I found an interesting follow up to Penny's post about summer pool safety today, by way of the Insurance Journal.

Pennsylvanians who thought buying an inflatable kiddie pool would be an easy way let kids swim at home are thinking again. Turns out an enforcement code prohibits the use of most inflatable pools—unless parents opt to put a four-foot fence around it.

According to IJ, under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, pools more than 24 inches deep must be accompanied by a fence or screened enclosure. The enclosure must also be equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates. Such enclosures could add hundreds of dollars to a twenty-five dollar pool.

"A baby pool, whether it's a foot deep or three feet, can be even more dangerous than a pool with sturdy side walls that are four feet high,'' said officer Sandy Nicolo. "The fact is that children can find a way to get into anything.''

I have mixed feelings about this. I understand the potential for young children to drown in one of these pools, but I also think we should place some responsibility on the parents to keep an eye kids while they're out splashing around. One thing is certain—these rules and regulations have come a long way since I was a kid.

Which gives me a great idea: scrap the pools and bring back the Slip 'N Slide. That long, yellow, sprinkler-clad tarp made for endless backyard fun. While you do run the risk of sliding your belly over a rock or other garden surprise, a bruised rib is nothing to complain about, especially when compared to other summer water risks.

Check out the full IJ story here.