Protect Your Backyard Pool From Tragedy

"All pools -- from a simple kiddie pool to an aquatic extravaganza -- can be dangerous and need to be properly insured and comply with local safety standards," says Jeanne M. Salvatore, consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.

Five tips to safeguard yourself from potential pool hazards:

1. Set up barriers. Installing a fence, pool alarm, lock or safety cover can keep people from using the pool while you're away. They also count in your favor in case of a liability claim.

2. Be vigilant. Never leave children unsupervised for even a few seconds around the pool. Pool filters and other mechanical devices with suction can also injure small kids. Avoid leaving toys floating around the pool, since toddlers may try to reach for them and slip into the water.

3. Take the necessary precautions. Make sure that you and other pool-goers have taken crucial lessons -- from swimming to first aid and CPR -- and don't let anyone swim alone. Post instructions near the pool on how to turn off any filtration devices and cleaners, as well as emergency contact information in case of an accident. Keep a first-aid kit, life savers and reaching poles near the pool. Keep glass bottles, electrical devices and other hazards away from the pool.

4. Make sure you're following the rules. Every town or municipality has its own definition of a "pool" based on size and water depth, as well as its own regulations for pool owners. You must comply with local safety standards and building codes, which may require you to install a fence of a certain size, as well as locks, decks and pool-safety equipment.