Pool Fence

A Pool Fence is Necessary
Sure, having a pool is fun, but it is also a responsibility. Not everyone can swim, and for a non-swimmer, a deep pool can be a death trap.

Most cities in North America require permanent fencing around pools. This is to protect small children from falling in. While you might have small children of your own, there is still a chance that a young person from your neighborhood could wander onto your property and into danger.

Pool Fence Guidelines
Be sure to check out the guidelines of your municipality before you install the fence. Requirements include height specification, width of slats and size of chains in a chain link fence.

All gates must lock and all latches must be self-latching and at least 4.5 feet from the ground to prevent youngsters from gaining access. If your home acts as one of the walls of the fence, all doors of the house must adhere to the same regulations as the fence doors.

The pool fence must also be in good shape. It has to be stable, not wobbly or falling over. The fence also cannot have decay or splinters, which could be almost as dangerous as not having a fence at all. This means that your fence will require the same detailed maintenance that your pool does.

Call A Contractor
If you have any questions at all about the suitability of your fence, it is a good bet to call a handy man or a contractor. It’s their job to know these things and usually they’ll be more than happy to do it.

They will make sure that all springs and latches are working properly. They will show you how to effectively oil them.

Gentle Reminders
Besides the condition of your fence, you will also want to follow these common sense practices each and every day to make sure that your fence is actually there for a reason. You should keep the gate closed at all times and never, ever prop your gate open. A propped open gate will tickle a child’s (who has probably always wondered what lay behind the gate) curiosity.

And naturally, if the gate has a lock make sure only responsible family members have access. All of these steps will go a long way to making your pool a safe and fun swimming hole.

Visit our Fence forum and talk to others about your fence projects.