As the owner of a swimming pool, it is advisable that you put a fence around this recreational area. In the United States, there are nearly 300 children under 5 years who drown in pools. Additionally, there are about 4,100 others in the same age group who require emergency medical attention after falling in unguarded pools. Most of these fatalities and injuries usually occur in pools owned by the immediate of the affected kids, relatives and friends. If you own a pool and you plan on entertaining your kids in the pool, it is good to install a pool in order to keep your loved ones safe.

In Australia, the laws governing the installation of permanent or temporary pool fences are very stringent and there are stiff and hefty fines for non-compliance. Due to the high number of pool owners in Australia, there are pool fencing experts like me who have taken up this line of work to help pool owners in ensuring total compliance to the requisite laws.

What Are the Regulations on Pool Fencing in The United States?

In the United States, there are no blanket laws governing the fencing of pools. However, some states like Arizona and Florida have their own pool fencing regulations. For example, in Arizona, if your property has a body of water that has a width of more than eight feet or a depth of eighteen inches, you must provide adequate fencing around the water body.

While installing a pool fence is not a legal requirement, the safety standards by the International Code Council recommend that you have one in place. According to these safety standards, the ideal fence should have a height of at least 48 inches with pickets spaced at a width of less than four inches apart. Additionally, the fence should be self-latching, the door should open away from the pool and it should be constructed in such a way that kids cannot climb over it. It is recommended that pool owners follow these safety standards as they can help in saving the life of a child.

What Types of Fences Can You Install Around Your Pool?

Once you have decided to install a pool fence to enhance the safety for your loved ones, there are different types of fences that you can choose to erect. It is important to remember that each type of fence has its own unique features. When choosing a fence, you should be guided by the aesthetics that you are hoping to achieve as well as your budget. Take a look at National Pool Fences for more information. Below, we will look at some of the most popular and unique type of pool fences available in the market.

1.         Mesh Pool Fences

If you are looking for the most cost-effective type of pool fence, you cannot go wrong with removable mesh fencing panels. These panels cannot be scaled and as such, they offer extra protection since kids can’t climb over them. They are also transparent and can easily be removed. With this type of fence, you can always change the look of your yard any time that you choose. These types of fences are ideal for property owners who want to provide protection to their loved ones without making permanent changes to the landscape in the yard.

2.         Wrought Iron Fences

These types of fences are pretty costly. They usually resemble the type of fence that is often seen at the front of the yard. Wrought iron fences are usually welded together and dipped in the ground meaning that they are very durable. These fences can also be found in varying styles. Should you choose this type of pool fence, it is important that you remember that iron is susceptible to rust. On installing a wrought iron fence, you will need to paint it regularly to prevent it from rusting.

3.         Aluminum Pool Fences

If you are looking for a sturdy yet less costly type of pool fence, you can install an aluminum pool fence. These fences can either be erected vertically or horizontally in the form of slats or tubes. These fences resemble wrought iron fences but they are less heavy and they are not susceptible to rust. However, if you are installing this type of fence in some areas such as near the sea shore, you may need to carry out regular maintenance to prevent corrosion. Though most aluminum fences are coated with powder to enhance their durability, the presence of salty moisture and the heat of the sun can lower their durability.

4.         Wood Pool Fences

Though wood fences can be aesthetically pleasing, their main drawback is that they can warp and deteriorate when they come in contact with water. Additionally, they are also opaque meaning that you cannot keep an eye on your kids as they are playing in the water. However, their opaqueness makes these fences ideal for people looking to get some privacy. Should you choose to erect this type of fence, you should be ready to waterproof your wood occasionally to prevent rotting and staining. Additionally, you should also be ready to make adjustments to your pool gate to account for warping.

5.         Glass Pool Fences

Glass fences are some of the most attractive and appealing types of pool fences. They are also less costly compared to premium wood fences and deluxe aluminum fences. Glass pool fences are typically constructed using a thick glass that is shatter-resistant and virtually unbreakable. They are easy to install since all you have to do is hang glass panels between upright posts. Many pool owners use these types of fences to create internal pool barriers and also provide secondary safety fencing in pools constructed within the grounds of a property.

6.         Vinyl Pool Fences

Apart from being easy to install, these fences also happen to be weather resistant. They can be found in very many styles and patterns starting from traditional picket fences to textured panels. Vinyl fences can also be found in many colors. Though they are durable, they tend to crack and deteriorate over time especially if they are exposed to hot desert sun. These fences also tend to block the view compared to other fences such as those made using glass panels.

7.         Above Ground Fences

Though it is not easy for kids to access above ground pools, it is still a good idea to install a fence around these recreational areas. If you have an above the ground pool, you can install resin fences since they will provide a strong barrier around your pool. These fences can be easily bolted upright in such a way that they connect to each other around your pool. If you decide to erect an above the ground fence, ensure that you acquire a tall fence to make it harder for kids to climb over the barrier in to the pool. Additionally, do not forget to remove items that kids can use as steps or support to climb over the installed fencing.

Why Should You Install a Pool Fence?

If you do not have kids in your residence, you may not have to install a pool fence but it is a good idea to have one regardless of whether there are children or not. If you do not have a fence and a small child wanders into your property and gets injured, you can face dire legal consequences. You would also have to go through life knowing that you put the life of a child at risk. If you are looking to acquire a pool fence, you should first compare the options available in the market. By comparing the different options on offer, you will be able to select a pool fence that complements and accentuates your landscape.