In addition to pool covers and accounting for other risk factors related to unintentional drowning, a safety fence can be a significant barrier against drowning. Depending on where you live, you may actually be required to have a fence surrounding your pool; either way, though, it’s definitely worth considering. A pool fence is distinct from other back yard fences, and any pool owner should know the important elements in a pool fence.
Pool Fence Basics
There are several characteristics that a pool fence must include in order for it to accomplish its primary purpose. Unlike typical back yard fences, the goal isn’t simply to designate a property line or to keep pets in the yard: it’s to keep those in and near your household safe from the most significant cause of death in the U.S. today: drowning. As such, pool fences are designed to be able to keep young children away from the pool when adult supervision is not available.
The typical requirements for a pool fence include the height (which must be a minimum of 4 feet) and the inclusion of a self-closing, self-latching gate. (If you want to make sure your local municipality has no additional requirements, you can always ask your local pool installation professional.)
Pool Fence Types
Once you have the basics down, it’s time to choose from the two primary types of pool fences: interior and perimeter. An interior pool fence is intended to fully enclose the area immediately surrounding the pool. This 4-sided fence is ideal for those who wish to allow their children freedom to explore other areas of the yard. (Removable pool screen enclosures and fences can also accomplish this purpose.) A perimeter fence encircles the entire yard, including the pool. Typically a 3-sided fence, a perimeter fence goes up to the house on one side and otherwise runs along the property line.
Pool Fence Styles
Beyond those basic requirements, you have plenty of options when it comes to your pool’s fence. We understand that you might feel like any fence will cramp your style and disrupt the design motif you desire. However, look at the bright side: from materials to styles, you still have plenty of choices.
For those going with a more natural appeal, wood is of course a popular option. Wood fences also offer the added benefit of providing privacy. With periodic maintenance, your wood pool fence can last many years. For those with a more modern preference, glass can provide the safety you need without inhibiting the view. However, glass fences will of course require constant cleaning.
If you’d prefer something maintenance free, though, you could choose aluminum, PVC, or vinyl. After you select the material, you can choose the style. The two main style types include panels and posts. Panels will offer a bit more privacy, while posts will allow you to see beyond the pool area — and for those beyond it to see you.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
Since you mentioned that one of the significant causes of death today is drowning, it reminded me of my uncle’s pool. He has three children and three dogs who love to play around together in their backyard. This article made me consider having a pool fence installed in my uncle’s backyard, which leads me to this question: is there a perfect material for a pool fence?
My friend has a pool, though she also has several very young nieces and nephews that come to visit her. Because of this, she may want to get a pool fence. I love how you mentioned that vinyl pool fences are lower maintenance, so that might be a pool fence she’d like. Thanks for the great tips on choosing pool fencing.
You made a good point when you said that the safety fence can be a significant barrier against drowning in a household. I have 2 toddlers and we are planning to move to my parent’s house. They have a huge pool in the backyard, and I don’t want my kids to be lurking around the pool when no one is around. Your suggestion about putting a fence is a great idea. This will prevent any possibilities of them going close into the pool without a guide. Thanks.
Thanks for explaining how you need to consider height when choosing a pool fence. It would make sense to find someone who is qualified and experienced to help as well. My husband and I are looking for a pool fence, so we’ll have to check the height first.
I like that you pointed out that a wooden fence will be able to give privacy, and I appreciate that you talked about how periodic maintenance will make it last for many years. I guess I will choose this for my pool’s enclosure since I don’t want to be seen from the outside by passersby when I try to relax on the pool. Now, I need to find a financing company to help me out with this since I do not have enough money to pay for this project as of now.
My husband and I recently bought a home that has a pool in the backyard and we are thinking about adding a fence to increase security. You make a great point that we should make sure the fence has a self-closing and latched gate to keep the kids safe. Also, it makes sense that we should make the fence at least four feet tall.
It’s awesome that pool fences can be interior to enclose the area immediately around the pool. My sister and her husband would like to get a pool installed in their yard, and they want to make sure that they can avoid having kids from the neighborhood use it without permission. I’ll share this information with them so that they can look further into their options for getting a pool fence installed.