Pool barriers and pool fences are vital safety components for homes with swimming pools. If you have a privacy fence around your yard, you may or may not need an additional barrier around your pool. There are several factors to keep in mind. Let’s explore you options to determine if you need a pool barrier with a privacy fence.
What Counts as a Pool Barrier?
According to the safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, pool barriers and fences should be a minimum of 4 feet tall and should surround all sides of a swimming pool. The house can act as one ‘side’ of the pool barrier, with the remaining sides surrounded by a privacy fence or other barrier. Chain link fences, brick walls and removable pool fences can all count as pool barriers as long as they are properly secured and at least 4 feet tall.
With this in mind, it may be wise to have a secondary barrier within your yard, even if you have a privacy fence. This is especially true if you have pets or small children. The more precautions you can take to protect your family, the better off you will be.
Why a Pool Barrier May Be Required for Safety
Approximately 300 children under the age of 5 die each year in the U.S. from a pool or spa drowning. Another 4,100 suffer from pool-related injuries. These risks can easily be mitigated with proper security and monitoring. If you do not have children at home, your pool may still be accessible to neighborhood children. Putting a barrier around it will give you peace of mind and ensure safety for the whole community.
Do I Need a Pool Fence for an Above-Ground Swimming Pool?
The Product Safety Commission recommends having a pool barrier for an above-ground pool. However, the pool walls can act as a barrier on their own. The stipulation there is that the ladder should be secured and out-of-reach when the pool is not in use. If you have an above-ground pool with a deck, create a barrier around the deck and the steps leading to the deck.
Other Ways to Maximize Pool Safety
A pool fence isn’t the only way to protect your family and community. Here are some other pool safety strategies you may use:
- Get a pool cover for the top of the pool. This acts as a secondary barrier for children/pets, and it reduces the debris that gets into the pool. You’ll prolong the life of your filter and protect your family all at once!
- Never leave a child unattended around the swimming pool. Even the most effective pool fence is not as secure as parental supervision.
- Avoid pool barriers that are easy to climb. We can go over your options to find the best design for your needs.
- Get a locking pool gate. If you do not put a lock on the gate, at least put a carabiner on it to secure the fence. This will deter accidental openings.
- Inspect your pool barrier frequently. Just because it was strong a week ago doesn’t mean it’s strong now. Check for new issues at the earliest signs.
- Install a door alarm for any doors leading to the pool area. If a child accidentally gets out, you will instantly be alerted to check on them. You can buy individual door alarms inexpensively at most hardware stores.
- Teach your family about pool safety. Encourage your children to ask questions and teach them to swim at an early age. Also teach them appropriate times to go swimming – only with permission and supervision.
Interested in a privacy fence or swimming pool fence for your home? Contact All Around Fence at (443) 838-9374 to schedule an in-person consultation. One of our licensed fence installers will go over all your options to find the perfect pool barrier for your property.
