Slide Right’s Safety Tips: Preventing Poolside Tragedies Starts at Home

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3 days ago
2 min read

Living in Arizona means sunshine, warm weather, and plenty of time spent enjoying our outdoor spaces—especially the pool. While pools bring joy and relief from the heat, they also come with serious safety responsibilities. At Slide Right, we are committed not just to keeping your sliding glass doors working smoothly, but also to promoting safety in the spaces where families gather and play.

That’s why today’s safety spotlight highlights an important and sobering fact every parent and caregiver should know.

Did You Know?

Most young children who drown in pools were last seen inside the home. They had been out of sight for less than five minutes, and were under the care of one or both parents. It only takes a brief, unplanned moment for a child to slip outside unnoticed.

This is preventable—and door safety plays a key role.

Why Door Safety Matters

Sliding glass doors and patio entrances are often the primary access point to backyard pools. When these doors don’t close properly, lock securely, or slide smoothly, it becomes easier for a child to exit the home unsupervised.

Common door issues that can compromise safety include:

A door that doesn’t fully latch
Worn or ineffective locks
Rollers that cause the door to remain slightly open
Screens mistaken for secure barriers
Doors that don’t self-close or require manual force to shut

These small problems may seem like inconveniences, but they can quickly become life-threatening hazards around a pool.

Simple Steps to Increase Pool Safety

At Slide Right, we recommend a combination of vigilance, education, and properly maintained home access points. A few key steps include:

1. Ensure Your Sliding Doors Close & Lock Properly

A smooth, self closing, self latching door is one of the first lines of defense. If your door sticks, drags, or fails to lock, or does not self close and self latch, then, it’s time to install a new Slide Right system or its time for a repair.

2. Install or Maintain Self-Closing Mechanisms

Many Arizona homes near pools are required to have self-closing doors. We can check, adjust, or install systems that meet compliance standards.

3. Don’t Rely on Screens for Safety

Screens are great for airflow—but they are never a secure barrier. Make sure household members understand this distinction.

4. Stay Within Arm’s Reach of Young Children

Even with secure doors, active supervision is critical—especially for toddlers who move quickly and quietly.

5. Regularly Inspect Door Hardware

Weather, dust, and daily use wear out rollers, tracks, and locks over time. A quick maintenance visit can ensure everything is functioning safely.

We’re Here to Help Keep Your Home Safe

Together, we can raise awareness and take preventative safety measures to help keep Arizona families protected around the water.

If your sliding door isn’t closing right, latching securely, or moving the way it should, give Slide Right a call. A simple repair can make a major difference in safety and peace of mind.

Your doors should work effortlessly—and help keep your family safe.