Properties with Pools – Understand your responsibilities as a homeowner or tenant.
Now that summer and warmer days are approaching, you’ll probably be spending more time outdoors. Perhaps you even have a pool in your backyard, or you are a tenant in search of a property with a pool. Although properties with pools are very appealing, there are a lot of responsibilities that go along with having one.
Safety is the number one concern regarding pools and is our number one priority for our clients. At Patrize Properties, our property managers are well informed about pool safety and are happy to ensure compliance at all times. If you are a homeowner with a rental property with a pool, or a tenant concerned about pool safety features, take a moment to read our list below to learn more about what you are responsible for.
If you are a landlord or homeowner:
- As of January 2007, the Swimming Pool Safety Act requires homeowners to install an appropriate drowning prevention safety feature. This could be an enclosure, pool cover, alarm or other means of protection.
- Make sure fences, and other safety features, are in good, working condition, prior to a tenant moving in.
- With the help of your property manager, respond quickly to any pool or spa maintenance requests to ensure ongoing safety.
- It’s a recommendation to have your pool, spa and safety barrier inspected at least every three years in order to ensure it continues to comply with all regulations. This should be done by a registered building surveyor or registered building inspector.
If you’re a tenant:
- Regularly check that the pool fence and gates are secure and in good condition. Always report any damage to the pool fence and/or gates to your property manager immediately for urgent repair.
- Never prop the pool gate open. If the self-close or self-latch on a gate fails, report this to your property manager immediately.
- Ensure climbable objects such as barbecues, pot plants, outdoor furniture and trees are not installed or left next to the pool fence. This is considered a safety hazard as they could be used to gain access to the pool area.
- Last but certainly not least, always closely supervise children around the water. Constant visual contact is essential.
For other pool safety tips visit www.cdph.ca.gov or contact Patrize Properties for questions regarding property management.