A Step-by-Step Guide On How to Protect your Home Against Fires Using FireFighter1™
Fire season is becoming longer and more intense in many parts of the country, especially in fire-prone areas like California. With dry conditions, high winds, and unpredictable wildfires, homeowners need to take proactive measures to protect their property. While many rely on defensible space, fire-resistant landscaping, and evacuation plans, one often-overlooked resource could make a crucial difference: your swimming pool.
A properly maintained pool can act as an emergency water source, helping homeowners protect their property in the critical moments before firefighters arrive. Products like FireFighter1, a pool-powered fire hose system featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, allow you to access your pool water within seconds to fight fire, create firebreaks, and improve your home’s fire preparedness.
FireFighter1™ as seen on ABC's Shark Tank.
Why You Can’t Rely on Public Water Sources During a Fire
During large-scale wildfires, public water systems often fail under extreme demand. Here’s why relying solely on hydrants and fire services could leave you vulnerable:
- Water Pressure Drops: When entire neighborhoods are using hydrants, pressure can plummet, making them ineffective.
- Reservoirs Can Run Dry: In past wildfires, municipal water supplies have been depleted, leaving firefighters unable to pump water.
- Fire Crews May Be Delayed: With limited firefighters available, some homes are left to burn as crews prioritize larger threats.
- Evacuation Routes Can Close: If roads are blocked, emergency responders may not reach your property in time.
When every second counts, having a reliable, independent water source is critical.
Why Fire Preparedness Matters
- Wildfires can spread in minutes, leaving little time for action.
- Embers can travel over a mile, igniting homes before the fire reaches them.
- Drought conditions lead to dry vegetation, increasing fire risks.
- Fire departments may be stretched thin, making self-defense measures valuable.
By incorporating your pool into your fire protection plan, you maximize your water resources and give your home a better chance of surviving a wildfire.
Step 1: Create a Fire Preparedness Plan
Being prepared before a fire starts is the key to minimizing damage. Homeowners in fire-prone regions should have a clear plan in place that includes:
- An evacuation route – Know multiple exit routes from your home.
- A go-bag with essentials – Keep important documents, medication, and emergency supplies ready.
- Defensible space around your home – Keep vegetation trimmed, remove dead plants, and maintain at least 100 feet of clearance from structures.
- Backup power sources – Wildfires often cause power outages that can shut down well pumps and other water systems.
For those with a swimming pool, installing a fire pump system like FireFighter1 can provide an additional layer of defense.
Step 2: How to Use Your Pool as a Firefighting Tool
Your swimming pool holds thousands of gallons of water, making it an invaluable resource in an emergency. But without a way to access and deploy that water quickly, it remains untapped potential.
FireFighter1 Fire Hose For Pool Pump | Heavy Duty
$514.99
$699.99
In the wake of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, it's essential to prepare for future fire threats. The FireFighter1 Adaptive Fire Hose system offers a proactive solution, enabling you to utilize their pool water to create defensible space and protect your… read more
How FireFighter1 Works
FireFighter1 is a pool-connected fire hose system that allows homeowners to use their pool water to fight flames, create firebreaks, and wet down their property to reduce fire risk. Unlike traditional fire hoses that require hydrants or water tanks, FireFighter1:
- Connects directly to your pool pump, turning it into a powerful firefighting tool.
- Deploys in seconds, allowing you to spray up to 45 feet using high-pressure water.
- Works with most pool pump systems, making it easy to install.
- Helps control embers and fire spread before firefighters arrive.
Where to Install FireFighter1 for Maximum Effectiveness
- Keep the hose storage box near the pool pump for quick access.
- Ensure the hose can reach key areas of your home and property.
- Consider leaving the hose permanently attached during peak fire season.
Click this Link for Installation Examples Directly from FireFighter1™
Step 3: Practicing Fire Response with Your Pool System
Having a fire hose system is only useful if you know how to use it properly. Homeowners should:
- Practice deploying FireFighter1 at least once per fire season.
- Familiarize everyone in the household with how to operate the system.
- Ensure backup power is available (such as a generator) in case of power outages.
- Regularly inspect hoses and fittings to ensure they are in working order.
A pool fire hose system is not a replacement for evacuation, but it can help slow down fire spread, wet your surroundings, and create a barrier against approaching flames.
Click this Link for a Video Explaining How to Use the FireFighter1™
Step 4: Additional Fire Prevention Measures for Pool Owners
Besides installing a pool-based fire defense system, homeowners can take additional precautions to safeguard their property.
Use Fire-Resistant Coatings and Fire Gel
- Fire-resistant coatings can help protect wood decks, fences, and exteriors from ignition.
- Some homeowners choose to upgrade their FireFighter1 system with fire gel, which can be sprayed onto roofs, walls, and plants to create a protective barrier that lasts for up to 24 hours.
Keep Your Pool Area Clear of Flammable Materials
- Store patio furniture, cushions, and umbrellas indoors during fire season.
- Trim trees and remove dry leaves near your pool area.
- Avoid storing propane tanks, wood piles, or gas-powered equipment near the pool.
Install a Pool Cover to Reduce Evaporation
- A full pool provides more water in an emergency.
- In hot, dry climates, pools can lose inches of water per week—a solar or automatic cover can help retain water levels.
Step 5: What to Do After a Fire Event
If a fire has impacted your area and you used your FireFighter1 system, follow these post-fire steps:
- Turn off your pool pump and disconnect the fire hose.
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the hose before storing it properly.
- Check your pool water chemistry—ash, debris, and fire retardants can affect pH and chlorine levels.
- Inspect your pool equipment for damage—high heat or embers can warp or weaken components.
- Clean and rebalance your pool water before swimming.
Click here for Instructions for After Use and Folding of FireFighter1™
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Wildfires are unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference. By integrating your swimming pool into your fire defense plan, you maximize your available water resources and improve your chances of protecting your home.
- FireFighter1 offers a fast, efficient way to access pool water in an emergency.
- Practicing and maintaining your system ensures it’s ready when needed.
- Taking additional fire prevention steps further enhances your home’s protection.
While no system guarantees safety in extreme wildfires, being prepared with multiple layers of defense—including a reliable water source—can buy critical time for you, your family, and firefighters.
Would you like more fire preparedness tips or help setting up a pool fire hose system? Reach out to local pool professionals or emergency preparedness specialists to ensure your home is fire-ready this season.
