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. 

Your Katy Survival Swim School
When it comes to keeping your children safe in and around the water, there’s no place more dedicated than Texas Swim Academy. We offer survival swim lessons for children starting at 6 months of age. These proven lessons give your children the skills necessary to survive in the water should an aquatic accident occur. Contact us to learn more about our survival swim program today!