This article originally appeared in Travelers.

​A backyard pool can be the center of summertime fun, family time, and exercise. Having a pool at home can be great fun for the entire family.

Addressing the major safety risks associated with having a pool can help ensure a safe and liability-free season.

According to the CDC, 3,536 Americans die in unintentional non-boating drowning accidents each year in the U.S. And for every child under the age of 14 who dies of drowning, another five receive emergency room care for nonfatal submersion.

To help you avoid problems and have an accident-free and liability-free summer, here are three areas of pool safety tips for homeowners.

Install a Pool Fence Alarm

To prevent small children from entering the pool area unsupervised and neighborhood kids from using your pool without permission, consider installing a climb-resistant pool fence is one of the best measures you can take.

Guidelines for a safe pool fence include:

• Have no more than four inches between vertical slats.
• Be at least four feet high and have a self-closing gate with a latch above the reach of children.
• Supply no easy footholds or handholds for climbing.
• Keep furniture or other objects that can be used as a climbing aid away from the fence.

For added pool safety, it’s also a good idea to have a pool alarm installed. These are triggered when they detect surface motion in your pool. They’re a great way to safeguard against children falling in without your knowing.

Set Up & Enforce Your Pool Rules

You can heighten safety by setting up standing pool rules to protect you and your visitors. Every pool is different just as every home is. You may need special rules for your family and friends.

Here’s a list of general rules to consider:

• Deflate or lock up flotation toys when not in use.
• Keep clear access to first-aid kits.
• Don’t allow tricycles or other riding toys around the pool.
• Keep toys and other tripping hazards away from the pool edge.
• Never allow radios or other electrical appliances near the pool.
• Forbid diving in a pool that’s not deep.
• Prohibit horseplay or roughhousing around the pool.
• Don’t allow running on the pool deck.

Pay Attention to Other Pool Safety Concerns

Owning a swimming pool also means you as a homeowner are responsible for alleviating other concerns, such as mechanical and chemical risks:

• Are all pool suction fittings and plumbing grates secured in place?
• Is the shutoff for the pool’s pump easily accessible in an emergency?
• Are chemicals securely stored in a locked location?
• Are chemicals clearly marked in original containers?
• Are you familiar with proper procedures if a chemical accident occurs?

Glenn Insurance wants you and your loved ones to be safe this summer. Call 1-888-OK-GLENN for a quote or to review your homeowner’s policy. Visit us on the web at GlennInsurance.com.