Pool Safety Tips and Products
Your pool is where many of your favorite moments will happen. Pools are the ultimate place for fun and relaxation, but they can also be dangerous without the right precautions and attention to keep kids, pets, and others safe.
We’re highlighting our favorite products and resources to optimize the fun and minimize the dangers of your pool. As the only mom-owned and operated Nashville Pool Builder, the Palmingo team approaches each project through a 360 degree mindset, including safety.
Rectangular Pool Shape
Rectangular pools are the safest because they work most seamlessly with an automatic cover. While automatic covers can be installed on a freeform or irregular pool shape, some concessions must be made in design. We highly recommend installing an automatic cover when you install your pool because options are limited and retroactive installation is more costly after hardscape is complete.
Pool Cover
Pool covers offer a wide range of benefits. Automatic covers are the best option for frequent use while manual covers are more cost effective for smaller pools or summer season only pools. In addition to the safety benefits, covers save energy, improve temperature control, reduce evaporation and water waste, keep debris out, reduce maintenance, and more.
AUTOMATIC COVER - The most common and cost effective automatic covers are vinyl material mounted on a track that fits between your pool lip and coping perimeter. At one end of the pool, the cover pit extends beyond the edge of the pool by 1.5ft back, 1ft to one side, and 3ft to the other side. The pit lids can be aluminum, stone, or composite decking. We recommend the CS 3000 in your choice between colors. Here is a link one of our projects with an automatic cover.
MANUAL SPA-STYLE PANEL COVER - These covers are more cost effective than automatic covers, but can be clunky to use and store. We recommend the Meyco Duracore Plus in your choice between colors. Add-ons include wheels to help manage the large size and shape. While they require more physical effort than an automatic cover, they are very insulating and have a lockable safety function.
SLIDING DECK COVER - Sliding deck covers are ideal for smaller pools is tighter spaces where every square foot matters. The product is an aluminum frame and tracks system with your choice of composite deck boards and edging. The pieces can be manual, electric, or solar powered. Here and here are links that show the sliding deck cover at one of our 12th South projects.
Also, automatic covers aren’t compatible with Smartphone Automation systems due to Tennessee laws. Automatic covers must be controlled with a cover/uncover switch mounted close enough to the pool where you can see all four corners without obstruction.
Pool Alarm
Pool alarms are required for all pool permits and final inspections in the state of Tennessee. All of the below options don’t interrupt the function of automatic covers.
BOBBERS - Bobbers are discrete and also effective and compatible with an automatic cover. We recommend Lifebuoy or Solo Pool. The products detect motion that breaks the water sending alerts to your smartphone and in-home alarm. Easy installation and cost effective.
CAMERA WITH AI - SwamCam uses AI for human detection in a predefined “danger protection zone” before the water breaks. The camera provides a visual for both peace of mind and action, if needed. Keep an eye on your pool at home or remotely.
CONTACT SENSORS - Door and window chirps are required in some jurisdictions for permits and final inspections. You can purchase a designated system or incorporate door and window contact sensors into your existing Ring or SimpliSafe system.
Pool Safety Ledge
Our smallest pools make it easy to get to a safe spot to climb out. Our larger pool options have an additional safety feature to help! Around the perimeter of all Latham pools is a safety ledge that gives swimmers a place for their toes to catch so they can lift themselves out of the pool.
At-Home Swimming Lessons
Through Nashville Swim Academy, swimmers and future swimmers have the opportunity to sharpen their comprehensive swim skills in your own pool. From toddler safety to competition level, NSA is passionate about fostering a love of the water for life across all skill levels. NSA also offers off-site swimming lessons. Options from $225 for 8 classes!
Off-Site Swimming Lessons
With locations in Nashville and Franklin, SafeSplash offers a range of small group, semi-private, and private lessons for swimmers, from parent-and-tot to competition prep. Their swim site facilities are new, clean, and welcoming. Options from $132 for 4 weeks!
Pool Chemistry
Swimming in unbalanced, unclean water also poses a safety issue. For sanitizing your pool water, we recommend either a salt system or a UV system paired with an in-line chlorinator for a smidge of chlorination. Swim University is a great resource for pool chemistry and we’ll ensure you’re informed during your included weekly cleanings and Pool School in our packages!
Skin Protection
And last but not least! My friends at Nashville Skin are all about SPF and shade. While you have the SPF covered, we offer several shade solutions to maximize comfort and minimize sunburns.