Peace of Mind for 2025: Resolutions to Keep Your Family Safe Using Auto Pool Covers and More

Make 2025 the year of pool safety peace of mind with these resolutions that go beyond the automatic pool cover. 

Having your own pool can mean ultimate relaxation — with long summer days lounging by the water — but it can also be a source of immense anxiety due to safety concerns. 

The unfortunate reality of pool ownership is that it comes with increased drowning risk. Last year, the Government of Canada shared that 62% of drowning incidents involved swimming pools. 

Automatic pool covers are only one piece of a robust approach to safety around the pool. So while you may not be opening your pool for several months now is the time to start planning. Adopt these New Year’s safety resolutions now so you can kick back and relax once summer arrives. 

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pool Safety

1. Invest in an automatic pool cover

You’ll often find us talking about all of the amazing benefits of automatic pool covers — from maintenance to ease of use and even energy efficiency — but the number one reason to have one in your backyard is safety. 

Automatic pool covers are number one when it comes to safety because of their ability to almost instantly cover your pool. That means that at the flip of a switch or push of a button, the cover kicks into gear and covers the pool, creating a barrier between the water and the world — or any unsuspecting people or wildlife nearby. 

Not every pool cover can provide this level of safety, however. The high-tensile strength fabric combined with expert installation and routine maintenance provided by pool cover specialists like Pool Patrol creates a barrier strong enough to stand on — literally. We’ve seen all manner of wildlife and even a golf cart make their way onto our covers and stay dry. 

Solar covers, and mesh covers are not designed to be weight-bearing and won’t provide the same security when it comes to people or animals falling into the pool. Unfortunately, these types of covers can actually create additional hazards by wrapping the person and limiting movement. 

Already have a pool? It’s not too late to install an auto cover. Pool Patrol handles existing pool builds all the time. Give us a call and we’ll see how we can help!

2. Ensure your pool auto cover is functioning properly

You’ll only gain the full benefits of an automatic pool cover — including safety — if the cover is functioning properly. 

Resolve to inspect your cover for any wear and tear that can compromise performance — especially the fabric. 

When pool cover fabric is compromised it can create a false sense of safety with little protection. 

Some of the signs to look for include:

• Brittle, stiff, or cracking fabric

• Holes

• Odd sounds or crunching

• Bunched-up fabric or frayed webbing

• Age: Pool cover fabric has a life of seven to nine years. If your fabric is older than that, have it inspected by an expert and replaced. 

Learn more about pool cover fabric replacement and signs.

3. Consider a barrier or alarm

Even though they are the gold standard for safety, if an automatic pool cover isn’t enough for your peace of mind or you’re looking for interim measures before you install one, consider pool fences, gates or alarms. 

Gates and fences can lock to keep people away from the pool while alarms will sound if your pool is being accessed. 

4. Enrol in swim classes

Safety also comes from knowing what to do when in the pool. If your children haven’t learned to swim yet, start researching swim classes and get them enrolled today. Swimming is a simple, fun and life-saving skill that will also give them the gift of a low-impact sport to practice for the rest of their lives!

Swim classes are not just for kids, however! If you or another adult in your household never learned, it’s not too late to take an adult class.

5. Learn first aid and CPR

First aid courses are widely available, affordable, and can save lives. Not only will the skills learned in a first aid course give you confidence around the pool but in everyday life. Learn how to respond in an emergency so you never end up feeling like you could have done more should something go awry. 

6. Practice good pool and deck hygiene

This year, resolve to always keep your pool and deck area clean and clear to avoid hazards. Clutter around the pool can cause people to trip, while things like algae buildup are not only unsightly (and icky) they can cause a slip. 

Regularly sweep away debris, check your deck for loose boards or cracks, and properly clean and store pool accessories. 

The bonus: you’ll enjoy your backyard more when it’s tidy while also protecting your investment. 

7. Be vigilant for your furry friends

Humans aren’t the only ones who love to spend time by the water — and they aren’t the only ones at risk. Yes, Fido may know how to swim, but he might still be at risk of dry drowning. Learn the signs and take any additional pet-specific measures to keep your four-legged family members safe. 

• Always supervise pets in or by the water

• Get a pet life jacket

• Invest in pet ramps for easy entering and exiting of the pool

• Swim training exists for dogs as well!

• Learn the signs of drowning, including dry drowning

• Watch for fatigue

Dry drowning is when water has been inhaled in the lungs and can take place hours after swim time is over. If your pet experiences any of these signs during or after swimming, get them to emergency care right away: 

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Lethargy

• Blue gums

8. Always have an adult supervising

This summer, resolve to always have an adult supervising the pool when it's in use, regardless of the age of the swimmers. If you’re throwing a pool party, the supervising adult can be rotated so everyone gets a chance to relax. 

When children are in the water, an adult should always be with them as well. If the occasion calls for it, consider hiring a lifeguard for the day.

9. Have a variety of safety devices for you and your guests

Invest in a range of life vests, floatation devices and safety hooks in multiple sizes. Safety equipment should always be available for those interested in using the pool. 

Those who are vulnerable like children, people with special needs, disabilities, or those who can’t swim should always wear a life jacket at all times in the pool. 

10. Have sun protection handy

This resolution is one part pool safety, one part excellent hosting tip: always have extra bottles of sunscreen on hand. To really raise the bar, keep a basket with clean, folded towels for guests and a variety of sunscreen and after-sun products by the pool for them to use. 

Pool cover benefits

If you’re considering an automatic pool cover for increased safety around the pool, here are some of the additional benefits you’ll gain:

• A cleaner pool: a pool cover keeps dirt and leaves out of your pool in the first place, so you won’t have to clean as often.

• Higher efficiency: reduce water evaporation and heat loss while maintaining the chemistry of your pool. 

• Lower energy consumption: pool covers reduce energy use by 70%. 

• Lower maintenance costs: save money on energy bills, chemical use, and your time.

If you’re looking for help keeping your family safe and your backyard beautiful this summer with an automatic pool cover in BC, Pool Patrol is here to help. Get in touch. 

Pool Patrol has kept families in British Columbia safe with quality automatic pool covers since 1995. If you’re curious about a pool cover installation in your backyard, contact Pool Patrol today.