A Fun Pool Is a Safe Pool

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An investment in a backyard pool can be a wonderful addition to a home. Not only will it enhance the curb appeal of the property, it sets the stage for years of fun, memories, and leisure for the entire family… all right outside your door.

There are many advantages to pool ownership. Backyard pools offer peace of mind in a sanitary, safe environment, a vacation state-of-mind without the hassles of travel, and life-enhancing health benefits. Swimming, or even just treading water, provides a great cardiovascular workout that is good for people of all ages. Having a pool could put you in the best shape of your life.

Pool owners are quick to point out that a backyard pool becomes the backdrop for some of life's fondest memories: barbecues with family and friends, graduation and birthday parties, family reunions and weddings. Family members once tied to MP3 players, DVDs and video games won't be able to resist the draw of the cool, welcoming pool waters. It's a total backyard experience that can be even further enhanced with landscaping and fragrant gardens.

Layers of Protection

The payback of smiles and happy memories from your backyard pool is guaranteed when you create a safe swimming environment. Taking safety precautions, known as "layers of protection" in the industry, will ensure that you increase security and reduce the risk of injury.

The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) is the Northeast Affiliate of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). Founded in 1958, NESPA represents the pool and spa industry in the Northeast and serves members through extensive training programs, safety promotions, design competitions and compliance education. The organization recommends that you partner with a NESPA member to help you build and operate a safe pool.

NESPA offers this advice to those considering a pool installation this season:

• Get the facts about pool design and operation from a NESPA professional in your area. There's a lot of information and misinformation on the Web that can be confusing.

• Talk about safety up-front. There are a host of new pool safety products available on the market today and your NESPA professional can recommend barriers (fences), alarms and safety devices around the pool and yard that will delay a child's access to a pool or spa if unattended.

• On-going maintenance of your pool is essential to proper operation and increases the value of your pool. Time-saving automated pool products are available to increase leisure time and savings, including the luxury of regular valet pool services offered by many local pool dealers.

To locate a NESPA professional in your area, or to learn more about installing a beautiful, safe pool, visit the NESPA Web site at www.nespapool.org. Or write to Northeast Spa & Pool Association, 300 J Campus Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751-1250 for educational pamphlets on how to build and operate a safe pool.