Having an outdoor pool is an excellent investment for family homes. Buyers love them, so they instantly add value to a property. You need to make sure your pool area is safe for your kids and that involves more than just watching them while they play out in the garden. Here are three tips to keep kids of all ages and swimming capabilities safe.

Have a Fence Installed Immediately

The first thing you should do once the pool is installed is get a fence installed. This needs to be tall enough that children can't climb over—and they will get inventive—and have a gate that isn't too easy for them to open from the outside. The benefit of fences is that they can be removed once the children are old enough to understand the dangers of the pool. They can also be added back in quickly for new members of the household. Fences aren't just beneficial for the kids either. They will also keep most pets and other animals out of your pool.

Invest in a Pool Alarm

Look out for pool services that offer pool alarms. There are so many different options and the most high-tech options will cost hundreds of dollars. Underwater pool alarms will sense motion as soon as someone gets into the water. The downside is you'll need to remember to switch it to sleep mode before anyone gets into the pool safely. Immersion alarms are popular but can be set off at times of high wind. Personal immersion alarms can be placed on a child's wrist and alert you as soon as a child hits the water so you know it is actually the child and not a stray ball!

Opt for Pool Nets and Covers

Pool nets and covers go over the top of the water. Anything that falls on top of the material will be held up and out of the water. Nets are less expensive, but covers have the ability to keep your pool free from pests, leaves and dirt. There have been instances of pets and children getting tangled in nets, making them the least favourable option of all ways to keep kids safe in pools. Both of these can be ineffective if children learn how they work. It doesn't take too long for older children to figure out how to unhook the covers, putting all others at risk.

Precautions are important, especially with younger children. After all, the CDC has found that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to drown, with boys more susceptible to accidents compared to girls. While protecting children from pools, you also need to teach them about pool safety and get them swimming lessons from a young age. This will help minimise the risk of accidents. Talk with a pool services contractor to learn about safety options you should consider.