If you’re a home owner with pool, it stands to reason that safety is one of your top priorities. After all, there are countless stories circulating around the web each year about tragic accidental drownings in residential pools – and nobody wants those kinds of headlines attached to their backyard. The most effective way to keep your children and pets safe is install pool fencing. Not only will proper installation significantly reduce the chance for incidents involving young children or inadvertent visitors, but good fencing can bring peace of mind that creates the perfect foundation for summertime fun! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the role pool fencing plays in drowning prevention and why it’s an essential element in helping people enjoy their pools safely and securely.
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Pool Fencing Saves Lives
Pool fencing is a critical safety measure that has been shown to significantly reduce the number of drowning incidents in residential swimming pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a four-sided pool fence can reduce the risk of drowning by 83% compared to having no fencing at all. In addition, most drowning incidents occur when children are left unsupervised or when parents are distracted for just a few moments. Pool fencing acts as a physical barrier to prevent children from accessing the pool area and buying time for parents to react and intervene if necessary.
Types of Pool Fencing
There are several different types of pool fencing to choose from, depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences. The most popular options include mesh, wood, and vinyl. Whatever type of fence you choose, make sure that it is at least four feet tall, has a self-closing gate, and that the slats are spaced close enough together to prevent children from squeezing through.
Each type of pool fence has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all types of fencing are designed to provide an extra layer of protection. Mesh fences are the strongest and most secure option, as they cannot be easily climbed over or squeezed through.
Legal Requirements
Building codes vary by municipality, but generally all pools must have a barrier installed. This includes both above-ground and in-ground pools, as well as any hot tubs or spas. The barrier should be at least four feet tall with self-closing gates and should prevent children from entering the pool area without supervision. Pool owners are responsible for installing and maintaining the pool barrier, and any changes or repairs should be reported to local building officials. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal liability if someone is injured or killed in a drowning incident. Be sure to check your local regulations to ensure that your pool fence meets all legal requirements.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Once you have installed your pool fence, it is important to maintain and upkeep it to ensure that it continues to provide adequate protection. Regularly inspect your fence for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust, loose bolts, or damaged slats, and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible. Keep the gate closed and locked when the pool is not in use and make sure that there are no objects nearby that children could use to climb over the fence. It is also a good idea to teach your children about pool safety, including the importance of not climbing over or under the fence and always having adult supervision when near the water.
How To Keep The Swimming Pool Safe?
1. Never leave children, toddlers or babies unsupervised near a swimming pool.
2. Make sure all gates are closed and locked when not in use.
3. Install safety devices such as alarms and/or covers on the pool to alert you if someone is in the water unsupervised.
4. Keep toys, floats and other objects that could attract children away from the pool.
5. Educate your children about pool safety, including the importance of not climbing over or under the fence and always having adult supervision when near the water.
6. Remove any ladders, furniture or objects that could be used to climb a fence that surrounds a swimming pool.
7. Install barriers around all sides of your swimming pool to keep children out.
8. Educate your children, family members and visitors about the dangers of swimming pools and the importance of adult supervision when near the water.
9. Make sure all locks are functioning properly and that any gates open outward away from the pool to prevent a child from pushing them inwards towards the water.
10. Have life saving devices, such as life preservers and a shepherd’s hook, readily available for use in the pool area.
11. Regularly inspect your pool area for any missing or broken components of the fencing system, including gate latches and hinges.
12. Install anti-entrapment drain covers, which are designed to stop dangerous suction that can occur when a child or animal gets stuck in a pool drain.
13. Have a plan in place that everyone is familiar with in case of an emergency near the swimming pool. This should include contacting emergency services such as the police or fire department.
14. Teach children to swim, but never leave them unsupervised in the pool area even if they are a strong swimmer.
15. Always keep a first aid kit nearby in case of minor injuries or accidents.
16. Store all chemicals such as chlorine, testing kits, and pool cover anchors in a locked cabinet away from the pool area.
Conclusion:
With Guardian Pool Fence, you can trust that your family is safe from accidental drowning. Our high-quality fences are designed to keep curious kids out of the pool area while providing an attractive complement to your backyard décor. We offer both removable mesh and permanent wood and vinyl models in a
Installing a pool fence is one of the most effective ways to prevent drownings and keep your family safe around the swimming pool. Not only is it a critical safety measure, but it is also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Take the time to choose a fence that meets all height, gate, and slat spacing regulations, and maintain it properly to ensure that it continues to provide adequate protection. Remember that pool fencing is not a substitute for adult supervision, but rather an additional layer of protection to help keep your family safe while enjoying your backyard oasis.
Keep your swimming pool secure with a Guardian Pool Fence
