Reply #12: This is exactly why I did not add a deck to my pool [View All]

The pool is an above ground one that would be very hard to get into without the ladder in position. My husband and I did not put the deck on for easy access because the neighbors kids always end up in our yard and none of them can swim very well.

The ladder is always locked when no one is swimming. As my kids have grown older, they help to police the pool and make sure the ladder is locked when the pool is not in use. I also request that if a child comes to swim in our pool that their parent come along also...I am not a babysitter for other people's kids. If they can't come...they can take a raincheck.

Pools are a lot of fun, but they take a lot of responsibility. If people are unable to accept that responsibility they should just visit their local public pool or private club.

We had a drowning death in our town this summer. The child walked onto the babysitter's deck which directly led to another deck with an above ground pool (gave the feel of an inground pool)...the child drowned.