The first layer of protection is Constant Adult Supervision. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) believes that the home pool, spa, or hot tub provides a healthy, relaxing recreational opportunity for families in their own backyard. PHTA has worked with nationally recognized safety groups to provide information to assist pool, spa, and hot tub owners in meeting their safety needs. While the number of pools, spas, and hot tubs grows significantly each year, the number of child drownings is generally unchanged. Nevertheless, parents should be aware that any body of water poses a risk, especially for children under five years of age. A well-motivated toddler will eventually overcome a fence, barrier, or alarm when left unsupervised. Parents should know that adult supervision is the first and best way to prevent accidents. They should maintain constant visual contact with children whenever they are near, or can get near, any body of water. Unfortunately, most accidents occur when there is a lapse in supervision, even for a short time. Recognizing this, PHTA supports the concept of “Layers of Protection” for pools, spas, and hot tubs— an idea that is widely embraced by safety experts. “Layers of Protection” means that, in addition to supervision, the pool, spa, or hot tub is equipped with several devices to delay a child’s unsupervised access or warn of the child’s presence. These layers should be aimed at protecting the area between the house and pool, since studies show that children are most at risk in their own backyards, when parents believe they are safely inside the house.
that completely surround a pool, or a locking automatic safety cover. Owners should always check and comply with state and local codes and ordinances requiring fences or other barriers. Other devices should always be used in combination with at least one primary barrier. PHTA suggests that all pools, spas, and hot tubs should be protected. For aboveground pools, always make sure to remove the ladder whenever the pool is not in use. The information in this brochure lists a number of options that should be evaluated as possible components of a layered approach to safety. PHTA cannot endorse or evaluate the effectiveness of any individual product, but encourages parents to investigate several of the listed options in the context of the type of pool, spa, or hot tub they have, the ages of children likely to be in the area, and neighborhood and topographical factors. Some of the products listed here are new and represent significant technological advances over what was available just a few years ago. For additional information, see ANSI/APSP/ICC-8 Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
Protection
Start with You.
To maximize your enjoyment, work with a PHTA member firm. To locate a PHTA member in your area, visit phta.org/find-a-professional
For more free consumer safety information, visit: www.PHTA.org www.PoolSafely.gov www.CDC.gov/healthywater/swimming www.NDPA.org
To Help Protect Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Users
— Especially Children Under Five Years of Age
1650 King St., Ste. 602, Alexandria, VA 22314 5575 Tech Center Dr., Ste. 109, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
5566ND
Primary barriers are devices that keep a child away from a pool, spa, or hot tub; for example, barriers
Watch your children at all times.
Layers of
Members of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) are committed to the safe use and enjoyment of pools, spas, and hot tubs, and adhere to a code of business ethics.
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