Backyard pools can provide hours of endless summer fun for your friends and family. But as the owner of a swimming pool, it’s your responsibility to keep safety top of mind. Below are some helpful hints for making your swimming pool safer so you can splash around all season long.

1. Install a fence. A safety fence is the No. 1 thing you can do to up the safety of your pool. Make sure the fence has a locking gate and is high enough that it would be difficult to climb over. If you have kids, talk to them about not opening the fence without an adult present.

2. Install a safety cover. Just like the fence, having a retractable cover that slides over your pool can heighten poolside safety.

3. Consider a perimeter alarm. If you’re worried about your kids or animals falling into the pool when you’re not around, install a perimeter alarm that will sound if something crosses over it. This is similar to an invisible fence, and can go a long way toward ensuring you know who is hopping in and out of your pool.

4. Invest in safety equipment. Even the simplest of safety equipment can be a huge asset in an emergency. Consider getting a floating life saver with a rope that ties to the edge of the pool and a shepherd’s hook you can extend if someone is in trouble.

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