Handled properly, pool and spa products protect you, your family, your friends, and your property. Handled improperly, pool products can be very hazardous. Use these tips and be safe and enjoy your pool and spa!

Products

* Keep all products out of reach of children. Always keep an eye on where any children or pets are in relation to product containers. Handle all products carefully. READ all product labels completely and seek advice from an Aquatech professional if you are unsure which product to use.

* Store all products in a dry, well-ventilated area with the lids on.

* Never store products in direct sunlight. Never store products near a heat source or open flame. Never store sanitizers next to pool equipment. Do not store liquid products above dry products. Do not store pool products and garden products (fertilizers, insecticides, etc.) in the same area. Never mix products together.

* Always add products into sufficient water. Never add water to products. Gassing and/or explosion may occur.

* Read and follow label directions. Do not overdose. This is costly and can be harmful to swimmers and/or the pool or spa.

* Use clean, dry plastic cups or scoops on products requiring measuring utensils. Do not put a wet measuring scoop back in a container.

* Use caution when working with products. Do not inhale fumes or allow products to contact eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

* Use only products specifically recommended for your chlorinator and brominator.

* Be familiar with first-aid instructions on all product containers. Have emergency medical and poison control center phone numbers handy at all times.

* Do not smoke when using products.

* Keep products away from grass and landscaping. Product spills should be handled per label directions.

Pool Safety

* BE WISE - SUPERVISE. NEVER LEAVE ANY CHILD ALONE AND UNATTENDED WHILE IN A POOL. Pool depth markings, security fencing, and a "Pool Rules" sign are recommended.

* Safety equipment should include a life ring, shepherds crook, and a first-aid kit.

* An experienced swimmer should be present whenever a non-swimmer or child is in the pool area.

* The pool area should be vacated during an electrical storm.

There is nothing like the refreshing feeling of entering a swimming pool on a hot summer day. But we all must be aware of the potential danger that exists - and the importance of being careful to avoid such danger.

Parents should be aware that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children 5 years of age and younger. Drownings under 1 most often occur in a bathtub, while from 1-5 drownings most often occur in a swimming pool, In addition, in 10 states, drowning surpasses all other causes of death to children age 14 and under. Drowning, which can happen in as little as one inch of water, is usually quick and silent. According to the national Safe Kids Campaign, a child will lose consciousness two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage within four to six minutes.

One way to help prevent drownings is to require that swimmers especially children, obey pool rules. Following are some pool rules that I would encourage you to consider for young swimmers:

Pool Rules for Young Children

1. Never go into the backyard without an adult.
2. No running around the pool.
3. Never push anyone into the pool.
4. Never hold anyone under the water.
5. Don't cry for help unless it is an emergency.
6. No diving unless off a of a diving board.
7. Always use floaties (or another type of floatation device).

Although those are good rules, it is also important that pool owners make a commitment to do the following:

1. Make sure that your fence and gate meets code and stays in compliance
2. Keep a telephone outside when you are ouside enjoying the pool
3. Keep all toys (bikes, wagons, etc.) away from the pool.
4. Teach your children to swim and spend time with them in the pool.
5. Do not allow swimming in an unlit pool at night
6. Learn CPR

There are many safety devices available for swimming pools - alarms, safety covers, and safety fences - and all are somewhat effective in helping keep your pool safe. But the saying that we all have heard forever is really true - THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR ADULT SUPERVISION. This statement has never been more true than it is when it comes to preventing drowning, whether it be in a bathtub ro a swimming pool. Adult supervision means paying attention - according to the Orange County, California Fire Authority - of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning. Many drownings occur at parties and parents get distracted. We suggest either hiring a lifeguard for parties or at least have the adults take assigned times to supervise the pool.

Swimming is an excellent activity that your family and friends can enjoy together, but we must always have respect for the potential danger that exists.

In the pool business, we are fairly accustomed to dealing with animals in swimming pools - mice, rats, frogs, crawfish, tutles, armadillos, and even an occasional skunk. In addition, we sometimes have to deal with snakes in swimming pools. Several of our service technicians have some very humorous snake stories, but they can also be very dangerous. We once had an employee injured dealing with a snake - not being bitten by it, but trying to get away from it. He fell and injured his knee in an attempt to leave the area of the snake - obviously in a hurry!

We are also aware of a service technician in the are that had a snake incident. As he was cleaning the pool, he reached down into the skimmer basket to remove the basket full of leaves. As he reached down into the basket, he felt something grab onto is hand. He pulled his hand out, and discovered that he had been bitten by a snake, a copperhead approximately 10"-12" long. The copperhead had curled up into the leaves in the skimmer basket and was not visible. The pool technician spent three nights in the hospital, but evidently will have no long term effects (other than he might never empty another skimmer basket).

It is important to be careful when cleaning your skimmer baskets. Be sure that you skimmer basket has a handle so that you do not have to reach into the basket. In addition, before reaching into the skimmer basket, look real closely, and even consider using a hook or pliers to remove the basket.

Happy swimming, and watch those snakes!