Swimming pools can post a safety and sale problem

According to the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), the state’s high number of foreclosures has led to new safety problems related to many areas’ swimming pools.

“First and foremost, it’s critical that even abandoned swimming pools maintain adequate barriers to prevent unauthorized access by children,” says Charis Tyson, communications specialist for FSPA. “The Florida Building Code and the ANSI/NSPI Model Building Code call for a fence and/or safety cover.

Many safety measures also keep the pool appealing to potential homebuyers.

“Wherever possible, pools in vacant homes should remain operational, meaning there is adequate circulation and turnover of the water, to avoid water contamination and resulting health hazards,” says Tyson. “This may also help avoid costly damage to the pool, and could help maintain aesthetics and property value. It is well worth the cost. But if it’s not possible to maintain the pool, it should be covered or fenced in some way to prevent access.”

All property owners should follow current swimming pool safety standards.

A link to the statutes regarding pool safety standards is available at: http://www.floridapoolpro.com/industry/news/poolsafetyact.html. The association also offers a search function to find a pool professional searchable by zip code: http://www.floridapoolpro.com/find_pool_pro/locator.asp.

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