A fence is an important part of pool safety. In fact, it’s so significant that your local government may even require you to have a fence around your pool! Whether you’re legally required to have a fence, it’s definitely something you need to consider as you have your pool installed. The good news is that, like all things pool-related, you have plenty of options from which to choose, based on your personal priorities. While a pool fence might not always look much different from other backyard fences, there are some added aspects of a pool fence that will make it distinct from other fences.
Pool Fence Requirements
As you might suspect, the requirements of a pool fence are tied to its primary purpose: safety. Rather than to keep pets in the yard or simply offer a visual dividing line between your property and that of your neighbors, pool fences are designed to keep children, in particular, away from the pool when they’re not supervised. As such, most municipalities have specific specifications for pool fences. Typically, those requirements include these:
• a minimum of 4 feet tall
• a self-closing gate
• a self-latching gate.
If you’re not sure about your local laws, ask your pool installation professional.
Pool Fence Styles
Beyond a doubt, your pool would offer a more positive aesthetic element without a fence around it. But you need one, so the best you can do is to explore the options available. You can select from a variety of materials and styles. Wood is a popular option for all types of backyard fences. They can be visually attractive while offering privacy, but be aware that they do require periodic maintenance. If you’d prefer a maintenance-free option, PVC, aluminum, or vinyl may be a better choice. Whatever material you choose, you can then consider various styles. The two basic ones are posts and panels; posts allow you to see in or out of the pool area, while panels offer greater privacy.
Another fence option is glass; offering an unobtrusive visual appeal, glass fences require nearly constant cleaning. On the other end of the spectrum, chain link fences certainly do the job; however, they can be aesthetically unappealing. By covering it with a row of hedges, you can add privacy as well as a more visually attractive look. Of course, the link design allows for easy climbing, which may keep that style of fence from complying with your local laws.
Pool Fence Types
Did you know that there are different types of pool fences? The two basic categories are perimeter fences and interior fences. A perimeter fence, true to its name, encloses the entire yard. Typically, it will connect to the house and skim the property line. This type of fence does double-duty as a pool fence and a backyard fence. An interior pool fence encloses a smaller area, surrounding the pool. For those with small children that are allowed to explore the yard, unsupervised, this kind of fence may be ideal. Removable pool fencing and pool screen enclosures are other options.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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