngsters accessing the family or neighbors’ pools or spas without supervision. Please see this informational booklet with details on pool safety here.

If you have a pool:

• Install a 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the pool and spa, including portable pools.
• Use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask neighbors to do the same if they have pools or spas.
• If your house serves as the fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm and/or a pool or spa cover.
•  Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order.
•  Ensure any pool or spa you use has anti-entrapment safety drain covers; ask your pool service representative if you do not know.
•  Have life saving equipment such as life rings, floats or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

For more information, call Inspections and Permits Department at 860-291-7340. Visit this link for further information.