I almost said 'it goes without saying...', but it can't be stated enough: she is absolutely never out of our sight around the pool. I've seen, many times, how quickly a toddler can get into trouble and it always left me shaken, even long before becoming a parent. I've pulled them out of waterfronts when their parents were within 10 to 15 feet, but briefly distracted by something. When a child's in or near the water, nothing else matters!

Anyway, I'd considered the ropes and floats thing, and still may do it, but what concerns me is how slick the bottom can be. As I mentioned, I've been surprised a couple times by the start of the slope and briefly lost my footing. An adult could probably reach up and grab the rope if needed. not so sure about a child. I'd like to assume myself, or my wife, a borderline swimmer, would always be there to grab her, but this would just be an added layer of protection.