KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasPool Safety Devices Available
(July 22) - Pool owners in Southern Nevada have several choices available to them when it comes to securing their pools. The new codes took effect on January 1st of this year. More options are now available to consumers than ever before.
Drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of five. And for every child who drowns, four are hospitalized for near drowning, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Joe Vassallo of Paragon Pools in Las Vegas says it doesn't have to be that way. Several products are on the market, that qualify as a second barrier around the pool. The first barrier being a fence around the property line. He says a simple alarm on the doors leading to the backyard is an easy solution. "So if somebody were walking out of your house, and opened the door, and closed it and just left, within seven seconds an alarm would sound, and there it is right there," says Vassallo, "There's a little button on the side of the door that you need to press to disengage the alarm, obviously it would be out of reach or high enough so a child couldn't reach that button."
Another measure of protection is a laser pool alarm. The laser alarm shots a pulsating beam across your backyard, which means a bird could fly through it and it would never go off, but if a child or animal runs through the beam you'll hear a loud alarm. "Its an immediate sound, correct, and it sounds for approximately two minutes once its activated or until apparent or guardian resets it," says Jeremy Lilly of On-Guard, makers of the alarm. It retails for $450. To have it installed, which is a three hour job, will run $700 - $800.
A simple for of protection is this netting that serves as a barrier. To block off an average patio, the cost is around $800. The benefit is you can completely remove it in the event of a pool party as opposed to a wrought iron fence. A pool cover is another option. As long as its approved by your city or the county. The new codes only require pools that were permitted after January 1st of this year. But experts suggest everyone follow the two barrier rule. And one more suggestion from the experts. None of these options should be a substitute for parental supervision.
