You may not know how to parry, riposte, or lunge toward victory in a bout, but when it comes to the sport of keeping your kids safe, you’ll win every time. En garde against potential drownings and unwanted visitors by installing safety fencing around your above-ground or in-ground pool. Other reasons to install a pool fence? It’s likely the law, you’ll need it to maintain your homeowner’s insurance, and with the right look, a pool fence can also increase your property value.
1. To Prevent Accidental Drowning
For young children under the age of 5, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death; for kids and teens ages 5 to 14, it’s the second-leading cause. More often, though, nonfatal drowning occurs — and residential swimming pools are where that happens most. Also known as near-drowning, it, too, can have serious repercussions like brain damage, organ damage, and other disabilities.
Installing a pool fence will help give yourself (and your guests) some peace of mind by ensuring small children (and pets, for that matter) can’t access the pool unsupervised. Be sure to build your fence 4 to 5 feet tall, depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, and include a self-closing/locking pool gate to avoid unintentionally leaving the gate open.
2. For Added Privacy and Security
Your standard privacy fence can double as your backyard pool fence, defining an outdoor living space, keeping you and your family secure from outside stares and unwanted visitors, and providing a windbreak/sound barrier. Keep in mind, though, if you have small children and pets, a separate fence surrounding your pool is still a good idea.
There are plenty of pool privacy fencing options to choose from, some of which include:
- Wood fences (traditional look, attractive, higher maintenance)
- Aluminum fences (low-maintenance, durable, attractive)
- Vinyl fences (low-maintenance, durable, attractive, rust-resistant)
- Wrought iron fences (low-maintenance, durable, attractive, screens can add privacy)
- Chain link fences (not very attractive, can purchase fence covers to add privacy)
- Mesh pool fences (inexpensive, removable, but less aesthetically pleasing)
Glass pool fences are another pool safety fence style to consider. While they don’t provide much in the way of privacy on their own, they’re perfect as a secondary pool fence inside a backyard that already has other privacy fencing. The frameless glass is thick and durable, allows you to see everything going on in the pool area from other parts of your backyard, and they’re simply gorgeous to look at.
3. To Adhere to Local Building Codes
Most states/localities have ordinances in place requiring pool owners to install pool safety fences. Typically these legal requirements involve:
- Building a fence 4 to 5 feet tall that cannot be scaled by small children
- Including a self-closing/self-latching gate on the fence
- Keeping the exterior of the fence away from any permanent structures (e.g. AC units, septic tanks, pool pumps, trees, etc.)
Note: Pretty much any valid pool fencing material can be used, but keep in mind, depending on the type you choose, there may be additional rules to follow.
4. To Maintain Your Homeowner’s Insurance
While a new pool brings on thoughts of pool parties and general summer fun, insurance companies tend to mostly see the not-so-good possibilities — like accidental drownings and liability claims. For this reason, most homeowner’s insurance policies will require pool owners to install pool safety fencing.
If you don’t comply, you may not be granted any type of policy, or the current one could be canceled altogether. However, since it’s illegal not to have a pool fence pretty much everywhere, getting one shouldn’t be a problem.
5. To Increase Your Property Value
If this is your goal, choose your pool fence material wisely. In order to add value to your property, your pool fence will not only need to heighten safety and security, but it will also need to boost the overall beauty of your backyard.
Forgo the chain link and mesh fence options; instead, opt for wood, glass, aluminum, wrought iron, or vinyl.
FAQ About Installing a Pool Fence
Besides installing one of the various types of pool fences, other safety measures you can take to protect small children and pets from accidentally falling in the water include pool covers and pool nets.
● Pool safety covers are usually made of mesh or vinyl and not only keep young children and pets from accidentally falling in the pool, but they also help prevent dirt and debris from falling in, too.
● Pool nets also help keep children and pets from accidentally drowning, but they do not exclude dirt and debris from falling in the water. Pool nets are also significantly cheaper than pool covers.
Yes. While you may not have children of your own, imagine what could happen if a neighbor child wandered in your backyard and accidentally fell in your pool unbeknownst to anyone? And we’ve all seen the videos of alligators enjoying a swim in someone’s private pool — a fence would keep them out. Beyond safety, pool fences also offer privacy for you to enjoy your pool.
On average, pool fence installation costs homeowners about $4,170. The range, though, can be anywhere from $750 to $20,000, depending on the size of your fence/pool, the type of fence material you choose, the installation method (DIY or professional), and any other safety features you add on.
When to Hire a Professional
Let’s say you already have the whole backyard aesthetics thing on lock; the only thing you need now is a pool safety fence simply to keep your kids or pets from accidentally falling in and getting hurt. A removable, mesh pool fence may just be the way to go — and it’s easy to DIY. There are several companies that offer this type of pre-made fencing, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Pull out all the stops — we’re talking safety, curb appeal, privacy, and boosted property value — by connecting with a pool pro near you. They’ll be familiar with local building codes, can advise on the best materials to use, and can help draft a design that’ll tie your entire backyard vibe together.
Main Photo Credit: Ryan McVay / Canva Pro / License
