Rules are essential to maintaining a safe environment - and that is particularly true for those using a residential pool.

What swimming pool rules should be in place at your pool and why? Take a look at Sunset Pools & Spas recommended pool rules below and start off the summer the right way!

NO RUNNING: There is a reason that lifeguards are constantly shouting not to run at pools. Pool decks can often be slippery and moving too quickly can not only put the runner at danger but everyone else in their path. While slip pads do provide some level of slip prevention, the "no running" rule should be on everyone's list of essential summer pool rules.

PROPER ATTIRE: Wearing cut-off jean shorts is cool except in the pool. Wearing proper swimming attire (swimsuits made from non-absorbent materials such as Lycra or Nylon for example) prevents airborne and waterborne contaminants from getting in the pool and also prevents absorbent materials like cotton from breaking down in the water and clogging filters. Any colored materials can also "bleed" into the pool and affect water chemistry and chlorine balance.

DIVING GUIDANCE: One of the best features of having a residential pool can also be one of its most dangerous. Diving is part of enjoying the pool experience but reckless behavior can not only put the diver in danger but other pool visitors as well. Encourage thoughtful diving practices including never diving in shallow areas, making sure diving areas are clear of other swimmers, and only using diving equipment in the way it was designed.

ADULT MUST BE PRESENT: Kids love pools just as much as anyone, but it is the responsibility of pool owners and operators to ensure that adults are present (especially if there is no lifeguard) in order to ensure that everyone remains safe. Having an adult present at the pool also means that other summer pool rules will be followed, providing a level of safety and security that a group of children won't offer.

NO FOOD OR DRINK: Who doesn't love to have a snack by the pool? It's one of the best aspects of being able to use a pool. While snacks are great near the pool, it is important never to have food or drink too close (or within) the pool as spills can also upset the chlorine balance in the pool.

Rules are meant to protect not just those enjoying the swimming pool, but the pool itself. Follow these rules from Sunset Pools & Spas and you'll be on your way to a safer and more fun pool experience for all.

Lifeguards always need to be at the ready - especially when summer comes around. Not only do our pool side protectors need to be up to date on all of their training, they will also need the right poolside gear, accessories and equipment to make sure that everyone has the safest summer possible.

What type of poolside accessories should today's lifeguards have at the ready before they take to the lifeguard stand? From life-saving equipment to accessories that simply make the responsibility and experience more enjoyable, here are a few essential lifeguard accessories that everyone should consider for their residential pool: 

1) Lifeguard Whistle: A lifeguard's primary responsibility is to protect people visiting the pool. And in order to prevent accidents, lifeguards need a way to capture people's attention. Since pools are often noisy places, using a whistle is often the best way to do that. What pool memories do you have that don't include someone blowing a whistle? 

2) Polarized Sunglasses: What lifeguard look would be complete without a pair of sunglasses? Iconic in every way, most lifeguards choose polarized lenses in order to reduce the amount of glare from the pool on sunny days. Make sure to find a well-fitting pair of sunglasses and that includes a neck cord so you don't lose them when called into emergency action.

3) Suntan Lotion: Lifeguards often need to be in the sun from pool open to pool close during the warmest and sunniest days of the year. Choosing the right sun tan lotion will reduce the risk of burning and keep you in a position to keep protecting pool visitors. Make sure to choose a sun tan lotion with an SPF of at least 30 to make sure you have protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun tan lotions for lifeguards should also be greaseless and water resistant. 

4) First-Aid Kit: Pools provide an incredible way to bring on the summer fun, but face it, accidents are going to happen. When they do, lifeguards need to be prepared and a first-aid kit with all the important accessories is critical. Choose a lifeguard first-aid kit that includes things like ice packs, CPR masks, bandages, and antiseptic wipes. 

5) Emergency Phone: Quick and easy access to a phone can save a life - and that's the real job of a lifeguard. Make sure that pool side emergency phones are always charged and a backup battery is available to ensure that first responders can be reached in time of need. 

6) Club Chair: Lifeguard chairs, often called club chairs or lifeguard towers, are another iconic aspect of the pool experience. Club chairs provide lifeguards with greater visibility over their watery domain thanks to their elevated height. 

Lifeguards are an important part of the pool experience in summer; whether you are your pool's designated lifeguard or someone just looking to maintain safety around your residential pool, start with these accessories and you'll be in the right swim lane to enjoy pools all year round. 

There's nothing better than a cool swim on a hot night - but do you really want to swim in the dark? Of course not, and that's exactly why so many pool owners want lights in and around their outdoor pools.

Not only do outdoor pool lights make a swimming experience far more enjoyable because it's possible to use it more often, but lighting also makes for a much safer and, of course, better-looking pool.

Lighting contributes greatly to the aesthetic of backyard pools, highlighting features such as walkways and paths around the pool and even areas such as pool decks, pergolas, slides, fireplaces, and diving boards – whatever makes your pool unique. If you’re looking for some inspiration, just explore Sunset Pools Project Gallery.

What should you consider when the aim is to create the optimal swimming experience with lights?

The most important thing to determine is how much lighting will be required to cover all the areas you want lit. “The spread” of light depends on the pool lights used and the level of reflection. Most pool installers typically recommend LED lighting with a spread of about 15-20 feet but there are several other things to address.

Other important considerations to make when it comes to outdoor pool lighting is the shape of the pool and the material used within it. Darker surfaces, for example, will require more lighting and irregular shaped pools demand near perfect positioning to ensure not only that it looks great but that it provides enough light in areas to make the pool as safe as possible.

While any qualified electrician can install supplementary lighting around a pool, when it comes to installing lights within your pool, turning to a qualified installer of outdoor pool lights like Sunset Pools & Spas is the best course of action thanks to its decades of experience. Even when you turn to a knowledgeable expert to install outdoor pool lights, however, there are still several important considerations pool owners will need to make – whether you are buying replacement pool lights or if you are still in the design phase of an inground pool construction project.

A qualified professional will be able to assess your existing pool or its development plans and make an appropriate recommendation, but two of the most important variables that pool owners should be aware of include voltage and cord length. Voltage is arguably the most important factor when it comes to lighting within an inground pool. Today, most pools use 120-volt lights but there are some local areas across the United States that have specific rules and laws about what kind of actual lighting is allowed so you'll want to check with your installer to make sure you are in compliance with regulations.

Another consideration pool owners will need to make is regarding the cord length. Some pools and properties are larger than others, of course, so measuring from the light to the junction box is going to be critical. Ideally, these cords will have enough “slack” (or extra cord) to pull the light up onto the pool deck. Most pool light cords range in length from 15 to 100 feet so buy what you need and make sure they are of the highest quality to ensure safety.

Turn to a professional to install lights within the pool itself. These are electrical components and need a qualified person to ensure installation is safe. Sunset Pools & Spas is knowledgeable about making these specific pool improvements and can do the work right the first time.

Lighting is an important part of the optimal pool experience - choose wisely and swim often!