For families, a backyard swimming pool can be the source of endless summer fun, but also an enormous responsibility: safety. The safety of their children from this possibility happening to them is paramount. Beyond that, it’s a properly installed barrier – your first line of defense. Types of Fences for Inground Pools The first piece of the safety puzzle is deciding what type of fence to install around your above-ground pool. The perfect safety fence should be sturdy, impossible to scale and contain a self-latching, self-closing gate that is beyond the grasp of a small child.
Why Your Construction Project Needs a Safety Fence
Drowning is a top cause of accidental death among children and can happen silently and too quickly during moments of even brief, unsupervised access. Although a pool fence is no substitute for close supervision, it serves as an important physical boundary by not allowing a tragedy to occur in the first place. Then there are specific codes depending on local municipalities’, i.e. height of the barrier and the type of gate etc.. But it’s probably prudent for any family to exceed the bare minimum code. A pool safety fence is a significant way to have comfort in one’s pool presence; thus, reducing the risk that children will be able to go across. It turns your pool from an open invitation for a less than desirable situation to that of a place where families can spend time together in a less stressful environment.
What are the Best Forms of Material for Safety Fencing?
When choosing a fence, the material is one of the most important factors affecting the look, durability and safety. There are typically three types: mesh, metal or wood, with each providing their own advantages.
The mesh pool fence is the most popular and reliable safety barrier used to secure residential swimming pools. This durable fence is constructed with a tough, poly mesh fabric and securely held in place by a sleeve of solid material – no stakes or other stabilizers are needed. Being see-through, the pool deck keeps it visible from all corners of backyard for supervision. Removal is a huge advantage, just take the fence down if you need to host a large group or during the winter and put them right back up.
A supplemental decorative iron or aluminum fence is permanent and attractive. Wrought iron is ultra-strong and dependable, while aluminum gives you a sophisticated look without the worry of rust. The primary safety factor for a metal fence is the height of its panels. Pickets will need to be vertical and close together with no design motifs that could become a ledge for a curious child to use as footings while attempting to secure an unguarded jump. This type of fencing offers value-added features that will surely complement the aesthetics of your property and its curb appeal.
You can have privacy and the traditional, natural appearance of a wood fence. A smooth surface solid wood privacy fence which contains no horizontal rails on the pool side suits well to this concept as no climbing aids are presented. But, wood needs to be maintained, including staining or sealing it – in order to fend off the weather and prevent splinters. The solid panels do obscure the pool, however, so an adult has to be inside the gate with a swimming child.
But How Significant is the Gate Mechanism?
The strongest fence in the world is worthless if it has a faulty gate. The gate is THE most important component of any pool barrier. It needs to be self-closing, self-latching. A self closing gate includes a hinge that closes the gate from an open position. There should be a self-latching feature to the latch mechanism, that is, it snaps shut on its own while closing the gate. And the latch must be located high on the gate usually at pool level, where small children cannot reach it (at least 54 inches above grade). It is as vital to regularly test this equipment as it is to install it correctly.
Balancing Safety with Budget Considerations
The price for inground pool fences can greatly fluctuate depending on the material used, linear footage needed and how challenging installation is. Safety is priceless, but families have budgets to follow. This is not true, and the most expensive solution is not always the best. Well constructed mesh fencing is far less expensive than an ornate iron barrier, and it’s just as safe. The crucial factor is not the cost, but the safety considerations: height, non-climbability and a dependable self-closing, self-latching gate. Getting estimates from a reliable, affordable fence company that installs pool barriers can help you gain perspective. They can generally recommend the most cost-efficient material and design available without sacrificing superior safety for your particular pool configuration.
Which is best, Removable vs Permanent Pool fencing
It is up to your lifestyle and family’s needs on whether you will go for a removable or permanent one. Inground pool permanent fences – those that are constructed from aluminum, wrought iron or wood, are essentially a fixture on your property. They provide excellent protection and added value to a property. The one disadvantage is that they are always present which some homeowners may find visually objectionable when the pool is not in use.
Nothing provides as much flexibility as a removable mesh fence. They can come down for the pool party, a landscaping project or to open up the yard in off season. Due to this versatility, they are a common preference for families. If you have it installed properly, the safety is not compromised as that mesh is strong and locks are secure. For those who are worried about changing the face of their yard, a removable mesh fence is a great option, offering top-of-the-line safety without altering your home permanently. Working with a low cost fence company who can explain the expense and installation variance between these options is another way to decide.
Conclusion
Choosing the safest fence for your in ground pool One of the most important decisions a homeowner will make. The shield is designed to serve as an unobtrusive replacement that provides security while maintaining the elegance of your home and surroundings. From a see-through mesh fence and solid metal design to an classic picket-style barrier, the bad news is that these structures can’t always be one-size-fits-all when it comes to meeting local building codes, safely containing dogs and creating privacy. What’s even worse is opening your gate to find them gone because someone failed to properly latch the door — who wants strangers for neighbors? By thinking through and ranking these safety basics, you can design a backyard oasis that is as much fun as it’s safe for everyone, including but not limited to the youngest family members. Something good things that comes out of the investment in decorative fencing for inground pools is peace of mind.
Looking for quality pool fencing? Contact Montco Fence & Superior Structures today to discuss your installation needs.
FAQs
What’s the best fence for inground pools?
Aluminum or vinyl. They last, look good, and meet codes.
Do pool fences need gates?
Yes. Gates must self-close and self-latch for safety.
How tall should a pool fence be?
Minimum 4 feet. Better at 5 or 6 feet for security.
Does Montco Fence handle permits?
Yes. They know local codes and handle the paperwork.
Are wood fences good for pools?
They look great, but need regular maintenance to stay safe.