Warmer weather brings leisurely days spent poolside with friends and family. As you get ready to dive in to another season of fun in the sun, remember that safety comes first. With more than 10 million residential pools across America, the opportunities for water recreation right at home are plentiful. But so, too, are the chances of water-related mishaps. "Pools are a great source of enjoyment for families, and with proper supervision and care, the entire family can confidently dive in to hours of fun," said Joe DeFuria, Brand Manager of BioGuard. "Taking time early in the season to brush up on this important information will help keep everyone safe all summer long." The CDC cites "lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers to prevent unsupervised water access, lack of close supervision while swimming" as some of the leading risks associated with drowning. Preventive efforts such as learning to swim (or teaching swimming skills), ensuring at least one person with CPR training is present when the pool is in use and having proper safety devices (e.g., life vests and preservers) readily accessible help reduce injuries and accidents. Put these measures in place so you can enjoy the fun at hand, without the worry: 1. Designate a "lifeguard." Always pick at least one responsible adult to monitor children at all times. 2. Know CPR: Before investing in a pool, be sure to take a CPR class. The faster CPR can be administered to a person in distress, the stronger the long-term outcome. 3. Keep your water clean: Pool safety also includes keeping the water clean and sanitary for your family. Invest in the proper tools, such as the pool care systems from BioGuard, to keep your waters crystal clear. 4. Enroll kids in swimming lessons: Teach the skill of swimming to children at a young age. Enroll kids in classes to learn the basics and avoid accidents. 5. Teach the parts of a pool: Show children where to locate the drains, pipes and other pool openings. Explain the importance of avoiding these areas while swimming as they can cause harm. Pool Maintenance Essentials Pool owners understand the importance of keeping it clean all season long. The experts at BioGuard provide these tips to keep your pool looking its best for family and guests: * Make waves. Constant water movement helps prevent bacteria and algae from growing and ensures that the pool sanitizer is evenly distributed throughout the entire pool. Circulating pool water during the day for at least 12 hours also helps the filter catch debris. * Test the waters. Every pool needs to be tested for the correct pH and sanitizer levels every week. Have a thorough water analysis performed by a professional every month. * Keep that water treatment going. The right water treatment plan will both maintain pool equipment and keep the water inviting. For instance, the SilkGuard Technology in BioGuard's Silk sanitizer line makes pool water feel soft and smooth on skin while also preventing corrosion and protecting equipment. For additional pool care tips and to find a local BioGuard dealer, visit www.bioguard.com.