Taking a dip in your pool on a hot summer day is a wonderful pleasure. But owning a pool comes with responsibility, and one of the best ways to ensure your pool is safe is by installing a fence. There are various options for pool fences, including wood, metal (wrought iron, aluminum tube, and tubular steel), vinyl, and chain link.
A pool fence is one of the most important safety tools around your swimming pool. Pool Fences NJ will prevent people, especially children, from accidentally falling in the pool and drowning. It takes a split second for an accident to happen, and it can be too late by the time you realize something is wrong. A pool safety alarm is also a great additional measure, as it can sound when someone enters the area and alert you. However, a pool fence should be used as an addition to constant adult supervision, not as a replacement.
A good pool fence should be sturdy, difficult to climb, and have no open gaps between the pickets. It should also have a gate that can be kept closed at all times, and it must not be within easy reach of children. There are various pool fence options available, from wrought iron bars to wood and vinyl panels. Many of these are semi-transparent, allowing you to see all activity in and around the pool. This type of fencing is great for people who want a safe and secure option that still allows them to use their backyard, but it does not offer the same level of privacy as some other types.
Another safety feature of a fence is that it will keep unwanted guests and animals from entering the pool area. This is especially useful if you live in an urban environment or have pets that are free to roam the neighborhood. A pool fence will help to deter rambunctious neighborhood kids from trying to break into your pool for a little mischief and may even prevent other local wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels from accidentally getting into the pool.
A pool fence will also stop clumsy or unaware younger children from accidentally falling into the pool while playing outside. While nothing can replace responsible supervision, a pool safety fence will at least remove one of the worries from your mind so that you can focus on other things. This is especially helpful if you are planning on hosting parties and inviting over lots of children.
In addition to the physical barrier it creates, a fence must also effectively obstruct access. This is a must if you want your fence to fulfil its intended purpose, which is to keep non-swimmers and children out of the pool area. This is why it’s important to make sure the gaps in a mesh fence are narrow enough to prevent small children from squeezing through them, and that there is little to no clearance between the bottom of the pool fence and the ground.
The height of a pool fence is a crucial aspect of safety, as well. Ideally, it should be at least 4 feet high, and ideally higher than that. This will ensure that children cannot climb over it, even if they manage to get over any other type of pool barrier you may have in place (like a pool alarm).
Many countries and states have laws requiring swimming pools to be enclosed with fences. In some cases, homeowners insurance companies can also require a fence around the pool to avoid any potential liability claims due to accidents or injuries suffered by people who visit their home.
There are many types of fences available for your swimming pool, and each one has different security features that you should consider. For example, you may want to look at the mesh pool fencing options that offer a transparent design so that you can still see what’s going on around your swimming pool even if you aren’t right there.
Another option is to look at the glass pool fencing options that are made from tempered or toughened 12mm safety glass. This offers a high level of strength and durability that will stand up to kids, terrible weather, and anything else you can throw at it. Plus, it won’t require any regular maintenance like a wood or metal fence would.
You can also choose a pool fence that has a self-latching and self-closing gate, which is an essential safety feature. This will prevent you from accidentally leaving the gate open when you’re trying to enter or exit your pool, and it will stop anyone from unauthorized accessing your pool area if they have a key or code for your backyard gate.
When choosing the best pool fence for your home, it’s important to consider all factors, including how much privacy you want and how easy it is to maintain. While some homeowners make their choices based on the style of fence that matches the color of the siding on their home, others pick out fencing based on the amount of privacy they need. Other factors that go into making a decision about the best pool fence include the safety features that matter most to them, as well as their budget.
While most states and insurance companies require a 4-foot tall fence around a pool, there are many different options when it comes to heights, materials and styles of pool fencing. Ultimately, the safety of your family and friends will dictate what type of fence you choose.
For example, you may want to install a taller fence for more privacy, but this might not be practical if your property is in an area that frequently experiences high winds. This could cause the fence to collapse, which can be dangerous for anyone who is nearby.
A good alternative to a traditional wooden fence is an aluminum or composite fence. These fences won’t rot, splinter or warp over time and can withstand heavy winds without being damaged. They also offer a wide range of colors and styles, so you can find one that suits your home perfectly. Some brands, like Certainteed’s Allegheny and Sherwood, even have simulated stone or wood fences for an authentic look that will complement your home.
Vinyl fences are another good option for providing privacy around a swimming pool. They’re made of a durable plastic that won’t deteriorate or need painting, and they are available in slatted designs or solid panels for maximum privacy. However, they’re not recommended if your pool will be close to the house, as vinyl is a poor insulator and can allow heat from the sun to seep into your basement or garage.
Hedges are another natural option for a pool fence, and can be shaped into stunning walls of greenery to keep your neighbors out of sight. You can try evergreens, such as boxwoods, yews or laurels, or palm trees to create a tropical feel that complements your pool landscaping. Hedges do require some upkeep, however, as they will need to be regularly pruned and trimmed to ensure they don’t grow too tall or overgrow the pool area.
As important as it is to follow the recommendations set forth by the governmental authorities for fencing your pool, it’s equally important to choose a fence style that suits your property and fits into your overall aesthetic vision for your backyard. There are many options available, from the more traditional wrought iron fences to glass panels that offer a view of your beautiful swimming pool.
A popular choice is a glass fence, which is made of tempered safety glass that is extremely durable and provides a modern look to your backyard. Its sleek appearance and the fact that it’s a transparent fence makes it ideal for those who wish to have a clear view of their pool area while maintaining a safe environment.
Another good option is a metal fence. This type of fencing usually has a wire mesh that is designed to prevent children from being able to climb over or under it. This fence is also very durable, and it comes in a variety of different colors to suit your style.
One drawback of a metal fence is that it can rust over time, and the rust can discolor the surface of the fence. If this happens, it’s a good idea to repaint the fence regularly so it can continue to look great.
If you’re looking for a fence that blends in with your landscaping, a wood fence is an excellent choice. It can be stained or painted to match your property’s color scheme, and it’s less expensive than some of the other fencing options. However, a wood fence will require a lot of maintenance, as it’s constantly exposed to the elements.
Lastly, an aluminum fence is an excellent option because it’s resistant to rust and comes in a variety of different finishes. However, it’s not the most visually appealing option, and it can detract from your home’s exterior.
While it may be tempting to simply follow the recommendations for pool fencing and not worry about how it looks, that’s not a wise decision. It’s far better to spend a bit more upfront on a quality fence that will protect your family and guests while still keeping the beauty of your outdoor space.