Six steps that are vital for pool safety:

* Don’t swim alone. It’s important to have someone there to help if pool users fall, slip, or have a heart attack.
* Take a cell phone or cordless phone to the pool, and keep it close by.
* If at all possible, be sure that someone trained in lifesaving and CPR is nearby.
* Make it clear to parents that they are responsible for watching their own children.
* Install an alarm in the house that sounds an alert when anyone goes near the pool.
* Before leaving and locking the gate, double-check the pool area. There may be children you didn’t see at first glance, who must not be left alone near the pool.

Swimming pool permits regualtions can vary from state to state, county to county and even city to city. Fortunately, there are some general guidelines when considering a swimming pool project. Here are some questions you will have to ask yourself or your pool prefessional:

Public or Private utilities, well location? Septic location?

Property lines- easements? Building restriction Lines?

Utilities- Overhead electric lines? Gas Main? Sewer main? Where are the lines for my cable, telephone, electric, gas, satelite, etc?

You need to know your Setbacks to all of the above. Each jurisdiction is different and you must be aware of what departments must sign off prior to issuing the permit. Also, most jurisdictions require a fence around the pool. Look for the next blog to talk about fence requirements.

Please post any permit questions you may have and I will help you navigate through the requirements.

Elite Pools has created a FLICKR site for managing the ever changing portfolio of new inground pool pictures. Please click the site below to see pictures of vinyl, concrete and fiberglass swimming pools. www.google.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitepools/

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns that you would like to see posted to the blog!