Pool & Spa Safety Tips For Your Vacation Rental Property
Offering a sparkling pool or a bubbling hot tub can certainly entice potential renters, not to mention increase your rental rates. But every luxury comes with its own set of precautions, and any activity involving water is known to yield injuries and even deaths, unless you’re prepared. So we asked some rental property owners for their best aquatic amenities safety tips. Here’s what they had to say.
ADVERTISE CORRECTLY
If your pool doesn’t have a safety gate, for example, make sure to clearly state that in your ad, especially if your property is located in a family-friendly area. While no one wants to deter potential renters, it’s more important to provide renters with proper information to avoid potential harm. And if you do have extra safety features, like a springback gate or an alarm system, be sure to note those! They mean a lot to specific renters, especially those with young children.
STATE THE RULES CLEARLY IN YOUR ATTRACTIVE WELCOME BINDER
Vacation renters can often overlook the welcome binder, especially the experienced ones who feel that they’ve read them all. To remedy this, make sure to leave your opened welcome book in a noticeable spot, perhaps by the television remotes and/or next to a bowl of welcome candies. Just don’t tuck it on a shelf beside a lamp, or somewhere else where it might be difficult to find.
And it doesn’t hurt to have your binder easy on the eyes and even easier to read. No one wants to read bulks of formal text, and they likely won’t. Pictures and accurate bullet points help guide readers from cover-to-cover. Dedicate an entire page to pool and spa rules.
POST VISIBLE SIGNAGE
Installing a “swim at your own risk” indicator with your water rules, in an unobtrusive location, is not only the law in most areas but also a helpful way to avoid liability. It’s not the only sign to consider, however. Depth markers are useful to deter diving in shallow areas. If you want to further avoid liability then opt for a “no diving” sign altogether. If you own a spa, post warnings for at-risk populations such as those with heart conditions or pregnancies.
PROVIDE OUTDOOR DISHES
If you have a pool, expect that people will drink alcohol near it. Pool areas are notoriously slippery, which is a dangerous mix with standard dishes. Providing plastic plates, bowls, and cups majorly reduces glass-related injury, even among the sober crowds. Make sure the items are clearly marked in the welcome binder and easy to locate in the kitchen.
ENSURE A CLEAN AND SAFE OUTDOOR SPACE
It’s impossible to control your guests, but make it as easy as possible for them to avoid injury. It’s a no brainer.
Keep the area clean of debris, ensuring the patio furniture is easy to maneuver around.
Check regularly for any signs of splintering or cracks, depending on your patio type.
While we understand that it could be costly to hire a professional pool cleaner year-round, it’s smart to consult with one at least once to learn the ropes.
If possible, provide bell-trigger systems on gates.
Check local laws. Ordinances vary from city to city, and some require inspections. But this can help lower your liability.
Lastly, every rental property should contain a First-aid kit.