A pool adds value to your home and untold hours of fun and relaxation in the warm weather. What could be better than relaxing by your pool on a hot summer day? No crowds. No public restrooms. No trying to search for an unoccupied lounge chair. None of the drawbacks of public pools. There are many wonderful things about having a pool but it also comes with responsibilities. A pool can pose a danger to children and animals. As the owner of a pool you have a duty to keep it fenced in and prevent tragedy. In fact, some state and local governments have laws requiring homeowners to have a fence around their pool. It can also be a requirement of your home owner’s insurance. So, how do you choose the right fence for your pool? In this article we will give you some tips for selecting the right fence for your pool.
There are a number of materials that your fence can be made of. Mesh is the least expensive option but it isn’t very sturdy and probably won’t keep out animals or curious children. PVC is hardened plastic, strong enough for pipes and for fences. It can be made into a fence of shape or size but may require professional installation. Chain link is a common material for fences. It is affordable but also fairly easy to climb so it doesn’t make the best barrier. Aluminum is highly weather resistant and requires less upkeep than other fence materials. It is also available in attractive ornamental designs. Wrought iron is heavy and durable. It can create a dramatic look but will rust. It requires regular sanding and painting to combat the rust. Vinyl is sturdy and weather resistant but the posts must be set in concrete. Vinyl can be solid or slatted but the slatted makes a more attractive option and allows you to see the pool. Wood offers a great deal of versatility in style and design but also requires a great deal of upkeep. Glass is the most expensive type of material for a fence. It is beautiful and provides an unobstructed view of the pool but is not a good choice if you live in an area with severe weather.
Along with the type of material there are other safety features to consider when selecting a fence. Your fence needs to be high enough to keep older children and larger, more agile animals out. You should make sure there is no clearance between the fence and the ground that a child or animal could crawl under. If your fence has vertical slats of wood or iron bars then you have to make sure that the gap between them isn’t large enough for a child to squeeze through. You also need to make sure your fence doesn’t have foot and hand holds that make it possible for children to climb it. Visit us at https://www.poolguardusa.com/ today for fencing and all your pool safety needs.
