With the sweltering heat of an Alberta summer settling over east central Alberta, many families may contemplate an easy, affordable and attractive solution: an “above ground” swimming pool.
While a permanent residential swimming pool may cost tens of thousands of dollars, an above ground or portable pool may cost as little as $500.
A concerned Big Valley reader sent the ECA Review an email pointing out some above ground pools could pose a hazard and asked their village to do something about it.
However, as village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Colleen Mayne pointed out in a July 15 phone call the village has no authority over temporary or above ground pools.
Mayne noted a development permit is required for a permanent residential swimming pool, but a portable plastic pool is the responsibility of the owner.
The Town of Stettler has a similar approach. CAO Leann Graham stated in a July 15 email provincial codes apply to those pools.
“The Town of Stettler does not regulate the use of above ground pools nor do we issue development permits for such but rather it is the landowners obligation to ensure that they are compliant with the Alberta Building Code which does regulate above ground pools,” she stated.
Safety Codes Council (SCC) advice reflects that pools should be secured or supervised.
“The entire area of an outdoor swimming pool shall be protected by a fence, building wall or enclosure that can prevent access by unauthorized persons and its height above the outside ground level shall not be less than 1.8 metres for private swimming pools,” stated SCC.
“Outdoor hot tubs that are greater than 24 inches in depth are also considered private swimming pools.
“The Alberta Building Code has specific safety requirements governing swimming pools and the placement of pools to protect you, and neighbouring children who may be tempted to use your pool without you knowing it.”
Stettler resident Cheryl Bowman raised kids and said children around a pool without supervision is a key issue here. A mistake could result in tragedy.
“Before I had kids I did not understand how kids could drown when their parents were with them,” said Bowman July 12.
“It only takes seconds for kids to slip away…even while you are paying attention.
“I remember one incident when my family, including my two small girls, were at a lake. I had just opened a lawn chair and looked around to find my three year old gone.
“I quickly spotted her, reaching down into the water from a grassy outcrop. She could have easily tipped over and would have slipped in the water and I would have never known where she had gone.”
Bowman pointed out that according to the Canadian Red Cross about 15 per cent of child water deaths occur in backyard swimming pools, often due to a lack of proper fencing around the area.
Only 50 per cent of parents believe that pools require four sides of fencing to be considered child-safe. However, 70 per cent of swimming pool drownings happen in pools with a fence that is not up to safety standards or that do not have a fence at all.
A bit of fencing around an above ground pool takes little time or money and could prevent an unbelievable tragedy.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
