Editor'snote: This information first appeared on iii.org and is adapted and reprinted here withtheir permission.Centers for Disease Control and PreventionInsurance InformationInstitute

1. Contact your town or municipality: Eachtown will have its own definition of what constitutes a "pool,"often based on its size and depth of water. If the pool you areplanning to buy meets the definition, then you must comply withlocal safety standards and building codes. This may includeinstalling a fence of a certain size, locks, decks and pool safetyequipment.
2. Call your insurance agent or companyrepresentative: Let your insurance company know thatyou have a pool, since it will increase your liability risk. Poolsare considered an "attractive nuisance" and it may be advisable topurchase additional liability insurance. Most homeowners policiesinclude a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability protection. Poolowners, however, may want to consider increasing the amount to atleast $300,000 or $500,000.

• Install a four-sided barrier such as a fence with self closinggates to completely surround the pool.
• If the house forms the fourth side of the barrier, installalarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children fromwandering into the pool or spa unsupervised.
• Keep children away from pool filters and other mechanicaldevices as the suction force may injure them or prevent them fromsurfacing.
• In case of an emergency, know how to shut off these devices andclearly post this information so others can do so too.
• Limit alcohol use around the pool.Drinking alcoholic beveragesnegatively impacts balance, coordination and judgment—and itseffects are further heightened by sun exposure and heat.
• Clearly post emergency numbers on the phone, in the event of anaccident.
• Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near thepool. You may also want to consider learning basic water rescueskills, including first aid and CPR training. For additionalinformation, contact the American RedCross.

See also:

• Pool Perils and the Water-DamageExclusion
• Pool Perils: When Water Escapes
• 4 reasons why diving boards are becoming a thing ofthe past