Are you planning to add a pool to your home, or do you already have a pool to enjoy? Then you may be wondering whether for safety reasons you need to install a pool fence or comply with local regulations.
Read on to learn more about the importance of installing a fence around your pool and the different types of requirements you need to consider.
Fences for inground pools
If you plan to add or already own an underground pool to your home, it is important that you understand the different requirements that are required to meet the requirements. First, the pool deck should be coated with an abrasion-resistant, non-slip material. This can help your family and guests slide and fall. The deck should also wrap around the entire pool and be flush with the pool wall.
If your pool is at least 18 inches deep, you'll need to install a fence around it. Different states have specific requirements for the dimensions of the fence. Make sure you set the type of regulations that your local government may have. When planning your fence, you need to have it at least one meter high so that a small child or pet cannot climb over it. You can also choose from the best fence materials such as cast iron, mesh or wooden fences, depending on your personal style.
Add a gate to the fence so that you have an entry point with a self-closing hinge and self-locking clasp that is high enough so that adults can only reach it, about 50 cm above the ground. If your home has doors that provide direct access to the pool area, you should install a fence and gate that separate the pool and access door. An alarm on the door notifies you when the door has been opened so you can investigate if necessary.
Before installing your pool fence, you should contact your local construction supervisor. The inspector checks where your fence is to be installed, how many gates are required and whether the fence complies with local safety regulations. If you do not consult them first, you may find that your fence does not meet the requirements of the code. This can result in the need to install a new one, which can be costly and time consuming. Just because you've installed a fence for your pool doesn't mean you can let your guard down, of course. There are other ways to ensure that everyone is enjoying their time by the pool safely.
Additional security steps
In addition to a fence that protects children and pets from falling into the pool, you should also install a pinch guard over the pool drainpipes. These drainpipes are designed to suck in leaves and other debris, but can also be strong enough to draw small children in and keep them under water. In general, children should stay away from the drain pipes. In the event of an accident, however, the pinch protection ensures that it can be released from the suction of the drain.
If you have children, the best way to ensure safety near your or another swimming pool is to take swimming lessons. Not only will you learn to swim, you will also learn how to recover from a life-threatening situation. For children who have not had swimming lessons or are not strong swimmers, a life jacket approved by the Coast Guard should be worn. Do not allow your children to use only hoses or floats, as these devices can be unreliable and can give a false sense of security. No matter how well your children swim, you should never leave them unattended when swimming in the pool. Accidents can occur and there should always be a capable adult under the guidance. Parents should also be able to swim to save a drowning child.
Create pool rules
If you own a pool, it is important that you are responsible for the safety of your family and guests. The steps to install a fence and trap guard are good first steps to teaching your kids how to swim. Nevertheless, accidents can happen in the best of circumstances. Therefore, you should set some basic rules and expectations for those who want to enjoy the water.
There should be an expectation that no one will access the pool without permission. It should not be a rough case such as. B. Pushing or wrestling and no running on the pool deck to avoid slipping and falling. Nobody should be allowed to dive headfirst into the pool, this can cause head and neck injuries and even lead to paralysis. If you have adult guests, you should not enter the pool when they are drunk. If you are impaired, you cannot make good decisions and accidents are likely to happen.
Learn more about the importance of installing a pool fence today!
If you are planning to install a pool or already own one, it is important to install a pool fence to protect your children and pets. Talk to your local construction supervisor before starting to make sure the type of fence and placement comply with your local safety regulations. When you've taken all of these safety precautions, grab your swimsuit and towel and have fun! You can find more tips and information on pool security on our website every day!