For many vacation rental properties, a sparkling pool is a major booking driver, but it also comes with serious safety responsibilities. In our previous ELEVATE webinar, we explored the importance of pool safety with three experts who live and breathe it every day: Caleb Hannon of StayLakeNorman, Oskar Coba of PRIME Vacations, and Justin Ford, Breezeway’s Head of Safety.

With rising incidents of drownings, especially in short-term rentals, ensuring pool safety is no longer optional; it’s essential. Below, we outline the key measures these leaders recommend for creating a safe pool environment at your properties.

Install and maintain pool alarms

Pool alarms are required in many jurisdictions, especially where direct access from the home to the pool is possible without a physical barrier. Caleb Hannon explained that in luxury properties designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, large glass doors are common, and pool alarms are necessary on every door leading to the pool.

Guests sometimes express frustration about these alarms interrupting their vacation vibe, but as Caleb shared, a simple explanation referencing local building codes often helps guests understand their necessity. StayLakeNorman even sends guests a video explaining the alarms as part of their pre-arrival messaging.

Few guests are educated about the importance of pool alarms and expect these kinds of safety measures will be handled by their host. Due in part to her proximity to Justin and what she’s learned in her role at Breezeway, VP of Community & Engagement, Koryn Okey adds, “We’re staying in a property this summer and I know the manager has not completed Breezeway’s Safety Course so I’m not sure about their commitment to safety. Since I’ll be traveling with my sister and her two young children,[with Justin’s guidance], I've ordered my own pool alarms to travel with for peace of mind and to keep my family safe while on vacation.”

Oskar Coba and the team of inspectors, maintenance techs and property managers at PRIME Vacations in Florida all take part in verifying alarms weekly and monthly. The frequent checks are essential because guests often tamper with or remove alarm batteries. Oskar emphasized the importance of using high-decibel alarms that reset automatically to ensure they function even if someone forgets to press a bypass button.

Use pool safety hooks (not just life rings)

In an emergency, having a pool safety hook or shepherd's hook can be the difference between life and death. Unlike a life ring, which is less practical in small residential pools, a hook allows someone outside the pool, particularly someone who cannot swim, to pull a person to safety.

Justin Ford emphasized that pool safety hooks have directly led to lives being saved. Unfortunately, many operators overlook them. In a poll during the webinar, 61% of attendees admitted they do not currently provide a hook at their pool. Justin encouraged everyone to follow the hotel industry standard and install them in an easy-to-access location near the pool.

Promote the Water Watcher program

Both Caleb and Oskar have implemented the Water Watcher program at their companies, and they believe it contributes to safer stays.

Caleb's team provides guests with wristbands and an explanatory placard located next to the welcome amenities. The wristbands serve as a visual cue that the designated "Water Watcher" is actively responsible for supervising the pool area, free from distractions like phones or grills. A QR code links to a custom video made by the StayLakeNorman team that further explains the concept.

PRIME Vacations uses a similar approach with lanyards that include instructions and safety details. Oskar noted that their goal is to get guests thinking about safety from the moment they arrive. Even a small reminder can change behavior and prevent tragedy.

Hire certified pool technicians for chemical care

Improper chemical balance in pools and hot tubs can lead to health issues like skin irritation, rashes, or worse. That's why both PRIME Vacations and StayLakeNorman work with certified pool technicians to manage chemical levels.

Caleb admitted he’s not an expert in pH levels but feels confident because his vendors are trained and certified. Their pools, many of which use saltwater systems, are checked and balanced consistently.

Oskar noted that while residential pools might be cleaned weekly, vacation rental pools require more frequent service due to daily use. His team cleans pools twice a week to maintain healthy conditions, recognizing that guests treat these pools like they would during a party every day.

Ensure strong fencing and gate safety

Oskar described the rigorous inspection process his team undertakes on Anna Maria Island, which includes ensuring that pool gates with child-safety latches are in compliance with Florida law. Because of wind from nearby canals, they also install double spring systems to guarantee gates self-close.

Gate maintenance is a constant task. His team adjusts and rechecks latches regularly, making this one of their most time-consuming safety tasks, but also one of the most important.

Address nighttime safety with proper pool lighting

While most inspections happen during the day, many guests use pools at night. Oskar raised the often-overlooked issue of pool lighting, both in the water and around the pool deck. Poor lighting can lead to trip-and-fall injuries or prevent someone from noticing if a child is at the bottom of the pool.

Ensuring all lighting is operational and provides clear visibility at night is essential for full-day pool safety.

Remove unapproved pool toys and floaties

Pool toys left behind by guests might seem harmless, but they create real dangers. Oskar explained that kids are often tempted to throw all the toys into the pool, obstructing visibility. This makes it difficult to spot someone who may be struggling underwater. As a result, PRIME Vacations’ teams proactively remove unauthorized floaties and inflatables from each property.

This aligns with the policy of many insurers, including Proper Insurance, which prohibits the use of non-Coast Guard-approved flotation devices.

Conduct regular pool safety inspections

At StayLakeNorman, safety inspections are not one-size-fits-all. Caleb shared that each property has its own customized inspection checklist in Breezeway. For example, if a home has four pool alarms, the inspection will explicitly require each to be checked and must take photos of key safety features. In addition to routine inspections, the company performs more detailed biannual safety walkthroughs.

For PRIME Vacations, city inspections happen annually, but the company conducts monthly safety inspections at their properties to ensure they meet requirements across the three different cities they operate in. These inspections are heavily focused on pool alarms, fences, and gates to ensure they are all operating correctly and installed to code.

Review electrical pool elements

It is highly advisable to hire a qualified electrical contractor to conduct electrical safety inspections around your STR hot tubs and pools every 3 to 5 years. Some localities require this. These professionals can ensure that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are properly installed, check the bonding and grounding of metal components, and inspect wiring for any signs of damage. They will also assess circuit breakers and ensure that all lighting fixtures meet safety standards to minimize hazards.

Regular inspections by an expert will help verify neutral and ground connections, test electrical equipment like pumps and heaters, and ensure compliance with local electrical codes. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also protects against potential accidents, providing peace of mind for you and your guests.

Include pool signage and depth markers

Signage plays a key role in reminding guests of safety protocols. Caleb mentioned that they use North Carolina's pool sign requirements as a guideline, then add their logo for branding.

Both Caleb and Oskar install depth markers, even when not required by local law. As Caleb said, even adults can misjudge how deep a pool is. A guest who just arrived, is hot and tired, or just excited to jump in the pool on vacation may dive in without realizing the depth, putting themselves at serious risk.

Other recommended signs include:

• “No diving”
• “Keep gate closed at all times”
• Pool rules (e.g., no running, no glass, no unsupervised children)
• Hot tub safety reminders (e.g., pregnancy warnings, max use time)

These signs are inexpensive, customizable, durable, and can be easily and quickly sourced.

Stay up to date with local regulations

Oskar stays current on Florida regulations by working directly with city and fire department inspectors. Their inspections and reviews of properties ensure even the most minor violations are caught and addressed. He welcomes this strict oversight, explaining that if it saves even one child, it’s worth it.

Caleb ensures that everyone on his team who works with property inspections or maintenance has completed Breezeway’s STR Safety course. New hires go through the training early, and inspectors are required to understand and verify all safety features.

Being proactive rather than reactive is the most effective way to prevent accidents. Whether you're in Florida or a state with looser regulations, adopting the highest standards will help protect your guests, reduce liability, and give owners peace of mind.

Build a culture of safety at your property management company

Every expert on the panel emphasized that pool safety isn’t just about equipment or checklists. It’s a mindset. From guest education to regular staff training, it must be woven into every aspect of operations.

Vacation rental pools can offer fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences, but only if guests are safe. Let these best practices serve as your guide to keeping pools enjoyable and accident-free all season long.

Want to hear more from these industry experts on vacation rental pool safety? Watch the full ELEVATE webinar recording.