Before you think about claims or insurance, focus on three immediate priorities:
- Get medical attention promptly (even if injuries seem minor at first). Head impacts, suction injuries, and chemical exposure can worsen later.
- Document the conditions while you still can: take photos of the deck surface, ladder/handrails, gate latch condition, signage, drain area, and any visible water clarity or chemical issues.
- Preserve evidence. If there’s surveillance (common in multifamily complexes), ask the property manager to preserve footage. Maintenance logs are often updated or overwritten after incidents.
In Portsmouth, where property turnover is common and many pools are in shared buildings, evidence can be controlled by a property manager or HOA—not the homeowner who you initially speak with. Acting early helps you avoid getting stuck later.


