The rules of pool ownership in Malverne and West Hempstead

What you need to know

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With summer fast approaching, the Town of Hempstead kicked off a town-wide campaign last week at Echo Park’s indoor pool to remind residents of the laws connected to pool ownership — and why safety precautions are imperative.

“According to U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, nearly 400 accidental fatal drownings of children, 15 and under, happened last year, and nearly 75 percent of those children were younger than 5-years old,” said town Supervisor Anthony Santino.  “But by being proactive we and using common sense, we can prevent our loved ones and neighbors from becoming grave statistics.” According to news accounts, there were at least four pool drownings on Long Island last summer.

Pool alarms are required by Hempstead County law in all the unincorporated areas of the town. They are also required in Malverne, and are part of New York State’s residential building and maintenance codes. These alarms must be capable of detecting anyone entering a pool, and emitting an 85-decibel alert, when someone enters the water. A remote device also must be placed at a second site at the home, and both alarms must sound within 20 seconds of someone entering the water.

Additionally, the town, like the village, requires a 5-foot non-climbable fence around the pool. All pool owners must have a permit from the town — or from the village if they are Malverne residents — to have the pool, and should have life-saving devices, such as floats and life rings, around the pool in case of an emergency. The village has other, extensive other rules concerning pool ownership, and residents should contact the village's building department for further information.

During the press conference, the supervisor went to demonstrate a pool alarm, but the device, a $170 alarm made by Poolwatch, failed after several demonstration attempts. Another alarm that was purchased previously by the town for the demonstration had also failed, said press secretary, Susan Trenkle-Pokalsky. Residents are urged to check their pool alarms often to ensure they are functioning properly.

The town offered these pool safety tips:

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