Swimming pools offer a great way to relax, exercise and stay cool, especially in the summer months. However, pools can also pose significant safety hazards that lead to serious injuries. Understanding the causes of these injuries and determining who may be responsible is vital not only to protecting swimmers but also to obtaining financial compensation when an accident occurs.

Liability for swimming pool injuries can fall on various parties. In some cases, the property owner or manager may be held responsible. In others, the seller, manufacturer or installer of a pool or its accessories may be to blame. The following are the most common causes of harm to swimmers:

1. Slip and fall accidents — Wet surfaces around pools are prime locations for slipping and tripping. Falls can result in bruises, broken bones or head and spinal injuries. Slippery tiles, obstacles in footpaths or failure to maintain poolside surfaces are common contributors.

2. Drowning and near-drowning — According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are more 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year in the U.S, with 80 percent of them occurring in residential swimming pools. Young children are especially vulnerable. In addition, near-drowning incidents can cause permanent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.

3. Diving accidents — Plunging into a shallow area and hitting the pool bottom can lead to spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury. These accidents can occur due to inadequate signage, lack of depth markers or unsafe diving boards.

4. Chemical exposure — Improper use of pool cleaning products can cause skin burns, eye injuries or respiratory issues. Over-chlorinated pools can irritate the skin and lungs, while untreated or poorly maintained water can lead to infections.

5. Entrapment — Swimmers, especially children, can get caught in pool drains or filtration hoses, leading to injuries or drowning. These accidents are often due to faulty or missing drain covers or inadequate safety features.

Swimming pool injuries often stem from negligence, inadequate supervision or lack of maintenance. Liability can depend on multiple factors, including the type of property and the relationship between the injured party and the property owner.

Homeowners can be held liable for injuries that occur in or around their swimming pool if they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure safety. These actions include installing a fence with a locking gate to prevent children from gaining access to the pool area. Homeowners also have a duty to keep adjacent surfaces free of slipping or tripping hazards and to warn guests of potentially dangerous conditions, such as cracks or missing slabs in pavements.

Businesses that operate pools, such as hotels, gyms, or public recreational facilities, owe a high duty of care to their guests. They are expected to maintain safe conditions, hire qualified lifeguards, post adequate warnings and ensure the water quality is safe. Failure to meet these standards can result in liability for any resulting injuries.

A third-party service provider may be liable for injuries resulting from failure to maintain the pool properly or to install equipment incorrectly. When injury is caused by a defective pool product, such as a malfunctioning drain cover or chemical dispenser, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable.

If you or a member of your family is hurt in a pool accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can analyze the facts and determine whether you may have a valid claim for damages. An attorney can also assemble evidence, including expert testimony, to establish fault and pursue compensation. 

The lawyers at Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. have extensive experience handling personal injury cases throughout Connecticut. We have offices in Hamden and East Haven. To schedule a consultation, call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.