Pool fences are one of the best and most effective ways to prevent tragic drowning incidents from occurring. They are a great addition to any backyard pool and come in many different heights, styles, and materials.
Solid fences offer privacy and contain your yard visually. They can be used in combination with other fencing options to create a custom look for your yard.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in young children, and it can be almost impossible to save them once they have fallen into the water. Fencing is a simple way to keep curious kids and pets away from pools so they don’t accidentally fall in and drown.
A good quality fence will be tall enough to prevent toddlers and other small children from climbing, as well as strong enough to stop them even if they are able to climb. They should also be designed to have gates that swing away from the pool and require a child safety lock to open them. Most areas have regulations regarding how high and wide a pool fence should be, so it is important to know what your local laws are before you decide on which type of fence to purchase.
In addition to fences, there are also a variety of other ways to keep your pool and its surroundings safe. A pool cover is another option, but it can be a hassle to maintain and can easily get in the way of enjoying your yard. It can also be difficult to see if the cover is working correctly, which can lead to accidental falls.
Fencing is a far more reliable way to protect your pool area than either of these. Several studies have shown that fencing that completely surrounds the pool and isolates it from the house is more effective at preventing drownings than fencing that only partially encircles the pool. These studies have used data on houses with pools, death certificates, and autopsy reports to identify potential cases of drowning among children under 14 years old. They have then compared these households to a control group of similar houses without a swimming pool.
In these case-control studies, pool fencing that completely encircles the pool has been found to reduce the number of drownings by about three quarters. However, there are still a significant number of deaths that can be prevented by other means, including improved supervision and by installing barriers around bodies of water at public recreational facilities.
Aesthetics
When it comes to pool fences, the safety standards set by government regulations are often enough to trump concerns about aesthetics. However, that doesn’t mean that your fence has to look drab and industrial. In fact, many of today’s most popular pool fence ideas beautifully blend function with style.
One of the most popular styles is the white picket fence, which gives your pool a classic look and pairs nicely with gardens and landscaping around your home. Another trend is the spliced wooden fence, which creates an artistic maze of planks that offer privacy without feeling too closed in. You can even intertwine fairy lights or climbers to add a whimsical touch during evening swims.
Stone walls are another beautiful option for pool fencing. These natural barriers evoke the grandeur of historic fortresses and pair well with wooden deck chairs. They’re particularly appealing if your house is finished in a complementary brick. For added flair, consider incorporating small alcoves into the wall, where you can plant flowers or succulents.
Wooden fences are also a classic choice, with the timeless elegance of stained and untreated wood. Light stains highlight the wood’s beauty, while dark stains create an avant-garde look. Staining also allows the wood to age gracefully, enhancing the rustic ambiance of your poolside oasis.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, a glass fence can provide a sleek and modern edge to your pool landscape. These transparent options meet all necessary regulations while offering an unobstructed view of your pool, making them ideal for modern homes with panoramic backyards. You can even elevate the look with tinted glass to add a hint of color and a pop of interest.
Finally, metal fences are an excellent choice for a traditional poolside aesthetic. They’re also durable, and they don’t need to be painted to resist rust and corrosion caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. These fences are simple to clean, requiring only occasional washing with mild soap and water. They’re also highly affordable, and they come in a variety of colors to complement your pool.
Privacy
While no pool fence can be completely child or pet proof, a well-designed and installed one can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. It also helps to keep unsupervised children or adults out of the water until adult supervision is present. This is an especially important feature when it comes to pools in residential neighborhoods, where neighbors or passersby may be able to view the swimming area from their homes.
Most communities and even some states require that a certain height of fencing be in place around all residential pools. In addition, the fenced area should not have any openings that could be used as a means of entry into the pool. This can be achieved with a variety of fencing types, such as closed-loop gates, which prevent the accidental or intentional entry of small children.
While this isn’t the most decorative or eye-catching type of fencing, it does provide a very practical and safe barrier to your home pool. It’s also very easy to keep clean, as it’s made from UV-resistant and rust-resistant PVC resin. This pool fence kit comes in a set of 8 fence sections that can be easily assembled to wrap around your pool. If you need more than that, you can purchase additional kits.
Another popular fencing option for home pools is wrought iron, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. Its slats can be spaced close together for more privacy or further apart to allow for air flow around the pool. Wrought iron fences are typically more expensive than other types of pool fencing, but they’re sturdy and will last a long time.
A more cost effective, but still attractive option is a brick wall fence. It’s relatively cheap to install and can last a lifetime. It can also be painted or covered in a mosaic for extra design appeal.
For a less permanent solution, try adding some plants to your pool fence. Closely spaced shrubbery like boxwoods, hydrangeas, laurels, and junipers create an appealing green screen that will help to camouflage the fence while providing privacy. If you want a more vibrant look, consider growing vines such as clematis or wisteria on your fence. They will eventually begin to cover the surface and block anyone’s view of your pool.
Security
One of the biggest benefits of a pool fence is security. It provides an extra layer of protection that keeps kids and pets safe 24/7. It means that you don’t have to be on the lookout for them and can relax knowing that they aren’t going to slip into the pool.
To ensure that a pool fence is secure, it should be properly installed and equipped with safety features. For example, gates should be able to close and latch automatically without the need for a manual lock. They should also be high enough so that children cannot reach them. This will help prevent them from being opened by curious kids who want to access the pool area. A high-quality, automatic gate can also help keep burglars out of the backyard.
Another important feature of a secure pool fence is its height. Most city codes require a minimum of 4 feet for pool fencing, which is below the line of sight for most adults and provides an effective barrier that can’t be scaled. A well-made, tall fence should be solid and smooth, with no footholds or gaps that could be used as climbing points.
A fence should also be made of a durable, weatherproof material like aluminum or vinyl. This helps keep it in good shape and is easy to clean. A black aluminum fence, for instance, has a sleek profile that is perfect for pool security and looks great, too. It’s also an economical option.
There are many different styles of wood fences that can be built around a swimming pool, from rustic raw wood to more refined wrought iron. A wood fence can also add natural beauty to your home, depending on the finish you choose. It can be a cost-effective way to achieve privacy as well, depending on the type of wood you use and the height of your fence.
A mesh fence is a popular choice because it offers safety and versatility. It can be left up permanently or rolled up and put away during parties and other occasions when a fence isn’t needed. It is also easy to set up and affordable. Most of these fences are designed as do-it-yourself kits that can be assembled by homeowners and don’t require professional installation. They are often sold in 12’ sections that can be connected to create a fence that fits around your pool.