One of the biggest concerns any pool owner has is keeping their young children and their pets from getting into the pool unsupervised and getting hurt. Every year, over two hundred children drown in home swimming pools. And according to almost two-thirds of all safety experts, this is a tragedy that can be avoided.
Safety experts all agree that one of the best things you can do to prevent something like this from happening is by installing a pool safety fence. Pool fencing can prevent accidents by restricting access to the swimming pool when you are not around. All that you need to do is choose one that fits your needs. However, that isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Nowadays, there are a multitude of different pool fences on the market today. There are wooden ones, wrought iron ones, and ones made out of plastic. What the fencing is made out of isn’t the only option to think about. Another thing that needs to be considered is whether you want a permanent fence or a removable one.
With so many options currently available, it can seem overwhelming trying to find a pool safety fence that fits in with not only your home decor but also does the job it was designed to do—protect your children and your pets from getting into the pool and getting harmed. It’s with that in mind that I’ve decided to write this little guide. The first part of it lists some of the better pool fence options that are currently available and the rest of the guide tells you what to look for when buying fencing. So let’s get right into it and begin this guide.
Best Safety Fences for Pools
1Life Saver Pool Area Fence DIY Section Kit 12-Foot Section
There probably isn’t a better option for protecting your loved ones from unsupervised access to a pool than erecting a fence. And there probably isn’t a more satisfying way of putting up a fence than doing it yourself. Which is exactly what this DIY fencing kit supplies. It comes with a single 12-foot long section of fence that’s approximately 4-feet high and is supported by 5 integrated aluminum posts.
It also comes with a safety latch and deck sleeves. What it doesn’t come with and has to be purchased separately, however, is the gate. Even without the gate, though, this is a good option to begin erecting that fence for your pool that you’ve always wanted to put up.
2GLI 4-foot by 10-foot In-Ground Fence Section
A properly installed fence around the pool is one of the top ways of preventing children and pets from getting into the pool unsupervised. And this 4-foot tall preassembled fence is a good way to begin erecting that fence.
This 10-foot long section comes with the template, instructions and all of the hardware needed to put up a fence that is far superior to the old-fashioned nets that some people have decided to put around their pool. It’s also made with a surface that makes it difficult to climb, which further prevents people from going over the fence and using the pool without permission.
3Water Warden 4-Foot Safety Fence for Pools
While this 4-foot tall fence doesn’t come with a safety gate or a drill guide, it’s still a solution for people who don’t mind a do-it-yourself option. This set features 12-feet of black fencing and comes with instructions, an installation video, a measuring template and all of the hardware required.
The real beauty of this system is that it’s designed to be removed and reinstalled by just one person, so even if you are home alone, you can still take down or put up the fence if necessary after initial installation. This fence system is superior to some of the netting that was placed around pools in the past.
4EZ-Guard Tan Safety 4-foot by 12-foot Safety Fencing
These 4-foot tall and 12-foot wide sections of fencing is a good option for professional installers or homeowners who feel comfortable putting up their own fence. This system comes with 5 rust-proof poles that are made with a stainless steel core and a PVC insert and are coated with a finished aluminum powder.
This system comes with all of the hardware needed to install including the deck sleeve and caps, and an installation template. While this fencing system does require a rotary hammer drill with a 5/8th of an inch masonry bit, which isn’t supplied with it, it’s still a viable fencing solution for those with the skills and the tools to install this unit.
5Giantex 4-Foot by 12-Foot Pool Area Fence
Designed for durability and strength, this Giantex safety fence is made of aluminum and is 4-feet high and 12-feet long. This easy-to-assemble section of fencing is perfect for swimming pools and is a good option for keeping children or pets out of the pool. If necessary, this fence can be shortened to accommodate the particular size of the homeowner’s pool.
Once installed, if it needs to be removed and reinstalled, this is easily done by one person. This makes it convenient to put up and take down the pool as necessary. This section of fencing comes with the instructions and all of the hardware needed to install it.
6GLI Above Ground Fence Add-On Kit
This UV-resistant fencing add-on kit is designed for above-ground pools. It’s also designed to be durable and nearly maintenance-free with a rigid vinyl construction. This section of fencing measure 64.5-inches wide by 24-inches high and 1.5-inches deep and comes with the instructions and all hardware required to install it.
It’s a fencing solution that’s superior to many of the wooden fences currently on the market or the pool nets that were once so popular. Once installed, this fence will do a good job at preventing children and pets from gaining unrestricted access to the pool, although nothing can replace adequate parental supervision.
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Choosing the Right Swimming Pool Area Fence
Over the last two decades or so, new regulations have forced the pool safety fence industry to come up with fences that are safer and more secure than previous models. However, this has also meant that many of the once available options are no longer available—which results in a lack of consumer choices, although fencing for pools is not dramatically safer than it once was.
There are still some very good options available when it comes to fencing. There are currently 4-different options available to pool owners. These include ornamental aluminum, wood, PVC and pool covers. Below are some of the pros and cons of each type.
Ornamental Aluminum
Ornamental aluminum has become an increasingly popular choice over the past few years, especially in the United States. This is primarily due to its durability, ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions and because it looks pretty good.
It’s usually coated with some form of dry powder coating that is applied to the surface electrostatically. While some people like to confuse this type of fencing with wrought iron fencing, there are a few differences between the two. Aluminum fencing is lighter and easier to erect than wrought iron.
[wc_row] [wc_column size=”one-half” position=”first”]Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Unnoticeable
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer privacy
- PVC
PVC Fencing
PVC fencing is a common type of fencing preferred by many different types of pool owners and comes in primarily two different styles: fences that are approximately 4 to 4.5-feet tall and have either spaced or solid slats and privacy fencing which is approximately 6-feet tall and the slats form a solid panel that can’t be seen through.
[wc_row] [wc_column size=”one-half” position=”first”]Pros:
- Low maintenance
- A wide range of styles
- Custom heights are available
- Provide privacy
Cons:
- Is pretty bulky
- Very conspicuous
- In shaded areas mildew can form
- Gates can sag with time
Wood
For years. wood was the undeniable choice for all kinds of different fences. While it has lost some of its favor due to newer fencing options such as aluminum and PVC fencing, some people still prefer it over any other form of fencing.
[wc_row] [wc_column size=”one-half” position=”first”]Pros:
- Can be customized
- Inexpensive
- Can be stained or painted
Cons:
- High maintenance
- Can warp or rot over time
Pool Covers
Pool covers aren’t safety devices and shouldn’t be used as such. With that being said, however, they can be an option for pool owners who want to keep leaves and debris out of their pools during winter or the off-season.
Just remember, these devices should never be used as safety devices. In fact, these covers can make thing worse because if a child or pet falls through one of them, they can become trapped in it which would cause them to drown faster.
[wc_row] [wc_column size=”one-half” position=”first”]Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Inexpensive
- Protects against leaves
Cons:
- NOT a safety device
- Can pose another risk to children and pets
Some Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Tragically, hundreds of children drown each year, which makes it even more important for pool owners to pay extra attention to their pool areas and make sure that their children are protected from pool accidents. To further that end, here are some tips to help ensure that your pool is as safe as it can be.
Tip #1
Make sure that you have fencing around your pool that’s at least four feet high and has a self-closing and self-latching gate. You may also want to install a pool alarm in your pool area so that if anyone enters the pool area, you will be alerted. A safety cover should also be placed on the pool when it’s not being used.
Tip #2
No matter what type of safety precautions you take, children should never be left unsupervised around the pool area. Parents should always remain within arm’s reach of children at all times. When children are in the pool, an adult should be with them at all times. Children should never swim alone.
Tip #3
Everyone in the household should know how to swim well. This can be done by taking them to water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
Tip #4
Everyone in the household should know first and CPR. Everyone should also know the correct steps to take during a water-related emergency.
Tip #5
Establish rules and enforce them. Make sure that everyone in the household knows these rules.
Tip #6
Keep your pool clean and make sure chemical levels are correctly maintained. Also, make sure that the water pumps and filtration systems of the pool are working well. This will prevent serious conditions which can occur from improperly maintained pools such as earaches and rashes.
Tip #7
Doors and windows which exit out towards the pool area should also be securely latched and an alarm should be place upon them.
Tip #8
Always maintain a first-aid kit near your pool to handle scrapes and cuts.
Tip #9
Keep a cell phone or house phone close to you at all times when your family is using the pool.
Tip #10
Never assume that another person is watching the children in the pool. If you don’t know, then assume no one is watching the children.
A Few Parting Thoughts
Well, that does it for this article on fencing for the pool. I have tried to tell you about some of the models currently available, given you the pros and cons of various fencing options and have even given you some tips to make your pool area safer for you and your children. However, there are a few final thoughts that I would leave you with. An important reminder that swimming pool fence options aren’t the ultimate solution that will make all your safety concerns go away.
While fencing for your pool can be an important part of your pool safety program, nothing can replace parental supervision. Keep your pool area inaccessible when your child isn’t supposed to be around the pool and always make sure they are supervised and within arm’s reach when they are supposed to be in the pool area. This is a great way to keep your children safe and to prevent any unfortunate pool accidents.