Monsoon Prep: Tips for Maintaining Your Pool During Monsoon Season

Monsoon time can certainly be tough and beautiful for pool owners in Arizona. In sudden rainstorms, dust storms, and changing humidity, your pool often becomes a catch basin for Mother Nature herself! Hence preparation will help keep your pool sparkling, safe, and ready for enjoyment throughout the season.

1. Know the Monsoon Challenge

Heavy rains wash dust, debris, and even landscaping into your pool. With wind gusts come dirt and leaves. That leads to cloudy water, clogged filters, algae growth, and even equipment damage with sudden rises in water levels.

2. Keep Your Filter In Tip‑Top Shape

Your filter is your first line of defense. During monsoons, it works overtime:

  • Inspect and backwash your filter more frequently, ideally weekly or whenever pressure rises.
  • Check cartridge and DE systems for clogs. A clean, efficient filter helps prevent water shifts and imbalanced chemistry.
  • Regular filter cleaning also prolongs equipment life and keeps circulation strong, critical during erratic weather.

3. Manage Water Chemistry Aggressively

Stormwater can dilute chlorine, alter pH and alkalinity, and introduce organics. After heavy rain:

  • Test your water right away for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer.
  • “Shock” the pool if chlorine levels fall below the recommended level.
  • Adjust alkalinity and pH; monsoon water is generally acidic, keeping your waters balanced will help minimize corrosion or scale.

4. Pre‑Storm Prep: Protect Your Pool and Equipment

Before forecasted storms:

  • Trim nearby shrubs and trees to reduce blow‑ins. Secure pool furniture and equipment.
  • Check automatic covers and gates to ensure they’re closed.
  • Monitor weather alerts, if heavy hail or microbursts are expected, consider installing a sturdier cover or temporary barriers.

5. Debris Removal and Skimming

It may seem obvious, but the sooner you remove leaves and surface debris, the better:

  • Skim daily during heavy wind or debris events.
  • Use a pool vacuum or automated cleaner to keep the bottom areas clean.
  • When debris settle, brush pool walls and floor to prevent staining or algae hotspots.

6. Maintain Water Level Safely

Rain can raise your water level, but heavy evaporation before or after storm can lower it:

  • Avoid overfilling, high water levels can overflow and damage gutters or landscaping.
  • Run your pump to balance water and maintain circulation.
  • If the level drops, add clean water slowly, then retest and rebalance water chemistry.

7. Inspect Equipment and Pool Surrounds

Monsoon storms often stress pool systems:

  • Ensure the pump basket and skimmer are clear.
  • Check pool lights, heaters, and electrical equipment for signs of water infiltration or damage.
  • Verify drains and gutters outside the pool area are clear and redirect water away from foundations.

8. Consider Professional Cleaning or Maintenance

For persistent cloudiness, algae bloom, or post‑storm chemical balancing:

  • A professional drain and clean, filter deep‑clean, or equipment check can get you back on track.
  • At Flamingo Pools, we can provide a monsoon season tune‑up, filter maintenance, chemical balance, and equipment inspection to keep your pool healthy.

Why This Works for You

Performing these simple steps will allow you to maintain control over the erratic fluctuations so swiftly in Arizona’s monsoon, using the least amount of energy and enjoy the most amount of pleasure in your pool. A well maintained pool is not only more attractive and safer but is easier to manage, and you’ll still be surprised by the unexpected generosity of Mother Nature.

Ready to Prep? We’ve Got You Covered.

Reach out to At Flamingo Pools today for a customized monsoon prep service. From filter deep‑cleansing to chemistry checks and equipment review, we’re here to ensure you breeze through the monsoon season with your pool in prime condition.

Why Weekly Maintenance Matters for Your Pool in Chandler

Hey there, Chandler pool owners! Yes, I see you out there sipping your iced cold drink by the pool and enjoying that sunshine. Maintenance of your pools, on a timely basis, not only makes your pool look nice but saves your time, money, and headaches. To make this whole process hassle free Flamingo Pools comes in the picture. We specialize in stress-free, consistent pool care designed for Chandler’s unique climate. 

1. Give It a Crystal-Clear Appearance

If you don’t clean your pool for a week, things can change. You might see cloudy water, floating debris, or even some green algae. But in Chandler, Arizona, taking care of your pool every week can really help. All you have to do is often check a few things. Look at the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels. Doing this simple job will keep your pool water looking clear and clean. It’ll also keep it safe for anyone who wants to swim.

2. Protection for Your Equipment (and Your Wallet)

That pump, filter, heater, they all work hard under that desert sun. Regular weekly checkups help catch the little things, maybe it’s a slightly clogged filter or low water level, before they become big jobs and even bigger bills. And regular inspections only extend the life of your equipment. That’s real money in your pocket!

3. Prevent Algae & Mineral Build-Up

With the hot climate in Chandler, algae can sneak up fast. And don’t forget about minerals like calcium, those can form scales that clog jets and damage line tiles. A weekly schedule for brushing, skimming, and checking hardness levels is your best defense.

4. Stay Ahead of Seasonal Changes

During summer, it can get really hot in Chandler. Yet, the weather can change suddenly in monsoon season. By taking care of your pool every week, you can make sure its chemicals and water are right for any weather – hot days, cool spells, or even rainstorms. With weekly care in Chandler, Arizona, your pool is ready all the time, for whatever the weather might be.

5. Enjoy Stress-Free Swimming

The whole point of having a pool is to enjoy it, without worry. A weekly routine means no surprise green water or broken pump on a Saturday afternoon. It’s simple: stay on top of things, and you get more carefree weekends and family splash days.

What a Weekly Maintenance Checklist Looks Like

Here’s a quick weekly routine you can follow:

  1. Skim & Brush
    Remove leaves and debris; brush walls and steps to stop algae in its tracks.
  2. Test & Balance Water
    Check pH (ideal: 7.2–7.6), chlorine (1–3 ppm), total alkalinity (80–120 ppm), and stabilizer (30–50 ppm).
  3. Shock the Pool (When Needed)
    After heavy use or rain, add shock to reset chlorine levels.
  4. Inspect Filter & Pump
    Clean or backwash the filter. Make sure the pump basket and skimmer basket aren’t clogged.
  5. Check Water Level & Equipment
    Ensure water covers the skimmer. Listen for weird sounds from the pump. Look for leaks or cracks.

Why Hiring a Pro Makes Sense

Sure, some folks love handling their own weekly maintenance. But for many busy families in Chandler, hiring Flamingo Pools’ pros means more peace of mind. Our technicians have the experience to spot issues early, something you might miss on week one but that snowballs by week three.

Final Thoughts

Flamingo Pools is the ultimate pool company. Actually, it is not just a company for swimming pools; it is your eyes, ears, and hands working for you during a weekly care. Our trained technicians completely understand how things like heat, minerals, and monsoons affect the conditions of your pool in Chandler, which is why we customize our service. We balance the water perfectly; take care of all equipment, then catch problems early. So, every detail is looked after without putting yourself through the hassle of caring for them; dependable, ridiculously worry-free maintenance each week.

Here in Chandler, weekly maintenance in Chandler Arizona isn’t optional, it’s essential. It keeps water sparkling, gear working, and stress low. So next weekend, skip the DIY overwhelm. Instead, sip that iced cold drink, relax, and let routine maintenance keep your pool perfect.

If you’re ready to lock in a weekly maintenance plan custom to your pool (and your schedule), reach out to Flamingo Pools. We’ve got the know-how and the friendly service to make it easy. Your pool, and your peace of mind, will thank you.

Let’s Keep It Weekly, Chandler

Call Flamingo Pools today and say, “I’m ready for ongoing care!” Your pool deserves it. And so do you.

What You Can Do to Help Your Pool Between Weekly Services

At Flamingo Pools, we handle the hard stuff. Each week, we test, balance, clean, and make sure everything’s working the way it should. But Arizona summers can be unpredictable—and your pool sees a lot more action this time of year. Whether it’s a surprise monsoon or a full weekend of swimming, a few small steps on your end can make a big difference in keeping your water clear between visits.

Let’s talk about what those are.

A Storm Rolled In? Use the Quick Clean Button

Your variable-speed pump has a built-in feature that a lot of homeowners forget about: Quick Clean. If you’ve had a windy night, some heavy rain, or your pool just looks off after a busy weekend, hit that button. It’ll ramp your system up to high speed for a short time and move debris through the filter much faster than its regular setting.

You don’t need to change any schedules or touch the programming. Just hit Quick Clean, let it run its course, and your pool will recover faster until we’re back.

Keep Your Skimmer and Pump Baskets Empty

This just takes a few quick minutes—two, tops. If the baskets are filled, water won’t flow as it should. When this happens, debris lingers, chemicals can’t properly circulate, and your pool starts getting cloudy.

Especially after storms, check the skimmer and pump baskets. Empty them if they’re full. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent buildup and let everything flow properly. 

This is a quick operation—two-minute quick. The water makes its circulation pattern only if the baskets are empty. If full, debris sits back, chemicals fail to circulate properly, and the pool starts turning cloudy. 

After storms check your skimmer and pump baskets. Empty them once full. This is among the easiest ways of avoiding any build-up and keeping the present free-flow.

Just Got Back from the Lake? Don’t Jump Right In

If you’ve been on the lake or river, that water has surely come along for the ride on your suit-whether you can see it or not. What most people don’t realize is that natural bodies of water contain all those things that your pool would rather not have: algae spores, bacteria, and who knows what. Always shower before dive-bombing into the pool. Better yet, wash that swim suit. It’s an easy habit that can save you, down the road, from big headaches.

Got Landscaping? Keep an Eye on Debris

Pools set among plants, trees, or flowerbeds are pleasant to behold—but they create extra work. Leaves, seed pods, and flower petals-any of these in your pool feed algae. And even if your chlorine is on point, organic matter can throw things off pretty quickly. 

So, if your pool sees a lot of plant debris, a light skim up now and then is good. Not deep-just enough to get the big stuff out before it has a chance to sink or start decaying.

Swimming Helps, But Watch What Comes In

Believe it or not, swimming is great for your pool. Movement helps circulate water, and that helps with chemical distribution. But not everything swimmers bring in is good.

Sunscreen, body oils, spilled drinks—those things add up. Rinsing off before jumping in helps. Keeping food and sticky drinks away from the edge helps even more. If you’re planning a big party, just give us a heads-up. We can prep the pool ahead of time or follow up with some extra care.

We’ve Got You—This Just Helps Hold the Line

We’re not asking you to do our job. You hired us so you wouldn’t have to worry about all this. But in the middle of a busy summer, these five little habits make a real difference. They keep your pool looking good, keep your equipment happy, and help us keep everything running smooth when we arrive for service.

If you ever have a question about your system or want us to walk you through any of this—just reach out. Text or call. We’re local, and we’re always glad to help.

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Let’s keep your pool flawless, together.
—The Flamingo Pools Team 💧🦩

Understanding Chlorine: Why Pool Techs Use More Than One KindBy Flamingo Pools

Whether you are just beginning your journey or are a seasoned pool owner, you’ve probably heard of chlorine being tossed around as the go-to solution for clean water. But here’s the thing, not all chlorine is the same. There’s more than one kind, and each has its own job to do. If you’ve ever seen one of our techs using tablets one week and pouring in a liquid the next, you might’ve wondered why. The truth is, we’re not just winging it, we’re doing it. We’re using different types of chlorine based on what your pool actually needs.

Chlorine isn’t one-size-fits-all

When people think of pool care, the word “chlorine” usually comes to mind first. It’s the chemical most associated with clean water, and for good reason. But what many don’t realize is that there are different types of chlorine, and each serves its own purpose.

If you’ve ever noticed your Flamingo Pools technician adding more than one kind during a visit, it’s not overkill, it’s precision. Let’s break down why we use different forms and how they work together.

Chlorine Tablets: The Long-Game Sanitizer

Chlorine tablets are very normally used for pool maintenance. They dissolve slowly and chlorine is released into the water over a longer period of time. They work like a multivitamin to keep things balanced between visits.

We place chlorine tablets in a floater or an in-line chlorinator system.That makes chlorine tablets very efficient and low-maintainance. This helps maintain the pool’s baseline chlorine level at all times even when no one’s around. 

That said, they’re not perfect. They add acidity to your water and increase stabilizer levels over time, which is why we don’t rely on them alone.

Liquid Chlorine: Fast, Reliable, and Effective

Liquid chlorine is our go-to when a pool needs a quick lift. Whether the Arizona sun has burned off too much chlorine, or you’ve had guests swimming all weekend, liquid chlorine works fast and blends quickly with the water.

Unlike tablets, it doesn’t affect your pool’s stabilizer level, giving us more control over water chemistry. It’s great for weekly touch-ups and allows us to adjust sanitation levels precisely without altering other elements.

Shock Treatments: The Heavy Lifter

Sometimes, your pool needs more than routine care. After a big storm, heavy usage, or if algae starts to appear, a chlorine “shock” can make all the difference.

This is a high-dose treatment designed to break down organic waste, kill bacteria, and clear up murky or cloudy water. We don’t use it every visit, but when it’s needed, it’s powerful. There are a few forms of shock we might use, and we choose based on the current condition of your pool water.

So Why Do We Mix and Match?

Different situations call for different approaches. We don’t take a cookie-cutter method to pool care. Instead, we look at what your pool actually needs, based on temperature, usage, and water chemistry, and act accordingly.

Here’s a quick example of how it might look on a typical service visit:

  • Chlorine tablets keep the base levels steady throughout the week
  • Liquid chlorine addresses any immediate dips in sanitation
  • Shock treatment, when needed, resets the water and clears out buildup

That combination gives us better control and results in a cleaner, more balanced pool for you.

We Treat Every Pool Like Our Own

The Flamingo Pools team isn’t just checking boxes during service, we’re paying attention to the details. You might not always see the chemistry decisions being made, but they’re happening with intention. And if you’re ever curious about what we’re doing or why, we’re always happy to explain it on the spot.

The bottom line? We use different forms of chlorine because they each do something valuable. And when combined properly, they keep your pool looking its best, day after day, week after week.

If you’re interested in hassle-free weekly pool maintenance Gilbert, Arizona residents can depend on, then the professionals at Flamingo Pools are here to serve. Head over to https://azflamingopools.com and let them do the work for you and get back to what matters most relaxing by your pool.

Get a free quote and the peace of mind of crystal clear water year-round.

Host the Ultimate 4th of July Pool Party with Expert Weekly Pool Maintenance Arizona

The Fourth of July is one of Arizona’s favorite holidays, making it the ideal time to get family and friends together to celebrate poolside – with fireworks, BBQ and all the fun in its glory. Planning a pool party this July 4th? Then you don’t want to have a grimy pool. Before you jump in, Flamingo Pools offer the top pool party tips for the fourth of July so that it’s a memorable experience, and how having weekly pool maintenance in Arizona ensures that your swimming pool is at its best during the hot summer months.

1. Schedule Weekly Before the Party

More people use pools during the Arizona summer, and dust and wind cause more debris to accumulate. Plan weekly pool maintenance in Arizona with professionals like Flamingo Pools to make sure your pool is spotless and ready for the celebrations. Cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment inspections are all part of routine maintenance to keep your pool water safe and welcoming. 

2. Test and Balance Pool Chemicals

Maintaining the proper balance between the chemistry of your pool water is crucial, especially when you have guests. Unhealthy chemical concentrations might manifest as algae, skin rashes, or murky waterways. To keep your pool clear and safe, weekly pool maintenance will guarantee that the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are measured and adjusted as needed.

3. Clean and Inspect Pool Equipment

An inefficient pump or filter is the quickest means of spoiling a pool party. Your weekly maintenance visit includes technicians to inspect all of the pool equipment to guarantee that everything is functioning normally. Maintaining your skimmers and heaters in their best working shape will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns during your celebration.

4. Prepare Your Pool Area for Guests

Get your poolside party ready by organizing your belongings, setting up cozy seating, and hanging festive decorations. Lighting and basic safety precautions like gates and pool fences are crucial for ensuring everyone’s safety, especially when kids are around. To guarantee excellent pool sight and a safer swimming pool, you can consult with your pool technician.

5. Add Fun Extras to Your Pool Party

For your Fourth of July celebration, include pool-friendly extras such as waterproof speakers, LED pool lights and floating drink holders. You can unwind and enjoy the party without worrying about the water quality or equipment failures if you get your pool cleaned and maintained once a week.

Why Choose Flamingo Pools for Pool Maintenance?

Flamingo Pools specializes in expert weekly pool maintenance services in Arizona that are adapted to the region’s particular climate conditions. Our expert technicians offer:

  • Thorough chemical balancing and water testing
  • Equipment maintenance and inspection
  • Debris removal and surface cleaning
  • Personalized maintenance programs to keep your pool ready for parties throughout the year

Our aim is to keep your pool clean, safe, and ready for parties throughout the summer so you can focus on what matters most, creating memories with loved ones.

Ready for a Sparkling 4th of July?

This Independence Day, schedule your weekly pool maintenance Arizona service with Flamingo Pools to enjoy a stress-free and safe celebration. Our skilled staff will help keep your pool balanced, clean, and in top condition so you can enjoy a splash and fireworks worry-free.

Contact Flamingo Pools today to schedule your service before the holiday weekend. A perfect pool party begins with expert upkeep, so don’t delay!

Skipping Out on Pool Lighting This 4th of July? Here’s Why That Might Be a Missed Opportunity

It’s the 4th of July. The sky’s starting to dim, the grill’s going strong, and you’ve got friends and family scattered around your backyard. Everyone’s waiting for the fireworks, but your pool? It’s just sitting there…dark and uninviting.

Imagine instead: the water glowing red, white, and blue, setting the mood even before the first spark goes off in the sky.

That kind of magic isn’t hard to pull off anymore, not with automated colored pool lighting. But if your setup isn’t working or is still stuck in the early 2000s, it may be time for a little refresh… or an LED pool light repair.

Why Lighting Up Your Pool Matters (Especially on Holidays)

In places like Gilbert, Arizona, where pool time is practically essential all summer long, lighting isn’t just about looks, it’s about experience. And with smart LED lights, you’re not stuck with “on or off” anymore. You’ve got choices.

Think about it:

  • Red, white, and blue lights gently shifting as the party rolls on
  • A quick tap on your phone to dim the lights after a swim
  • A preset that changes with the holiday or your mood
  • A pool that actually feels like a centerpiece, not an afterthought

It doesn’t take much, but it makes a big difference—especially when you’re hosting.

But First: Are Your Pool Lights Even Working?

It’s surprising how often homeowners go to set the mood… only to realize something’s off. The lights flicker. The color’s stuck. Or worse, they don’t turn on at all.

If that’s you, don’t panic. Most of the time, it’s fixable.

Some of the usual culprits:

  • Burned-out LEDs or faded colors
  • Moisture inside the light casing
  • Damaged wiring from years of use
  • Outdated controllers that don’t sync anymore

Calling in a pro for an LED pool light repair could have everything glowing again by evening. And it’s usually quicker (and cheaper) than a full replacement.

Arizona Heat Can Be Hard on Pool Tech

Let’s be real, our summers are no joke. Between triple-digit temps and the occasional dust storm, your pool lights go through a lot. Seals can dry out. Dirt can sneak into fixtures. Even your control systems might get fried if they’re not protected.

That’s why a lot of Gilbert homeowners treat light maintenance like regular pool care. It’s not just about sparkle, it’s about making sure your setup can handle our weather.

Want More Than Just a Fix? Try an Upgrade

If you’re already calling someone out, it might be worth asking about newer options. Automated, app-controlled LED lighting has come a long way.

Benefits include:

  • Custom color themes for holidays or parties
  • Timers and smart-home compatibility
  • Long-lasting LEDs that use way less energy
  • Easy, wireless controls,no fumbling with switches

Set it once, and let it run all night.

What a Pool Pro Can Do Before Your Party

A local lighting specialist can help with:

  • Diagnosing and repairing malfunctioning pool lights
  • Replacing outdated systems with new color-changing LEDs
  • Making sure all wiring, seals, and controls are safe and sound
  • Syncing lights to smart-home setups or installing new remotes

You get a quick service visit, no stress, and a pool that’s ready to impress.

Final Thought: Light Is the Mood, Don’t Skip It

Think of your pool lights like music at a party. You can do without them, but why would you want to?

Especially on the 4th of July, when everything’s about celebration, sparkle, and a little bit of magic, having your pool shine right alongside the fireworks just makes sense.

If your lights aren’t working or you’re ready to upgrade, LED pool light repair services in Gilbert are just a quick call away. Let the pros handle it, so you can focus on hosting (or just relaxing with a cold drink in hand).

👉 Need help before the holiday hits?
Flamingo Pools offers expert LED light repair and smart upgrades. Get your pool glowing in red, white, and blue without lifting a finger.

Not Caring for Your Pool Each Week in Gilbert, Arizona Could Be a Mistake

Think about it: It’s a really hot day, hitting 107 degrees. You daydream about taking a cool dip in your own backyard pool. But alas, instead of clear, welcoming water, you see a murky, green mess. Feels familiar? You keep looking up how to clean your pool. Maybe it’s time to think about your pool care routine.

In places like Gilbert, Arizona, taking care of your pool weekly isn’t a fancy chore. It’s essential. The hot desert area isn’t always friendly to pools.

The town has to face more than its fair share of heat. The temperature often soars past 100°F in the summers. When the storm season arrives, the winds scatter dust, leaves, and other junk into your pool. These can not only make your pool look dirty but also ruin the water’s balance and equipment. And that’s precisely why the town folks pay so much attention to maintaining pools weekly.

Checking and testing your pool each week might not seem like much. But it helps in stopping the growth of algae and cloudy water and keeping huge repair costs at arm’s length. 

Here’s the real meaning behind weekly pool care:

  1. Taking care of your pool keeps the water safe and balanced– Warm weather can make pool water evaporate quickly. This messes up the balance of chemicals. If you check your pool every week, you can keep the levels of chlorine, pH, and alkalinity just right. This stops issues like algae growth, skin and eye troubles, bacteria, and need for emergency treatments to shock your pool into good health.
  1. Protects your equipment and saves money – Taking good care of your pool equipment can save your money. Your pool has many parts. These include pumps, heaters and filters. They were not designed to combat dust and debris all the time without assistance. Checking them regularly identifies problems. For instance, they could have completely filled filters or parts that have worn out, before they completely breakdown. This attentiveness helps your pool equipment last longer. In the long run it lets you avoid expensive repair costs.
  1. Works with the seasons in Gilbert – Life in Gilbert can be hot and unpredictable. One week, you’re dealing with extreme heat, and the next, you’re cleaning up after a dust storm. Pros who come out to check your pool every week know how to adjust for these changes: add extra chlorine when it’s hot, thoroughly clean the pool after storms and provide light service in cooler months to keep everything running well when you’re not using the pool.
  1. Gives You Back Your Time– Let’s face it, most of us would rather not spend our weekends cleaning tiles or wondering how much chlorine to put in. Having a pro take care of weekly pool check-ups gives you comfort and more free time. After every check, they’ll drop you a brief note. It might say something like, “Adjusted water’s pH, cleaned the filter, and got rid of junk.” That’s it. No worry, no guesswork.
  1. Safeguards the Value of Your Pool– Pools are an investment. Proper care preserves that investment by:
  • Preventing surface stains and scale deposits 
  • Enhancing energy efficiency of your equipment
  • Increasing the lifespan of your pool’s infrastructure.

Weekly maintenance pays dividends over the long-term by preventing costly resurfacing, equipment replacement, or chemical overhaul costs.

What You Can Look Forward to from Weekly Maintenance in Gilbert:

If you choose a professional company like Flamingo Pools, this is typically what you can expect from their weekly visit: 

  • Testing and balancing water
  • Brushing the walls and steps
  • Skimming for debris
  • Emptying pump and skimmer baskets
  • Manually vacuuming or backwashing as needed
  • Inspecting equipment weekly
  • A service report so you never wonder what was done

The Last Word: It’s an Oil Change-for Your Pool

Here’s how you can think about it: You wouldn’t drive your car for a year without changing the oil, would you? Pools are the same. Routine, small monitoring keeps everything working well and prevents big problems later on.

If you’re interested in hassle-free weekly pool maintenance Gilbert, Arizona residents can depend on, then the professionals at Flamingo Pools are here to serve. Head over to https://azflamingopools.com and let them do the work for you and get back to what matters most relaxing by your pool.

Get a free quote and the peace of mind of crystal clear water year-round.

Learn the 5 Layers of Protection

Life is hectic, and distractions will happen, but in a matter of seconds, so can a drowning. A
phone call, a package being delivered at the door, cleaning up a spill, or a quick trip to the
bathroom are all distractions that can lead a child gaining unexpected access to water.


Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children 1-4, and sadly, 70% of drownings
among young children happen during non-swim times. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, in as little as 2 inches of water within 30 seconds.


There is no single way to prevent drowning, but you can arm yourself with the necessary
prevention methods by learning the 5 Layers of Protection

Barriers & Alarms

Since you can’t always keep your eyes on the water, it’s essential to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.

Supervision

Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.

Supervision alone cannot prevent drowning from happening, and there are simple ways to improve our water supervision methods, including:

  • Never leave your children unattended without an adult present
  • Keep children within an arm’s reach of a capable adult
  • Use scanning techniques by using patterns and keeping head counts
  • Knowing how to identify and predict what a drowning can look like – typically, a victim’s head will be tilted back with their mouth open at the water level.

Water Competency

Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.

The AAP recommends starting swim lessons as early as age 1, you should always speak with your pediatrician before considering any water safety or swimming lessons for children.

Identify the right swim program for your child by downloading NDPA’s Swim Program Decision Chart and Checklist.

Life Jackets

When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone in or around open water, especially when boating.

Life jackets should be sized appropriately for the wearer. When other layers of protection may break down, life jackets can help prevent unintentional drowning.

Emergency Preparation

Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths, and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. If you ever encounter a victim who is not breathing, ALWAYS call 911 before trying to perform CPR with rescue breaths.

Proper training and certification for CPR need to be refreshed about every 1-2 years, especially if there are recent changes in recommendations.

Drowning is Preventable!

Remember, layers work together! Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to help reduce the risk of drowning.

Water safety and drowning prevention is a lifelong endeavor, but it can save a life.

Join the alliance today and help us make a difference in ending drowning and aquatic-related injuries!