Swimming pools and aquatic facilities present obvious slip and fall hazards due to constantly wet surfaces. Property owners operating pools must take appropriate precautions to protect swimmers and guests from foreseeable wet surface injuries.
Pool Area Hazards
Wet deck surfaces around pools are inherently slippery. Pool owners must use appropriate materials and treatments to provide adequate traction.
Transitions between surfaces where wet pool decks meet dry walkways create hazards as traction changes unexpectedly.
Shower and locker room floors with wet tiles and inadequate drainage create slip hazards in changing areas.
Diving board and ladder areas where water concentrates create particularly slippery zones.
Chemical spills from pool treatment chemicals can create slippery residue on deck surfaces.
Property Owner Duties
Pool operators must take reasonable precautions for foreseeable wet surface hazards. Since wetness is expected at pools, owners cannot ignore the resulting slip risks. Appropriate measures include slip-resistant deck surfaces, adequate drainage to minimize standing water, appropriate textures or coatings in high-risk areas, warning signs where hazards cannot be eliminated, and regular inspection for developing problems.
Commercial vs. Residential Pools
Commercial pools (hotels, gyms, water parks, apartment complexes) face heightened duties. These facilities invite the public and must comply with health and safety codes. Commercial pool owners bear the highest duty of care to their business invitees.
Residential pools present liability primarily to guests and, in some jurisdictions, to child trespassers under attractive nuisance doctrine. Homeowner duties may be somewhat lower than commercial operators.
Health Code Requirements
Public pools must comply with health department regulations. Codes typically specify deck material requirements, drainage standards, and safety equipment. Violations support premises liability claims when those violations contribute to injuries.
Health inspection records document compliance history and any cited deficiencies.
Open and Obvious Defense
Defendants commonly argue that wetness at pools is "open and obvious" and that patrons assume the risk by using the facility. However, the foreseeability of wet conditions doesn't eliminate owner duties to provide safe premises.
Owners who know surfaces will be wet must take that into account when designing, maintaining, and operating facilities. They cannot simply post signs and ignore slip hazards.
Water Park and Aquatic Facility Claims
Commercial water parks and aquatic facilities have extensive wet areas creating pervasive slip hazards. These businesses must design facilities with slip prevention in mind and maintain surfaces throughout operations.
Ticket purchases often include liability waivers—these may limit but typically don't eliminate claims for negligent maintenance or safety violations.
Evidence in Pool Slip and Fall Cases
Document the specific location where you fell. Photograph surface conditions, drainage, and any obvious hazards. Note what materials comprised the deck surface. Identify whether warning signs were posted. Get witness information from other pool users.
Health inspection records and maintenance logs reveal the facility's safety history. Discovery can obtain these documents.
Injuries from Pool Falls
Pool slip and falls can cause serious injuries. Hard deck surfaces cause impact trauma. Falling into pools can cause drowning or secondary injuries. Wet, chemical-treated surfaces can cause skin injuries. Head and spine injuries occur when people strike pool edges or equipment.
Pursuing Your Claim
Report the incident to pool management immediately. Seek medical attention for injuries. An experienced premises liability attorney can evaluate whether the facility took appropriate precautions for foreseeable wet conditions and pursue claims when safety measures were inadequate.