Tips on Swimming Pool Fences

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 1-14 years of age. It's time to improve the odds for children with barriers such as a swimming pool fence. A swimming pool fence can not only deter your own children from going into the pool unsupervised, but can also keep out the neighbor's children as well. And, in some cities and states, having a pool fence is a requirement.

The following tips on swimming pool fences are general tips; you should also want to check any local regulations about height, etc., in helping you decide what type of pool fence to install.

There are a number of benefits to the installation and use of a pool fence. One of those benefits is safety. Even in a well-supervised environment, they can often find a way to disappear. A fence can help to ensure that your child isn’t found in your swimming pool.

A pool fence can also help to reduce liability. Even if you aren’t a parent, take a close look at your neighborhood. Are there kids around? If so, you should know that pools are attractive to children. A pool fence can help to protect you, as well as a neighborhood child who may venture onto your property. You are less likely to be held liable for a pool accident when you can prove that you did take the proper precautions.

You will first want to familiarize yourself with your buying options. You may be surprised how many different fence styles are currently available for sale. These styles include wood, metal, and mesh.

Wood Fences

For décor purposes, wood comes highly rated and recommended. A wood fence will look nice when surrounded by small bushes or garden flowers. In terms of safety, wood fences are usually harder to climb than a chain link fence.

Metal Fences

It is not uncommon to find metal, wrought iron, and aluminum fences grouped into the same category. This is due to the closeness in appearance. Although aluminum fences are cheaper and durable, wrought iron fences come highly rated and recommended.

When choosing a metal, wrought iron, or aluminum fence style, it is important to examine ease of climbing. After all, that's why you're installing a pool fence - to keep people, particularly children, away from your pool. There's no sense putting a fence up if it's easy to climb. Just remember that the decorative fences are often easier to climb, as they tend to have décor that can be used as a guide. For example, a horizontal bar on the base of the fence as well as one at the top can make it very easy for someone, even a child, to scale the fence.

Mesh Pool Fences

Mesh pool fences, another one of your options, are increasing in popularity. They are also highly recommended as barriers around inground pools. This is due in part to the concrete surrounding the pool. Most mesh fences use this concrete as an anchor. It also helps to stabilize the fence.

What is unique about mesh fences is that they are easy to remove. In fact, they are also commonly referred to and sold as removable fences. Removable fences are recommended if you foresee a renovation in your future. Would you like to build a pool house? Would you like to add more patio space to your pool area? If your answer is yes, then you having a removable fence makes your job that much easier. Mesh fences are easy to install, take down, add on other sections, and close back up.

As you can see, you have a number of different pool safety fence buying options. Whichever style you decide on, purchase a fence that is at least four feet high. Of course, you will want to follow the regulations regarding pool fences in your area, as they may be different.

Whichever fencing you choose, do be sure to choose one with a gate that locks or latches. It is recommended that the lock or latch be up high and out of reach from small children. And, you may consider installing an alarm on the gate. When the alarm is activated and the gate opens, it should sound. This will alert you and allow you to take the appropriate action.

It is important to remember that as good a safety feature a swimming pool fence is, it should not be a replacement for proper supervision. If you are a parent, always know where your children are.

Synonyms:  Ool, opol, ppool, pol, plol, poool, pol, polo, pkol, poool, pook, poo, and pooll are typos for "pool."  Ence, efnce, ffence, fnce, fnece, feence, fece, fecne, fennce, fene, fenec, fencce, fenc, and fencee are typos for "fence."