Pool safety is essential when it comes to both children and pets. When you think about it, the safety of your pool is only as good as the fence surrounding it.
If you have a pool, then you know how important it is to keep children and pets safe. After all, it only takes one accident for someone to get hurt or worse.
If you don’t have a fence surrounding your pool yet, then consider adding one. Not only does this help prevent accidents from happening in the first place, but it also provides a layer of security for your pool.
That said, there are plenty of different types of fences you can use around your pool. Read on to learn more about some of the most common pool fencing options.
Removable Pool Fencing
Removable pool fencing is a great option for temporary pool fencing. It is easy to install and can be removed quickly and easily making it perfect for seasonal swimming pools or as a barrier around your inground swimming pool.
Removable Pool fences are also durable and long-lasting, making them an effective solution for keeping children safe from accidents around the water.
In addition to being a more affordable option than other types of pool fencing, removable mesh is also a great choice for those looking for a fence that blends in with their home's aesthetic.
There are a few different colors to choose from with most manufacturers, but by and large the most common color is black.
A downside to removable pool fencing is that in most cities and counties it is not accepted as the primary pool fence. While it does add protection for homeowners that already have their backyards properly fenced in for pool compliance, this type of fence can only be used as additional safety, not as the primary pool fence. This has to do mainly with the fact that is “removable”.
Metal Fencing
Metal pool fences are a great option if you're looking for a permanent fence. They're durable, strong, and are one of the best styles for blending in and not obscuring your vision of the pool area.. While there are a few styles that you can pick from, the most desired type for a pool area is a clean and simple black flat top design.
Here are some reasons why metal pool fence are an excellent choice:
They are strong and durable. They will last you a long time without getting damaged or breaking down easily. It's important that your fence be strong enough so that it won't break down when someone tries to climb over it or push through it.
They are easy to install. Luckily, there aren't any complicated pieces that need to be assembled before putting up the actual fence itself around your swimming area.
They are affordable, which makes them a good option if you want to save money while still keeping your swimming area secure.
Types of Metal Fences
The most common types of metal pool fences are:
Aluminum Fences
Aluminum pool fencing is a popular choice because it is affordable, strong, and easy to install.
Aluminum pool fences are made from extruded aluminum that has been powder coated for additional durability and corrosion resistance.
They can be solid or have slats between the rails so that they allow more light and air into your swimming area.
Aluminum fence is the pool fence of choice if you have a saltwater pool. Because it naturally inhibits the corrosiveness of the salt used in some pool filtration systems this might be a great choice for you. If you have a chlorine based filtration pool, you might want to also consider a ornamental iron fence because it will give you the same great look and benefits, but at a lower cost.
Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are made of woven wire that is galvanized to prevent corrosion and rust. They are flexible and can be shaped easily to fit around any shape or size of pool.
This type of fence is ideal for people who want to keep their swimming pool secure without spending too much money on it.
Per most pool code ordinances, standard chain link is considered a climbable mesh because kids can get their hands and feet in between the mesh to climb it. Fortunately there are 2 options to solve this. One is to install a mini mesh chain link where the mesh is weaved closer together (smaller diamond pattern) making the fence not climbable. The second option is to install chain link with privacy slats in it. While this also makes the fence non climbable, it also gives you the opportunity to infuse a variety of color slats into your backyard landscape. There are more muted colors available for these chain link slats like tan, brown, or green or more vibrant colors like red if you are looking for a little wow factor!
Stainless Steel Fences
Stainless steel pool fences are made of heavy-duty stainless steel that is rust- and corrosion-resistant. They are strong, durable, and secure. They can be installed in any shape or size and they last a very long time. However, they are more expensive than other types of pool fencing.
Stainless steel fences are typically used for commercial pools and public swimming pools. They are not recommended for residential pool fencing because they can be unattractive and they don’t fit well into a backyard setting.
Iron Fences
Iron fences are strong and sturdy, and come in a variety of colors and styles. The most attractive feature of iron fencing is its durability. These fences can last for decades if properly maintained.
Iron fencing is not only functional but also stylish. You can choose from many different styles and colors to match your pool’s design. For example, you can choose an ornamental iron pool fence with ornate patterns or a contemporary style with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. You can also choose between black and white, which are the most popular colors.
If you want a more traditional style, you can choose wrought iron fencing which has a classic look and an antique finish.
Wood Fencing
Wood is a popular choice for pool fencing. It is a natural material, and can be painted or stained to add color. Wood is also durable and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for any pool owner that wants to keep their swimming area looking great for years to come.
Wood fences are easy to install and can be used around above-ground pools. They require less maintenance, attractive, and functional.
A downside to installing a wood fence around your pool is that it impacts the visibility around the pool area more greatly than the other styles of fence. That translates into the feeling of being more boxed in when inside the pool area. As well if you are outside the pool area and want to be watching kids play inside the pool area you probably won't be able to see them as well as with the offer fencing style options.
Permanent Vs Temporary Pool Fencing
Permanent pool fencing is generally more expensive than temporary pool fencing, but it also lasts longer, is sturdier, and is more secure. Depending on what city or county you live in removable pool fencing may not be allowed for your primary pool compliance fence per county ordinance.
Permanent pool fences are made from materials like metal or vinyl, and they usually include a gate that outswings with a spring and can be locked.
These types of fences are typically installed around an entire pool, so that there are no gaps in coverage where children could accidentally fall into the water. Your city will have specifications on how much distance there can be under the fence, between the vertical pieces, and minimum height.
Temporary pool fencing is usually made from mesh or plastic, which means that it's relatively light weight and easy to install and remove.
Temporary pool fencing is a great option for those who want to secure their pool area but don't want to make a long-term commitment. It's also a great option for those who want to change the look of their pool area on a regular basis, as they can be easily removed and re-installed when necessary.
It is also cheaper than permanent fencing, so it's often more affordable, especially when you're looking at a large area of coverage (like an in-ground swimming pool).
While temporary fencing can offer many of the same benefits as permanent fencing, for example, it will keep kids from falling into the pool, it does have some drawbacks compared to its more permanent counterpart.
Temporary fencing is more likely to be damaged by strong winds or storms, as it is not secured into the ground like permanent fencing. This means that it may need to be re-installed more often than permanent fencing, which can be inconvenient and costly over time.
They are also less secure than their permanent counterparts because they are not anchored into the ground. This means that they are more likely to be pushed over or moved by someone who wants to get into your yard.
Additionally, temporary fences do not offer the same amount of privacy as permanent ones. This is because they are often made of lighter materials that can be seen through more easily than metal or wood.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Pool Fencing
If you're in the market for pool fencing, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase:
Material
The material that your fence is made of can have a great impact on the longevity and strength of your fence. Some materials are more prone to rusting or breaking down than others, so it's important to take note of this when making a purchasing decision.
The material that you choose should be durable and long-lasting so that it will stand up to the elements over time. This can help to save you money in the long run, as well as prevent any accidents from occurring due to a weak fence.
If your fence is made of flimsy materials, there's a possibility that children or animals could squeeze through the spaces between posts or panels and gain access to the pool area.
Design
It's important to consider the design as well. You may want a fence that blends into the landscape around your pool area or one that stands out and creates an eye-catching look.
If you're looking for something that's more decorative, there are a number of materials that can be used to make your pool fence. For example, you may want to consider using vinyl or ornamental ironfencing.
These materials can be painted any color of your choice to blend in with your surroundings or can be left natural to create a rustic look that adds to the beauty of your property.
Cost
The cost of a pool fence will depend on the type of fence you choose, as well as the size of your pool. Some pool fences are generally cheaper than other types of pool fences, while others are generally more expensive.
It's a good idea to get a quote from several companies before making your final decision on the type and size of fence you want installed around your pool area.
Conclusion
It's important to have a pool fence installed around your swimming pool to prevent accidents from happening. The type of fence you choose will depend on the shape and size of your pool area, as well as how much money you want to spend on it.
If you're not sure what type of pool fencing to install, contact us and we'll help you decide on the best type of fence for your pool area.
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