Essential Tips for Ensuring Safety in Residential and Commercial Pool Settings

In the United States, May is recognized as National Water Safety Month (NWSM), a timely moment to educate swimmers on the importance of water safety as the peak swim season approaches. A joint effort by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) with support from the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Waterpark Association, Pentair Pool is proud to return as a Program Sponsor for NWSM this year.

In every facet of life, learning keeps your skills sharp, and this is particularly essential for aquatics. Whether you’re a service professional or pool owner, learning to safely enjoy water should be a top priority to mitigate risks, prevent accidents and create a secure environment for enjoyable aquatic experiences.

“At Pentair Pool, we help people safely and sustainably enjoy water. And safety is more than a priority — it’s at the core of our values and the foundation for how we conduct business,” said Greg Claffey, group president for Pentair Pool. “National Water Safety Month is a time to reflect and act on the importance of pool safety innovation and education in creating a safer environment for everyone, from pool owners to pool service professionals.”

Read on to discover crucial safety measures that both residential and commercial pool owners and professionals should implement to ensure the well-being of pool users and create a fun and effortless experience for all who dive in.

Pay Close Attention

Whether you have an above-ground pool or an inground pool, safety should always be a top priority, especially when children are involved. In fact, fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a pool owner, supervision is the number one thing to save kids from drowning.

From repairing broken tiles to keeping your pool equipment in tip-top shape, your attentiveness now could prevent a sunny day emergency. In addition to creating a safer swim environment, leaning on a pool servicer can help you keep your pool in safe operating condition.

“Paying attention to safety is an important part of doing business and gaining people’s confidence,” said Kenneth Gregory, Safety and Compliance Manager at Pentair Pool. “If pool professionals see an issue in the backyard, it is their responsibility to flag those issues to the homeowner and correct them as soon as possible.”

Install Safety Equipment in and Around Water  

Swim safety doesn’t start when you walk up to the pool. Pool fences, gate alarms, drain covers, cameras and water rescue equipment are just some of the essentials for a safe home pool environment.

“There are a myriad of things to pay attention to when owning and installing a pool,” said Eva Marcial, Director of Customer Experience at Pentair Pool. “Simple steps such as making sure the gate latch is working properly to ensure the continued security of your pool area to understanding the basic maintenance of a pool are all equally important when it comes to safety.”  

Innovative products that promote pool safety, such as Pentair’s NSF-certified BioShield® UV System, which reduces harmful chloramines, assist in making pools safer and more enjoyable for swimmers. The BioShield UV System reduces chloramines by up to 25%, which can help reduce itchy eyes and skin irritation*.

“Pentair’s BioShield UV Pro System water conditioning device is the very first to receive an NSF 50 approval to help reduce chloramines in swimming pools, which reduces chemical odors that can cause itchy skin and burning red eyes,” said Gregory.

Ensure Proper Maintenance   

Getting to know the equipment at your pool and the do’s and don’ts of maintenance can also be valuable knowledge to keep in your toolkit. For example, understanding the safe and proper procedures for cleaning and maintaining your pool filters can help prevent safety hazards like trapped air. This is why pool owners should find a pool professional to handle this service. Trained experts know how to prevent this from happening, and they can answer any questions owners have about their pools, too.

Water chemistry is also a critical component of pool safety. To ensure the highest water quality, test pH and free chlorine levels daily, adding chemicals as needed. Proper chemical usage is important for maintaining a healthy pool. Be sure to follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions closely regarding the proper dosage based on pool size.

When it comes to water clarity, pool owners should keep their filter, pump, lint trap and skimmer baskets clean and in proper working condition to help ensure their pool water stays sparkling clear.

“Clarity of water allows lifeguards to see swimmers and is a critical component of water safety,” said Marcial. “By following proper guidelines for handling, using and storing pool chemicals, you can help prevent accidents and assist in the maintenance of pool equipment.”

Qualified pool professionals can help keep your equipment in ready-to-use condition and check to make sure your pool complies with safety standards.

Teaching Water Safety

Pentair Pool provides educational materials thatdelve into crucial safety measures for both residential and commercial pool owners and professionals to ensure the well-being of users and to adhere to proper safety regulations. These resources offer key considerations such as proper fencing and gating, regular maintenance routines, service training and compliance with safety standards. By implementing these tips, pool owners and professionals can make water safety a priority beyond the swimming pool.

“Pentair Pool offers training on all its products for proper installation and maintenance,” said Gregory. “We conduct safety training for not only pool professionals but building and code officials as well on compliance with safety codes and standards. For this reason, Pentair is recognized as the industry leader for water safety.”

You can’t put a price on preparedness, so take the time to become First Aid/CPR certified. It doesn’t take a lot of time and the benefits are immeasurable. The Red Cross also offers classes, so don’t hesitate to find one near you. In addition to being certified in First Aid and CPR, you should have a pool safety plan, a phone nearby with emergency numbers and lifesaving equipment (like a hook or flotation device).

Pentair Pool takes water safety seriously. That’s why we’re a proud sponsor of the 2024 National Water Safety Month. Get more ideas on how to promote water safety here.

* Devices evaluated for a reduction in Combined Chloramine have demonstrated a 25% or 0.25 mg/L, whichever is greater, reduction during the test period as compared to the baseline period.

Left to right: Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, Diane Farrel with HornerXpress Worldwide Vice President, Linda Carroll

WASHINGTON D.C. – May 14, 2024 – HornerXpress Worldwide, a leader in the global distribution of swimming pool supplies and equipment based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 President’s “E Star” Award.

This esteemed recognition is bestowed only upon companies who have previously been awarded the President’s “E” Award, and then further demonstrates a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period.

The President’s “E” Award was created in 1961 by Executive Order of the President, to recognize the individuals, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports. Winning the “E Star” Award highlights HornerXpress Worldwide’s continued performance and leadership in international trade, marking the company as a standard-bearer within the industry.

“HornerXpress Worldwide has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee recognizes HornerXpress Worldwide’s significant export growth since receiving the President’s “E” Award for Exports in 2016. The company’s innovative and market driven sales and distribution channels were also notable,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in her congratulatory letter to the company.

A Continued Commitment to Excellence

HornerXpress Worldwide’s decades of commitment to excellence and innovation in exporting has distinguished it as an industry frontrunner.

Since its previous recognition with the President’s “E” Award, HornerXpress Worldwide has expanded its reach, scaled operations, and entered new international markets, thereby driving significant growth in export sales.

This award is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the HornerXpress Worldwide team, whose dedication to customer service and operational excellence remains unparalleled.

“Our team is honored to receive the President’s “E Star” Award as a validation of our hard work and dedication to not just meeting, but exceeding, the benchmarks set in international trade,” said Linda Carroll, Vice President of HornerXpress Worldwide. “We’re thankful for all of our customers, partners and colleagues who have contributed to our success. This award is not just a milestone but a motivator for us to continue innovating and leading in the industry.”

The new partnership celebrates shared values of inclusion, equity, wellness, and community

May 17, 2024 – LONDON-(BUSINESS WIRE)– Pentair Pool, a leading global provider of smart, sustainable pool solutions today announced that it has committed as a partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The partnership unites Pentair Pool’s purpose to create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable pool solutions with the Special Olympics USA Games’ mission of inclusion and empowerment.

“At Pentair, we believe in creating a better future for the communities in which we live and work. Our commitment to and partnership with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games directly aligns with our purpose, especially as it relates to swimming and water sports,” said Jerome Pedretti, executive vice president and CEO for Pentair Pool. “We are inspired by each of the athlete’s dedication, and we are honored to be a part of this momentous event. Our team of employees are eager to dive in to help foster a brighter, more inclusive future through support and volunteer opportunities.”

Pentair Pool joins a growing list of USA Games partners in a national celebration of inclusivity set to take place in Minnesota in June 2026. As part of the company’s sponsorship, Pentair Pool and its employees will be integrated into key Games events and initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pentair Pool as a partner of the USA Games,” said Christy Sovereign, CEO, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Pentair’s commitment to empowering communities reflects our own mission of inclusion and excellence. Together, we are united for the creation of a lasting legacy for Minnesota and the entire nation, celebrating the power of human potential.”

The 2026 the Special Olympics USA Games will bring together over 100,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans from across the United States. Pentair Pool is especially proud to champion the Games so close to National Learn to Swim Day, a time of year that encourages safe pool practices and swimming education.

About Pentair Pool

Pentair Pool is a Pentair plc business. At Pentair, we help the world safely and sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and business solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair Pool is driven to help people sustainably enjoy water. Our solutions include industry-leading pumps, automation, lighting, heating, and filtration technology that help our customers enjoy a smarter and more sustainable pool. Customer success is at the heart of our vision for a splash-tastic future bringing family and friends together to build social connections, create lifelong memories, and help promote fitness and enjoyment. For more information, visit www.pentair.com/poolandspa.

About Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of approximately 4,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in approximately 19 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity for Minnesotans to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.