When a pool owner decides to accessorize their pool, there are a few factors they need to consider.
Depending on what kind of pool they own will determine their options; above ground pools have different accessories than in ground pools.
Ladders are one of the most important swimming pool accessories and need to be closely scrutinized.
For above ground pools, the ladders that are used to exit the pool will be resting on the bottom of the pool due to the sides of the pool not having the strength to mount the ladder and hold the weight of the swimmer.
An above ground pool that has a sturdy deck surrounding it may have a free standing ladder that is secured to the deck and hangs down in the water.
An in ground pool ladder will be mounted to the deck or the pool wall, and can be free standing or have pads that will rest against the pool wall.
Both will have to be mounted very securely, with the free standing taking the most care to make sure the surface to which it is attached is solid enough to with stand the stress on the mounts.
The ladders should be located away from diving boards or slides to avoid congestion and collisions with swimmers entering and exiting the pool.
Another accessory that is available is a diving board.
This option is only available for the in ground pool owner, and only if the pool is deep enough.
The standard 6 foot diving board will need a minimum of 8 feet of water for safe diving.
The diving board manufacture will give the minimum specification for water depth, length of the deep water, (the deep water has to have a minimum distance from the end of the diving board to account for the diver to have room to swim back to the surface after the dive), and also how far the diving board has to project over the wall of the pool.
Whether owning an in ground or an above ground, every pool owner should have a safety flotation device that can be used for emergency rescue.
Experienced swimmers can get in trouble in the water just as easy as the novice swimmer.
The most popular flotation device is the safety ring, or donut, it is easy for a swimmer to hang onto and also to throw to a swimmer in trouble.
Another advantage of the ring is it gives the rescuer away to stay at a safe distance from the swimmer in trouble, so they are not pulled under the water if the swimmer is panicking.
Anytime you have a pool, there will be children around and they will find away to get near the water.
To prevent any unfortunate accidents, pool owners should have a pool alarm.
Theses alarms have a sensor that rest on the water's surface and will detect any disturbance to the water surface.
Any ripple in the water will set off the alarm.
Most alarms have audio devices in the house and outside, so no matter where you are at, you will know that someone has entered the pool and appropriate action can be taken.
Pool games are not required, but add so much family fun that you must have a few.
The age of the swimmers, size of the pool, and depth of the water will be the big factor on which games the pool owner purchases.
Most games will fit both in ground and above ground pools, so take your pick, and have fun.
When you have a pool, it is fun to swim at night.
There are no closing times when you own the pool.
There are light kit that can be permanently installed, or portable units that are available that can be installed that will either float on the water or set on the bottom.
The down side of lights is the bugs they attract, so choose the color of your lights wisely, yellow lights or other colors are less likely to draw lights than white lights will.
Owning a swimming pool and having the right swimming pool accessories will escalate the family's enjoyment.
Whether day or night, the excitement a pool offers will make you wish the summer would never end.