View Full Version : Pool Safety
amylucinda
22-02-2005, 09:42
We're looking at renting a 4 bedroom, one in Oak Island Harbor or one in Indian Creek (actually from someone here...can I say that?)
Being the cautious mom of the times, I'm a tad concerned about the pool, having an almost 4 year old and a 6 year old, for whom this will be a new experience. I do know there are FL laws about having the door alarmed.
1) Does that apply to all doors that lead to the pool, even master bedroom doors?
2) Do the doors have automatic closing mechanisms, so if someone goes out, the door closes behind them?
3) How do you open the door?
4) How do you lock the door? Can you make it childproof?
(I know..I need to email my specific owners but for the moment, I'm kinda looking for generalities...)
Thanks in advance.
huckleberry house
22-02-2005, 10:39
Hi Amy
Welcome to the forums.
It is quite hard to generalise but I will do my best.
Firstly the law to have pool alarms fitted doesnt necessarily relate to all homes as when it was introduced it wasnt retrospective and didnt cover all short term rental areas so some homes built before it came into affect ( around 2000/2001 )wont necessarily have them and some homes may have the " switchoffable " types whereby the guest can legally switch them off.Also for a lot of recent homes there is now a choice between pool door alarms or a childproof fence closing off access to the pool.
Bearing that in mind :
1) If the house does have to have alarms then it will apply to all doors that lead to the pool area including master bedroom etc.
2)No I have never heard of automatic closers.
3) The doors are generally very similar to patio doors we have here so will have a slider type lock and many may also have a secondary locking bar that lifts up to stop the sliding door opening.
4)Covered in 3 really.
As you say it really would be best to contact the owners you have shortlisted as one of the advantages of renting direct is the personal contact with the owner enabling you to ensure all your requirements are met.
Lesley
Hi Amy,
I am paranoid mum of 5 ages ranging from 3 to 20, we have been going to villas with pools for 20 years so I know how you feel, keep all doors looked when inside the villa and alarms on and have a rull that no child goes out to the pool without and adult present, sit the children down and tell them the rules, also you can get body suits with built in floats from Walmart.
You will be fine and have a great holiday!![msnwink]
Nostromo
22-02-2005, 10:53
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by amylucinda
We're looking at renting a 4 bedroom, one in Oak Island Harbor or one in Indian Creek (actually from someone here...can I say that?)
[/quote]
Hi Amy. I am sure that a lot of others will reassure you about the pool, but regards the villa itself, the owners are not allowed to respond to queries via these forums. You have to post your requirement through the specific area provided on the OV main page. All the best.
LiesaAnna
22-02-2005, 11:25
the villa we stayed in twice, had the alarms on the window that leads out to the pool, not a full length door but normal window, believe me when the door is opened and the alarm goes off it shrills!!!!! everyone will hear it!! was so impressed with this when we first went but luckily lauren was 7 going on 15 then so knew not to open the doors, but this year we staying at Terra Verde, and the villa has the fencing that goes accross which will be so much better for us as we're taking grandson who will be 21 months!!!! a handfull and very fast now!!! and hes not even walking yet!!!!
have a great time!!
linda allen
22-02-2005, 12:03
I know how you feel, our two boys have both fallen into the pool on several occasions. Luckily we were there at all times.
We are so worried about this that we have added a removeable pool fence to our unbuilt villa as well as door alarms.
Another tip is that when they are around the pool area always make them ware arm bands. This hepled last year when our 2 year old decided he was going to jump into the pool after his Daddy.
Our 4 year old is now taking swimming lessons.
Calamity Jane
22-02-2005, 12:35
Hi Amy
After 3 children and two grandchildren I have always treated my villas the same way as I would if I lived on a very busy main road, the doors are locked at all times whether alarmed or not, plus all children should be supervised if a non swimmer (or even a very young swimmer). Our villas have two locks plus security bars to stop the doors sliding across.
The majority of private owners will have provided some measure of a safety system as regards the pool area, but ultimately it is down to parents to keep a watchful eye on their children. I used body suits ( with floats in them ) when the grandkids were very young and before they could swim, they are aged 4 & 6 and they can both swim now but we constantly kept a tight rein on them before this.
I also have never heard of automatic doors in a villa
As a parent I know how you feel about children and swimming pools as they can be a cause for anxiety as accidents do happen. As stated by Nostromo villa owners cannot respond to specific requests for their villas on the forum but if you make a request for a villa on one of the sites listed asking about pool safety http://orlandovillas.com/ http://www.villasflorida.com/ and http://www.onlinefloridavillas.com/ then owners will be very happy to let you know what pool safety measures they have in place as well and answer any other questions you might have.
Robert5988
22-02-2005, 12:58
The major concern is obviously unsupervised toddlers falling into the pool.
However in my experience a more frequent scenario is ‘horseplay’ by youngsters(and inebriated adults) causing minor injuries.
The house rules usually ban glass containers from the pool area – well worth sticking rigidly to that one.
We had owned our villa for less than 2 hours when our two teenagers (old enough to know better) went outside to play with ball across the pool. They assured me they would be carefully and not fall in. Never believe a teenager within 5 minutes they younger one had fallen in fully clothed.
If you are worried about glass on the patio area when making an enquiry ask if owners provide separate non breakable glassware etc for use outside.
linda allen
22-02-2005, 15:21
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Calamity Jane
Hi Amy
After 3 children and two grandchildren I have always treated my villas the same way as I would if I lived on a very busy main road, the doors are locked at all times whether alarmed or not, plus all children should be supervised if a non swimmer (or even a very young swimmer). Our villas have two locks plus security bars to stop the doors sliding across.
The majority of private owners will have provided some measure of a safety system as regards the pool area, but ultimately it is down to parents to keep a watchful eye on their children. I used body suits ( with floats in them ) when the grandkids were very young and before they could swim, they are aged 4 & 6 and they can both swim now but we constantly kept a tight rein on them before this.
I also have never heard of automatic doors in a villa
[/quote]
I think I will try the body suits for our two, they might be easier to keep on.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by amylucinda
We're looking at renting a 4 bedroom, one in Oak Island Harbor or one in Indian Creek (actually from someone here...can I say that?)
Being the cautious mom of the times, I'm a tad concerned about the pool, having an almost 4 year old and a 6 year old, for whom this will be a new experience. I do know there are FL laws about having the door alarmed.
1) Does that apply to all doors that lead to the pool, even master bedroom doors?
2) Do the doors have automatic closing mechanisms, so if someone goes out, the door closes behind them?
3) How do you open the door?
4) How do you lock the door? Can you make it childproof?
(I know..I need to email my specific owners but for the moment, I'm kinda looking for generalities...)
Thanks in advance.[/quote]Home owners take pool safety very seriously and pool door alarms or pool fences became the law in October 2000. You may find a very few owners who do not have these if their home were built before that date but the majority of homes will have at least one of these (some have both), regardless of when the home was built.
It applies to all doors (sliding or not) that lead to the pool area but I've not come across a home with automatic door closers as this wouldn't do much for pool safety - the child gets out and the door automatically closes after them? 99% of doors in Florida which lead to the outside have two locks on them, one of which is nearly always too high for little ones to reach.
Having said that, I can't answer for your specific home owner of course so you need to contact them to ask what facilities they have in their particular home.
Accidents can still happen (as said above) so there's nothing to beat parental supervision of little ones, not only the event of them escaping through doors but also out on the pool deck and an adult must be around at all times. Also, parents need to be vigilant if their rental home is near unguarded water areas, ie lakes and streams and keep the other doors which lead to the outside locked at all times.
markandpam
22-02-2005, 16:09
I have an alarm fitted to the doors and as a previous posting said...it shrills very very loudly when the door is open. I also make sure that there are plenty of "plastic" glasses to take out to the pool.
Pam.
Aiminghigh
22-02-2005, 16:47
We've rented for about 13 years now-with 3 children who have all gone since they were babies.
I'd say that common-sense parental rules apply. Yes, you do have to keep the doors locked etc when you are not directly supervising them, but the advantages of renting a villa over a hotel(and we've done both) far, far outweigh the extra vigilance.
Hopkinson
chrizzy100
22-02-2005, 17:10
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Calamity Jane
Hi Amy
After 3 children and two grandchildren I have always treated my villas the same way as I would if I lived on a very busy main road, the doors are locked at all times whether alarmed or not, plus all children should be supervised if a non swimmer (or even a very young swimmer). Our villas have two locks plus security bars to stop the doors sliding across.
The majority of private owners will have provided some measure of a safety system as regards the pool area, but ultimately it is down to parents to keep a watchful eye on their children. I used body suits ( with floats in them ) when the grandkids were very young and before they could swim, they are aged 4 & 6 and they can both swim now but we constantly kept a tight rein on them before this.
I also have never heard of automatic doors in a villa
[/quote]
In some States it is law to have automatic closing doors leading out to the pool area....after reading Blotts post I think from what I remember my friend who has them said was they can be made to heavy for a young child to open.....so if you go outside and close the door....a young child can't follow you.......and you can't forget to close it.....
Cruella DeVilla
22-02-2005, 19:33
Check with the owners what their set up is and that should put your mind at rest.
We personaly have a pool safety fence around our pool which can be left up if anyone is worried about unsupervised dips! It's in one of our pictures in the add if you want to see what it is like.
LiesaAnna
22-02-2005, 19:40
you have to have eyes in the back of your head with the little people!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nostromo
22-02-2005, 19:41
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Check with the owners what their set up is and that should put your mind at rest.
We personaly have a pool safety fence around our pool which can be left up if anyone is worried about unsupervised dips! It's in one of our pictures in the add if you want to see what it is like.
[/quote]
That's good from a safety viewpoint, but won't a fence spoil the looks of a swimming pool? What about those retractable pool covers that we see in the movies? Probably horribly expensive.
Cruella DeVilla
22-02-2005, 20:08
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Check with the owners what their set up is and that should put your mind at rest.
We personaly have a pool safety fence around our pool which can be left up if anyone is worried about unsupervised dips! It's in one of our pictures in the add if you want to see what it is like.
[/quote]
That's good from a safety viewpoint, but won't a fence spoil the looks of a swimming pool? What about those retractable pool covers that we see in the movies? Probably horribly expensive.
[/quote]
It is removable Arun, so you can put it up and take it down or just roll it back in a minute or two, or if you want to leave it up one section of it folds back to make an entrance to the pool but the catch is tricky so a child would not be able to do it.
We are getting a pool cover in March but this is more to keep the heat in the pool in winter months.
Ray&Sarah
22-02-2005, 20:21
Our son has been drawn to water since he first started walking, on a couple of occasions he scared the life out of us when we were on holiday. Consequently his dad decided as soon as he could he would have to learn to swim, so at 4 he started lessons, he is now 15 and a very good swimmer, taking part in county events here in the UK. His dad is now a qualified swim teacher and life saver and it was very important to him that our villa pool area was safe, the pool alarm we have fitted is nice and loud and is on all windows and doors that lead to the pool, think that is pretty standard with villas that have these alarms. We are looking at having one of those fences fitted too just to be on the ultra safe side.[msnsmile2]
Lesley S
22-02-2005, 20:53
I know on all homes on Indian Creek, they are all alarmed, if a child does manage to open a door, the pool alarm door will go off. They are also at a height were smaller children can't reach. Our daughter is now 7 and she is still unable to reach it and she can swim. All doors have to be closed manually and are do not automatically close behind them, I am sure this is the case with most villas.
I think that the other points have been answered earlier on. If you have any doubts I would email the owners.
christhear
22-02-2005, 21:09
A pool cover is defineately not a safety device. If a child falls into a pool with a cover on they will simply slip under this and have trouble coming up for air. Never let a child in a pool until the cover is completely off. My personal view is that the safety fence is better than the door alarms. My 7 year old knows how to press the alarm ont he way out so could easily get outside without us knowing. However he can not remove the safety fence. I find it hard enough to do this myself. We actually have alarms and a safety fence at our villa for double safety. If you are really worried go for a villa that has both.
LiesaAnna
22-02-2005, 21:36
yes if i had a small child to consider would go for both, you just cant be to careful!!
E. Cosgrove
22-02-2005, 21:57
Our safety fence takes two adults to remove it!!!
This may be because it is new and really needs stretching between the holes where the posts go, no way could a child remove it or undo the catch.
Christine, your 7 year old must be exceptionally tall as the pool door alarms have to be, by law, at least 54 inches from the ground!
Lesley S
22-02-2005, 22:29
That is what I was thinking Blott. It is only the newer (more recent) homes that have the pool fences, pool alarms are just as affected. I also think it is down to parents to tell their children about the dangers of water and about opening the doors. Most villas have a security safety bar on the patio doors, if you have any doubts use these as well.
I am sure that the ones in our villa are about the same height as me, (can't remember) and I am 5ft 6. This is standard I think in most homes.
Robert5988
23-02-2005, 00:37
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:A pool cover is defineately not a safety device. If a child falls into a pool with a cover on they will simply slip under this and have trouble coming up for air.[/quote]
There are 2 types of pool cover. One is for retaining heat in the pool and as you say is almost the opposite of a safety device. I had this on a pool in UK and just managed to rescue an exhausted dog that had fallen in. A couple of hedgehogs drowned
The other type is a safety cover designed for exactly the reason we have been talking about - preventing children from falling into the pool. It is marketed with this in mind.
Do a google for swimming pool covers.
christhear
23-02-2005, 01:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Chritine, your 7 year old must be exceptionally tall as the pool door alarms have to be, by law, at least 54 inches from the ground!
[/quote]
My son is 50" tall and one of the smallest in his class at school (also one of the youngest) so with stretching his arms up he can reach the door alarm. It's amazing how tall children can get when they want to reach something.
ringwood1
26-02-2005, 21:59
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
Cruella DeVilla
26-02-2005, 22:09
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
I think you will find most people have some sort of decal on the door to stop you walking into them I know we have.
CDV we too have one on our pool for just that reason, to stop people walking into it. It would not be sensible to leave the door open, anyway, as it would make the air con work flat out, and you might get bugs in.
Ringwood 1, I am surprised to hear that your children found the pool rough enough to take their skin off. A pool that is properly maintained should not be so rough that it grazes the skin. I would be very concerned if any of our guests had to wear shoes in the pool. Did you mention it to your villa owner? I would certainly want to know if that was the case. Hope another time you find a pool which is smooth enough to be comfortable and not cause grazing.
Hope it didnt spoil your children's enjoyment of the pool - knowing kids they probably enjoyed it despite everything!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
I think you will find most people have some sort of decal on the door to stop you walking into them I know we have.
[/quote]
Yes - we have them too. They have prevented many a headache!
Ringwood 1, I am surprised to hear that your children found the pool rough enough to take their skin off. A pool that is properly maintained should not be so rough that it grazes the skin. I would be very concerned if any of our guests had to wear shoes in the pool. Did you mention it to your villa owner? I would certainly want to know if that was the case. Hope another time you find a pool which is smooth enough to be comfortable and not cause grazing.
Hope it didnt spoil your children's enjoyment of the pool - knowing kids they probably enjoyed it despite everything!
[/quote]
Ellie, it might have been that the pool had just been lined that the surface was rough. When we had ours relined last year I was concerned about this, but thankfully ours was done nice and smooth, but I have heard that this is not always the case. It does ware down, but you can get special rubber shoes from Walmarts for tender feet. They are also meant to be good for on the beach[msnwink]
Ah! I wonder if that was the case here Karen. Have never experienced it myself thankfully. Would be too much of a squinny if we found a pool to be rough, like it nice and smooth - and warm of course - first of the wimps, me, when it comes to cold pools![msnwink]
Ray&Sarah
01-03-2005, 16:17
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
I think you will find most people have some sort of decal on the door to stop you walking into them I know we have.
[/quote]
Thanks CDV that was one of the jobs we meant to do this time, as both Ray and my sons girlfriend walked straight into the door last time we were here.[msnscared][msnsmile2]
E. Cosgrove
01-03-2005, 16:24
It's on my list of jobs to do as well Sarah, and before I ask the question I guess the answer is Walmart!:D
Ray&Sarah
01-03-2005, 16:28
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by E. Cosgrove
It's on my list of jobs to do as well Sarah, and before I ask the question I guess the answer is Walmart!:D
[/quote]
Will have a look round and let you know Liz.[msnsmile2]
Cruella DeVilla
01-03-2005, 19:25
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Ray&Sarah
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
I think you will find most people have some sort of decal on the door to stop you walking into them I know we have.
[/quote]
Thanks CDV that was one of the jobs we meant to do this time, as both Ray and my sons girlfriend walked straight into the door last time we were here.[msnscared][msnsmile2]
[/quote]
OUCH[}:)]
Ray&Sarah
02-03-2005, 16:58
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Ray&Sarah
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
I think you will find most people have some sort of decal on the door to stop you walking into them I know we have.
[/quote]
Thanks CDV that was one of the jobs we meant to do this time, as both Ray and my sons girlfriend walked straight into the door last time we were here.[msnscared][msnsmile2]
[/quote]
OUCH[}:)]
[/quote]
I know CDV, the funny thing was that Ray had commented when Richs girlfriend did it that he couldn't understand how she hadn't realised it was closed, then the next day did it himself.[msnwink]:D
Most decking surfaces have some sort of texture to give a bit of friction so they are less slippery. The surface of the pool itself should be smooth though. We have both an alarm which is high up and all houses on our resort were provided with fencing which can be removed, but quite a tricky catch for a child to do - I struggle sometimes. We also have a large sign on the wall. I heard somewhere that some counties have made the screening by the pool mandatory, but I don't know if this is correct or not.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
chrizzy100
04-03-2005, 18:47
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by gromit
Most decking surfaces have some sort of texture to give a bit of friction so they are less slippery. The surface of the pool itself should be smooth though. We have both an alarm which is high up and all houses on our resort were provided with fencing which can be removed, but quite a tricky catch for a child to do - I struggle sometimes. We also have a large sign on the wall. I heard somewhere that some counties have made the screening by the pool mandatory, but I don't know if this is correct or not.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ringwood1
My 9 year old couldn't open the door to the pool and I couldn't do the child safety fence on my own. I found the main safety problem with the pool was having to keep the patio doors closed and my childen kept trying to walk through them. In the end I put some peelable stickers on the window so they could tell when the doors were shut. Also, the pool surface was very rough and by the end of the week both children had rubbed the skin off their toes so it might be worth taking some form of beach shoe to prevent that happening. I found that I spent my time by the pool with them anyway as it was nice to sit in the fresh air.
[/quote]
[/quote]
They change the rules when they feel like it......in Polk when we were buying.....you had to have a fence....and it had to be in place at all times.....because of the neigbourhood kids.....not having a pool I have not idea if thats the same now.......
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
They change the rules when they feel like it......in Polk when we were buying.....you had to have a fence....and it had to be in place at all times.....because of the neigbourhood kids.....not having a pool I have not idea if thats the same now.......[/quote]Everywhere in Florida that there is a residential swimming pool (as opposed to a public one) has the same regulations.
Pools have to be enclosed (by a fence or pool net cage) so that people wandering around in the dark can't fall into them by accident and neither can roaming children, animals, etc.
Pools built since October 2001 also have to have at least one of the following: pool door and window alarms, pool fence or self closing doors. There are specification requirements for each of these choices. the pool builder has to provide these in order to meet building regulations and get a permit to build a pool. Homes built before that date don't have to but the vast number do have the above safety features.
Although our home comes into the latter category, we have always had pool door alarms so that we can sleep at night with a clear conscience that we have done everything we can to prevent a pool tragedy at our home.
chunkichik
04-03-2005, 19:59
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
They change the rules when they feel like it......in Polk when we were buying.....you had to have a fence....and it had to be in place at all times.....because of the neigbourhood kids.....not having a pool I have not idea if thats the same now.......[/quote]Everywhere in Florida that there is a residential swimming pool (as opposed to a public one) has the same regulations.
Pools have to be enclosed (by a fence or pool net cage) so that people wandering around in the dark can't fall into them by accident and neither can roaming children, animals, etc.
Pools built since October 2001 also have to have at least one of the following: pool door and window alarms, pool fence or self closing doors. There are specification requirements for each of these choices. the pool builder has to provide these in order to meet building regulations and get a permit to build a pool. Homes built before that date don't have to but the vast number do have the above safety features.
Although our home comes into the latter category, we have always had pool door alarms so that we can sleep at night with a clear conscience that we have done everything we can to prevent a pool tragedy at our home.
[/quote]
Arrh, that explains why our Indian Creek villa didnt have an alarm when we went in 2002.
As my children were quite cautious about the pool when we first went, we bought some of the lifejackets from Walmart they were only about $11 each and we replaced them with bigger ones last time!
Daniel is now an excellent swimmer while Ross, bless him just can't get the hang of it!! I will buy him a jacket in October but they are very good and would never go out to the pool unless they asked first.
I think the fences are a good idea, if I were a villa owner I would want to do anything to make these luxurious, but sometimes hazardous, pools safer[msnsmile2]
chrizzy100
04-03-2005, 20:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
They change the rules when they feel like it......in Polk when we were buying.....you had to have a fence....and it had to be in place at all times.....because of the neigbourhood kids.....not having a pool I have not idea if thats the same now.......[/quote]Everywhere in Florida that there is a residential swimming pool (as opposed to a public one) has the same regulations.
Pools have to be enclosed (by a fence or pool net cage) so that people wandering around in the dark can't fall into them by accident and neither can roaming children, animals, etc.
Pools built since October 2001 also have to have at least one of the following: pool door and window alarms, pool fence or self closing doors. There are specification requirements for each of these choices. the pool builder has to provide these in order to meet building regulations and get a permit to build a pool. Homes built before that date don't have to but the vast number do have the above safety features.
Although our home comes into the latter category, we have always had pool door alarms so that we can sleep at night with a clear conscience that we have done everything we can to prevent a pool tragedy at our home.
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Sorry Blott I was talking about a pool fence not a garden one.....
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by E. Cosgrove
It's on my list of jobs to do as well Sarah, and before I ask the question I guess the answer is Walmart!:D
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Hi Liz,
we got our decals for the patio doors from the flea market on the 192, we also saw some large ones in Home Depot. Didn't spot any in Wal Mart but that doesn't mean they dont sell them.:)