Enjoying your pool this summer

With summer officially upon us, your outdoor pool has never looked so welcoming. Summer is the prime time to really make the most of this incredible asset. As the perfect place to entertain and spend time with those closest to you, your pool will have no end of use during the warmer months. Read our essential guide to enjoying your outdoor pool all summer long.

Minimise poolside hazards to put safety first

Let’s start with the pool area; your outdoor pool area should be free from any hazards that can cause trips, slips or falls - this includes pool toys which are best kept in the water while you are entertaining (and stored away afterwards). Also check the pool surround to ensure the patio is in good condition and there are no raised or chipped flagstones; if there are, a quick repair job is needed before you start entertaining. As well as keeping the pool surround free of obstructions, do keep on top of poolside maintenance to ensure surfaces are not slippery and dangerous.

Set the standard for pool safety and use

To keep everyone enjoying your pool safely, don’t be afraid to enforce a few rules. No running, horseplay or diving are essential rules every guest using your pool should be aware of and adhere to.

Showering before and after pool use is another common courtesy that will help to keep your pool clean and pristine throughout the season.

Keep an extra beady eye on children

Safety in the pool should always be a top priority, particularly if there will be children or individuals in the pool who are not experienced or strong swimmers. Young children should be supervised at all times, regardless of their swimming ability. Swimming pools with moveable floors can be adjusted to provide safe depths for children to enjoy. If your pool does not have this feature, supplying young children with a paddling pool alternative will help all the family enjoy the water safely this summer (remember, you still need to keep an eye on toddlers in a paddling pool). Children should also use age-appropriate, approved aids to enhance swimming pool safety.

When your pool is not in use, consider using a lockable, gated fence and/or safety cover to keep children safe and your pool area secure.

Think sun safety

The coolness an outdoor pool offers during summer can be deceiving. A broad-spectrum sun lotion – preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more – should be your go-to throughout the day when sunbathing between swimming. Re-apply sun lotion as instructed, and certainly after each swim session (before re-entering the pool, another shower is called for so that the sun protection lotion does not enter the pool). The other essential items to protect you from sunburn are sunglasses, a sun hat, loose lightweight garments such as sarongs or shirts to throw over your swimsuit.

You should also seek out shade regularly when using your outdoor pool. Create a shaded area close to your pool to enjoy some respite from the sun, particularly during the hottest times of the day. Incorporate a ‘hydration station’ stocked full of your favourite soft drinks and water to stay hydrated.

Accessorise to up the entertainment at the pool

The possibilities are endless when accessorising your pool for fun in the sun. Invest in a selection of pool games for different age ranges. A must are high-quality inflatables, as well as items that will excite children, for example, water guns and dressing-up items like mermaid tails. Enhance the pool party experience with loungers for a relaxing and sunbathing.

You will want to feed your guests, and barbecues are popular pool parties. After eating it is wise to chill out by the pool for an hour before getting back in for a swim. At the end of the day, when everyone is tired from all that swimming, sun and fun, you could round off the evening with a spot of outdoor cinema using one of the popular streaming services, toast marshmallows around a fire pit and enjoy a drink from your tiki bar.

Get your outdoor pool ready for the summer!

Make sure your pool is ready for summer by booking a professional service with our team. Servicing is an essential step to getting your pool prepared for you and your guests, ensuring the pool water is clean, safe, healthy and balanced, and the pool is in optimum condition.

Get in touch

Contact us today to book a pool service or for advice on pool maintenance and refurbishment.