If you have a swimming pool in your yard, then you should have a fence put up around it. In fact, it is a law in many states that a pool must be fenced. Some states also require a fence for both below- and above-ground pools. However, some states only require a fence around a below-ground pool. You can learn about some of the reasons why installing a fence around your pool is important and learn about some of the common recommendations for a pool fence.
Prevent accidents
The reason why pool fences are required in many jurisdictions and the reason you should have one installed no matter where you live is that it can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. While small children are most at risk, a pool fence can help prevent accidents involving many people, regardless of their age. A fence can prevent an inebriated person from falling in. It can prevent someone in a wheelchair from falling in. It can even prevent someone who doesn't know how to swim from falling in.
Choosing a fence
Before you have a pool fence installed, it is important for you to find out what the legal requirements are for a pool fence. This way, you know you are having a fence installed that meets the requirements so you don't have to have changes made in the future. If you have your fence installed by a local fence company, then they will be aware of the requirements. Some of the most common requirements most states have include the following.
States will require a fence to be a certain height. Many will require the fence to be a minimum of five feet in height. However, some states require the fence to be four feet tall, and other states require the fence to be six feet tall.
Most states also require the fence to automatically close; this prevents someone from accidentally leaving it open so a small child or someone else at risk can wander into the pool area. The latch to open the fence also needs to be a certain number of inches up from the ground, which prevents small children from being able to let themselves into the pool area.
Another common requirement is to have the gate open outward; this ensures that other people can get right into the pool area if someone is injured in front of the gate.
Conclusion
Whether there is a law in place that requires you to have a fence installed around your pool or not, you will feel much better knowing that you have a fence helping to ensure that no horrible accidents happen in your pool. However, you also want to take other steps to prevent accidents, such as removing any bright-colored toys from the pool area when everyone is done swimming, checking the fence for any damages regularly, and making sure the self-closing latch is working properly.
Share20 April 2021
When you start thinking about different ways to make your property better, you should think carefully about reaching out to a fence contractor for help. Fence contractors are skilled at helping you to construct a sturdy, beautiful fence that will work with the exterior of your home. However, since it can be tricky to choose a contractor, it is important to know what you are looking for. Think carefully about which contractors in your area are offering the kinds of fences you are looking for, and work with them carefully. Talk with them about what they are able to offer you, and what they can do to help. Choosing a fence should be fun and interesting.