According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there’s an average of 390 drowning deaths in pools each year, as well as 4,900 emergency room visits as a result of pool and spa drowning-related injuries. If you operate a pool in a commercial setting, like a multi-family property, this is a scary reality that you have to face, especially as the weather is starting to heat up.
When insurance companies are underwriting policies for multi-family properties with pools, they’re going to investigate to make sure that you’re in compliance with all of the state and federal requirements, such as the Virginia Graeme Maker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
What can you do to make sure you’re saving as many lives as possible? Implement the following best commercial pool safety practices:
- Have clearly written policies about pool usage and post them so they are easily visible
- Train your staff so they know exactly what to do should an incident occur
- Make sure your facility has proper life safety equipment available
- Regularly test your pool’s chlorine to ensure you’re maintaining healthy levels
- Have fencing to limit accessibility to the pool
An insurance company is going to look to make sure the proper safety precautions are in play, so having them in place will only benefit you and those using your pool. If you need additional assistance regarding what insurance companies are looking for, reach out to your broker for guidance. And visit PoolSafely.gov for additional tips on how to keep your commercial pool safe.
Philadelphia, PA, 19102
