How to make the ground not so slick around your swimming pool.

By Tia Cristy


How to make the ground not so slick around your swimming pool.


Problem:

I have
an in-ground pool, which we love. But, it’s hard to get the kids to not run
around the pool. We are so afraid one of them is going to slip and get severely
hurt. Is there anything we can do to make the ground not so slick?  Annette, 40

 

Tip from Tia:

Pools are
lovely to have on hot days, but there is a lot of care that goes
into them, including the number one thing, safety. Always make sure you have a first aid kit close to
the pool, and make sure all pool guests know of it’s location just in case a of
a sudden mishap. Make a sign that has your pool rules, where guest can see them. Be sure to tell the kids the rules together, in a group, so the kids understand, everyone was told the same thing.

Getting kids to slow down around a pool is a constant job. Their
overwhelming excitement to get out and back in the water, as quickly as possible
can make your lifeguard duties, a full-time job. Making a game out of walking
slow around the pool or giving “time outs” for not following pool safety, can
help in slowing the kids down when out side the pool.

A home quick tip to
slow down certain surfaces, around the pool is, cornstarch.

Before the pool bunch arrives
at the pool, sprinkle a dusting of cornstarch around the pool. Use a broom to
spread it into the dry concrete. With the surface being dry, it allows the
cornstarch to dig into the porous spots of the surface. Once the swimmers arrive
and the ground starts to saturate, the cornstarch will do its job absorbing some
of that excessive dampness that creates a puddle, that becomes the slip hazard.
The cornstarch will also start to clump, becoming a slight tread to the
surface. Excessive water, will wash the cornstarch away. (***Important Side Note: Some surfaces are super slick already, cornstarch can enhance some surfaces, as well, I recommend do a test spot on your surface, before you sprinkle the whole area down.)  Cornstarch
is also a bonus to keep little bugs away from the pool too. Cornstarch in the
dry form is silky and very dusty, which most little insects can not move or
breathe in.

This easy tip can help in, slowing down the kids and the bugs, so you can
enjoy the day by the pool.

There are several products on the market to help
with the slick surfaces around pools, do a bit of research before making a
purchase, to see which ones are good for your needs. Talk to your local pool
specialist to make sure which products will work best with your surface and
pool usage.

Tips from Tia is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!

By Tia Cristy