If you are a senior, swimming is a wonderful way to get exercise. It is good for cardiovascular health and joint problems. Seniors recovering from injuries also regain strength and mobility through aquatic therapy, so the more time spent in the pool, the better.
If you are a senior who wants to spend a lot of time in your backyard pool, start by ensuring your pool is safe. Seniors may struggle with issues relating to balance, muscle strength, and vision trouble. Seniors who spend a lot of time in their backyard pool must do what they can to minimize possible safety hazards. Here is what you need to know.
1. Get an Assessment
Assess your pool and pool deck through a pool servicing and repair company. Your pool servicing and repair company could make many changes to improve the safety of your pool. While the representative is there, discuss potential safety concerns.
2. Install a Pool Lift
A pool lift is a seat attached to a device that raises and lowers the seat into the pool. Pool lifts are an option for seniors who do not feel steady enough to go up and down stairs safely. If you plan to install a pool lift, choose a location that is out of the way of the main walkway to the pool. Placing the lift on the side of the pool away from the house will make it less likely that the lift itself will cause an accident.
3. Install Stair Railings
Some pools, especially older pools, have no railing over their stairs. This can be a hazard, especially for seniors who suffer from balance and muscle strength issues. Installing stair railings over the stairs can prevent slips and falls.
When the pool contractor comes to your home to discuss the best way to make your pool senior safe, discuss different stair railing options and the best model for your particular pool. Install stair railings over all stairs, including stairs that lead into your hot tub and the deep end of your pool.
4. Install Good Deck and Pool Lighting
Pools can be dangerous at night if they are not properly lit. This is especially true for seniors, as many seniors have a hard time seeing in low lighting. Good deck and pool lighting can prevent accidents like slips and falls.
Lighting around the stairs going into the pool so that each step is properly illuminated. Install lighting around the perimeter of the pool to ensure that you can see all the way around when walking in your backyard at night. When installing deck lighting, attach the lighting to objects in the landscape, such as benches, railings, and garden boxes. This prevents you from tripping over these objects on the deck as you walk around it at night and also reduces the need to erect structures on the deck specifically for lighting.
5. Clear the Deck
Crowded pool decks are a tripping hazard. Minimizing fixtures on the pool deck can prevent accidents like slips and falls. Sometimes clearing the deck is as simple as removing patio furniture from the walkway around the pool.
However, if your pool deck has built-in benches and furnishings, talk to your contractor about removing unnecessary fixtures. Your pool contractor will have ideas for pushing furnishings back or removing furnishings entirely to keep the area around your pool simple and easy to navigate.
At KrisCo Aquatech Pools & Spas, we are happy to answer your questions and give you information about making your pool safer. If you are a senior, making these changes to your pool can help ensure that you will be safe when swimming in your backyard. Call us today to find out more.
Recent Comments