The Important Nature of Pool Fences

When it comes to pool safety, there is nothing that guarantees drownings will not occur. But by consistently practicing the layers of protection, you are providing the safest environment possible and helping to reduce the risk of drowning occurrences. One of the layers of protection that is often overlooked is pool fences. Because many pool owners see them as “unsightly” or taking away from the aesthetics of their pool, they forgo what could be a lifesaving barrier for young children. 

The Value of a Pool Fence

While barriers are not childproof, they do add a layer of protection designed to keep children out of the pool should they somehow sneak by unnoticed. They also buy parents more time to find a child BEFORE reaching the pool if an unexpected lapse in adult supervision occurs. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States sees an average of 300 drowning deaths per year. Last year alone, Texas experienced 77 fatal child drownings with the majority happening in a backyard or community pool. While there are no statistics regarding if the pools where the drownings occurred had fences or not, it’s important to remove the “aesthetic” stigma against fences and start normalizing, as well as promoting, proper protection around a pool. 

What Makes a Fence Effective? 

An effective pool fence surrounds the entire perimeter of the pool, rather than a fence that encloses the pool on three sides with the house serving as the fourth side of the barrier (think your typical pool screen enclosure). While fences should be a minimum of 4 feet high, 5 feet is preferred. There should also be no gaps between slats that are larger than 4 inches. Fences should also be equipped with self-latching gates. 

It’s important to note that even if a pool has a fence, additional barriers like an alarm should be installed. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, nearly 70 percent of childhood drownings happen during non-swim times. Children slip by at family gatherings, while they are playing, or when they’re curious. A pool is intriguing to them, and when they aren’t swimming or even have their swimsuit on preparing to swim, they want to go in. By adding an additional layer like a pool alarm, you’re creating audible and visual alert systems that will notify you immediately if there is unexpected access. 

Life Saver Pool Fence of Harris/Ft. Bend County

If you are a pool owner throughout the Harris and Ft Bend County area, it’s time to protect your children and install a pool fence. Life Saver pool fences are designed to keep kids safe on dry ground. They are the strongest pool fence on the market today and are framed on all four sides. Built using unbreakable welds and heavy gauge aluminum, the unclimbable see-through UV mesh fence is often the only and last physical barrier between your home and the pool. 

Life Saver is also the only fence company that has manufactured self-latching and self-closing gates that keep your pool accessible to adults but inaccessible to children. Because the pool gate is the most-used component of the fence, it’s imperative that it’s constructed in a manner that withstands repetitive use and lasts throughout the years. 

Learn more about Life Saver pool fences and how you can schedule your free estimate here. 

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.