I too have severe asthma and allergies. One source for good information about anything to do with a house and potential problems is the American Lung Association. (For example, after we remodeled some years ago, I had horrible reactions. After six months of increasingly desperate searching for answers, an ALA booklet for health care professionals finally alerted us to the pilot light of our gas stove, of all things.) I too have to stay away from all carpeting. We are currently building a house with all floors in tile or wood for that reason. We recently started looking at vinyl for some of the storage areas, and we have found some fantastic products. I would definitely consider them for a remodel. They are far easier to install than wood, not as costly as wood, they are as easy or even easier to maintain and keep dust-free, and they are easier to redo if down the road and with more time to act, you may want to try for wood. I would check with the ALA about off-gassing of different materials, glues, etc. to make sure your son can tolerate the installation process or how long after installation he may be vulnerable. You have my empathy.

Home4sale, I have three little kids myself so I totally understand your concerns! I'm sure gate, covers, pool alarm, door alarm are all great measures to protect our kids! For us, we chose not to put in a gate and covers due to some other reasons. However, we are putting our kids in swimming classes (my oldest (5 year old) can swim at 9 feet already!she learned within 4 weeks!) and the 4 and 2 year olds are in ISR water survival class. I say it's worth to look into ISR and give it a try if you could find an instructor in your area. They teach the kids how to rescue themselves in case they fall into water. Each day of the week they have the kids dress in different season like winter full on clothes and shoes, summer full on clothes, etc...and teach them pretty much how to react in real life situations! HIP...Please go to youtube and put in ISR swimming lessons to see exactly what I'm talking about.:)

We have an automatic safety cover and while it is expensive I honestly think it is the only sure safety devise. I have seen many young kids scale pool fences unnoticed at kid birthday parties and gates - even self closing - can be left ajar - the spring loosens and you don't realize it. We never have the pool open - and only we can reach the key and we keep it in a a separate locked area when not in use - unless we are swimming and we close it as soon as the activity switches in the yard. No kids who cannot swim are allowed in our pool without a dedicated adult. A comment on teaching kids to swim early and reach the side or float on their backs. Many experts advise against that because it provides a false sense of security. Until about age 4- kids develop at different rates - kids do not have the development to understand they are drowning. Even a child who has been swimming like a fish for years can and will let themselves drown - often silently and without any struggle. I had read about this and did not quite believe it until my 3 yo who could swim the long length of the pool was waiting for his turn with his swim teacher and slipped off the step - I waited for him to swim back up and he didn't! I had to go in a drag him up. He wasn't at all concerned or panicked - his brain simply had not triggered to him that he was going to drown. Adults panic and make a splash when drowning - small children do not. I still believe in teaching kids to swim early because I believe it is a confidence thing and the earlier they are comfortable the better. I think parents just need to be aware that being able to swim and being able to avoid drowning are not the same thing. If there are other bodies of water around obviously you have to take greater precautions. I don't think anyone would argue that allowing kids to wander alone in such circumstances is crazy. I personally would not want to have that set up with kids where the backyard is off limits. Pools can be secured.

I have two boys, six and three, and wood double hung windows. We use the top for ventilation on the second floor windows which are over twenty feet up. Since we've been refinishing, we don't have hardware on the windows for the most part, but they cannot open even those that have handles. If they were newer and vinyl they might be slipperier and I suppose I'd consider buying an after market lock, or jamming a stick in there (very effective).