Pool Fence Benefits
Have you been considering installing a pool fence? Here are some benefits to adding this important safety feature to your home.
Adding a pool to your property is a great way to not only add value but also create a fun feature for your family to use during the summer. Your kids, other family members, and friends will benefit greatly from your new pool. Whether the pool is above ground or below, it is sure to add fun and excitement to you and your family’s lives.
With the installation of a brand-new pool, comes the responsibility of keeping your family and others safe. The CPSC reported that each year between 2014 and 2016 there were 5,900 pool and/or spa related emergency nonfatal injuries of children ages 15 and younger.
It was also reported that each year between 2012 and 2014, there were 356 reported pool and/or spa fatal drownings of children ages 15 and younger. Both of these figures are shocking, but most of the time, tragedies like these can be prevented.
The main way you can help to prevent these numbers is by installing a pool fence. This important pool fence safety feature can give you peace of mind while adding to the safety of your home.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of pool fence installation, which include and even go beyond the safety of your family.
1. Creating a Safe Environment
Pool fences will create a barrier around the pool that will help prevent children and pets from wandering into the pool. It is important to know that the pool fence does not replace the duty of adults to watch their children and the children of others who are over to use the pool.
Most times, children are not paying attention to their surroundings, so it is the responsibility of the parents to watch out for them so the unthinkable does not happen. Installing a pool fence gives adults an extra moment to prevent children or pets from getting around or over the pool fencing.
There are pool fence codes that state the requirements for any pool fence. The pool fence should be a minimum of 4 feet in height, although it is suggested that the pool fencing be at least 5 feet in height.
Another important requirement for a pool fence is that it should be a 2-inch measurement from the bottom pool fence rail to the ground. This way, no child or pet can get under the pool fence. With these requirements in place, you will be able to maintain a safe environment for anyone around the pool with your pool fence.
2. Follow the Law and Reduce Liability
There are federal and state laws in place in regard to pool fences. It is up to you to make sure you follow these laws. You will be able to discuss your pool fencing with the contractor who is installing the pool.
They will be able to provide you with information on different options for pool fencing. There is also plenty of information online to help you decide which of the pool fencing options will be best to choose from for your pool fence.
If you choose to not install a pool fence, then be aware that you will be liable if there is any incident that occurs in or around your pool. Even if an uninvited person falls into your pool and is injured or killed, you can still be held liable. Without a pool fence, there is a greater risk for injury for anyone who is around the pool.
This risk, of course, is greatest for young children. It is also great enough that pool fences and/or alarms are often a requirement for any family who hopes to foster or adopt children into their home.
3. Installing a Pool Fence on your own
There are many different types of pool fencing materials and pool fencing styles available to you. You likely took design and aesthetics into account when choosing your pool; accordingly, you can also do the same when you are installing the pool fence.
One option you have is to work with a pool fencing expert. They can help you develop the pool fence to flow with the design of your entire backyard pool area.
A second option is to have a DIY pool fence. Pool fencing can be purchased on its own, and you can make a family event of the pool fence installation process. There are many types of pool fences that are relatively easy to install; just keep the pool fence guidelines and regulations in mind.
Having pool fences installed around your pool, whether it’s above-ground or below-ground, not only adds to the safety of your yard, but can also increase your property value should you ever choose to sell.
There are plenty of attractive pool fencing options to choose from, so you can find a pool fence that look and fits with your home while helping keep your family and friends safe.
