You probably have a few questions running through your mind as you read this article. Above-ground pools are an affordable and fun way to keep cool in the summer months, but are they also safe? The short answer is yes! While above-ground pools aren’t immune to dangers, they aren’t inherently more dangerous than any other swimming pool. In fact, with the right precautions, an above-ground pool can be just as safe as its indoor counterpart. Whether you’re thinking about purchasing an above-ground pool or are simply interested in learning more about its safety and risks, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about above-ground pools.
How Often Do Above-Ground Pools Collapse?
- If the pool had been constructed improperly or if the ground around it is not level.
- If there is a high water table or other subsoil water pressures pushing up from below.
- If the pool was constructed over a large tree root (the greatest danger).
- When the ground moves because of heavy equipment operating nearby and the pool shifts out of position or settles into the ground, causing it to collapse or crack.
- When heavy equipment operates nearby and the vibration causes the pool to shift out of position or settle into the ground, causing it to collapse or crack.
- Heavy snowfall can cause an above-ground pool to collapse due to snow load on top of the pool cover and water pressure from below, which causes the structure not able to support itself any longer and collapses inwards on itself from its own weight, collapsing it inwards on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight, collapsing inward on itself from its own weight
- A fire that burns through a trampoline can also cause an above-ground pool cover’s metal frame to collapse inwards onto the pool water below if it burns through enough of it (and this has actually happened).
- In areas with high winds and frequent heavy rains, above-ground pools may be at risk for flooding, erosion, or even complete collapse. This is especially true in areas that are prone to hurricanes. In some cases, above-ground pools may be at risk of collapse during periods where the wind speed exceeds 75 mph for long periods of time.
- If a pool does collapse, it is best to contact a professional pool builder or contractor immediately to repair the damage before long-term issues arise.
- In certain instances, an above-ground pool can collapse if the frame and support structure is not properly anchored to the ground or if there are not enough anchors in place.
What Makes An Above Ground Pool Safer Than Other Pools?
- An above-ground pool can be used for all ages.
- Above-ground pools are easy to set up and take down.
- Above-ground pools are easy to maintain and do not require a lot of work and time to keep them clean and safe for the kids to play in.
- An above-ground pool can be used as a part of the landscape design, so they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes them look great in any backyard or garden area.
- Above-ground pools are very affordable compared to traditional inground pools, so they make an excellent choice for people with a tight budget but still want their children to have a safe place where they can swim and play in the water safely.
- They come with safety fencing which keeps young children from wandering into the pool area unattended while they are playing outside the house or while you are not paying attention to them all the time when they are around it; this is one of the most important things that make them safer than other types of swimming pools that do not have such safety features available for use with them; however, you should never leave your child unattended when playing near any type of swimming pool or body of water, even if there is a fence or barrier around it that is supposed to keep your child from getting into it unsupervised by an adult; this is because accidents can happen without notice at any time at all!
- They can be placed anywhere in the yard or garden area, and do not have to be placed on a specific type of surface or ground area to work safely and effectively.
- They can be left outside at all times of the year, and do not have to be covered up or taken in during the winter months when it is cold outside; they can even be left out all year long as long as they are maintained properly.
Tips To Make Your Above-Ground Pool Safer
Use The Right Pool Cover
Above-ground pools are more likely to collapse due to faulty design and construction than in-ground pools. However, there are some things you can do to make your above-ground pool safer, including using the right pool cover. If you have an inflatable pool or a vinyl liner pool with a solid wall, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a small gap between the top of the wall and the roof of the pool. This gap is an important safety feature because it allows for air circulation around the pool and prevents water from accumulating on top of it. Without this gap, water might collect over time and cause your above-ground pool to collapse or leak.
Install A Safety Cover For Your Above Ground Pool
In addition to using a proper cover, it’s also important to install a safety cover for your above-ground swimming pool if you have kids or pets running around outside who might be tempted by an uncovered swimming hole in your backyard. You can buy a safety cover at most hardware stores for less than $200; they come in different sizes and materials (vinyl being one of them), depending on what will work best for your pool. Just make sure that it fits your pool properly, and that you remove it when you’re going to be using the pool.
Install A Pool Cover Lock
If you have kids, or if you live in a neighborhood where there are a lot of kids, installing a pool cover lock is another way to make your above-ground swimming pool safer. A good lock will keep your cover from blowing off in strong winds, and it will prevent children from opening the cover and getting into the water unsupervised.
Put Fencing Around Your Pool
This might seem like an obvious measure, but many parents don’t take proper precautions when they have an above-ground swimming pool in their backyard — and that’s why so many accidents happen each year involving young children falling into uncovered pools and drowning before anyone notices what happened.
Use A Pool Cover Alarm
In addition to using a safety cover, you can also buy a pool cover alarm that will alert you if someone tries to remove the cover while the pool is unattended — which is especially useful if you don’t want anyone to be able to get into the water without your permission. These alarms are available at most hardware stores, and they’re inexpensive, so it’s worth installing one just for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Above-ground pools are a lot of fun, and they’re also a great way to beat the heat during the summer months. But they can also be dangerous if you don’t take steps to keep your family safe around them. If you follow the tips outlined in this guide, you can reduce your risk of drowning by more than 90 percent — which is definitely worth doing if it means that your family will spend more time enjoying themselves in the pool instead of worrying about safety precautions.
