Pool Safety During Philly’s Heat Wave

Philadelphia is in the middle of a heat wave so to cool down, many people buy inflatable pools. While they seem harmless and are usually inexpensive, inflatable pools can be dangerous, and because of this, some are illegal.

Make sure to read the local laws that govern inflatable pools below, because they are the cause behind avoidable injuries and deaths (particularly in children).

Swimming-Related Drownings and Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least two children aged 14 or younger die from unintentional drowning every day. In fact, unintentional drowning is the fifth-leading cause of death in people of all ages in the U.S. CDC data shows that for every child under 14 who dies from unintentional drowning, at least five others require emergency medical treatment for their drowning-related injuries.

What Makes a Pool Illegal in the City of Philadelphia?

The city regulates pool safety in order to limit injuries and drownings—as well as to decrease public nuisances and dangers, like blocking sidewalks or obstructing streets. So, before filling up your store or online-bought kiddie (and adult!) pool to cool down, be sure to check out these rules for ones that are within city limits:

• If a pool measures 12 feet or greater (in any direction) it cannot be placed in a side or front yard – only a backyard. There must also be at least two feet between the pool and buildings or property lines;
• If a pool has more than 24 inches of water, the owner must get a permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), and:
• If a pool is 36 inches high with raised platforms or a pool is 48 inches high (and above), you must secure it behind fencing or another barrier. This prevents, among other things, easy access by children.

No matter the measurements of an inflatable pool, supervising children is of utmost importance. Be sure to provide constant supervision to kids and check in on teens when swimming or around any body of water.

If you do not have an inflatable pool – or a safe, legal place to put one – check out this helpful list of free, public pools located all over the city.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Representing Injured Individuals Since 1947

If your child sustained swimming-related injuries, please contact our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.