Installing a good quality fence is the best way to ensure your little ones can’t access your pool without supervision. Over time, your fence might require upkeep and maintenance to ensure the complete safety of your children. It’s important to inspect your safety barrier for any gaps or other entry points. Swimming is becoming a year-round activity with more pool heating options available, so it’s important you refresh your safety knowledge. Read our handy guide to make sure you’re up to date with pool safety barriers.
Does Your Pool Fence Meet Regulations?
When installing a pool fence, there are a range of different safety criteria to consider. Your pool fence must be tall enough to prevent children from climbing over. It must be constructed using a durable material with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Gaps in the fencing, as well as between the bottom of the fence and the ground, must be small enough that children cannot squeeze through the slats. These basic safety standards are a great place to start, but different locations often have different pool safety requirements. It’s important that you adhere to all state and federal regulations to avoid being fined.
Keep the Gate Closed
Pool fences are the ideal solution for keeping little ones away from the water, but what about your gate? An incorrectly installed or faulty gate is a huge safety risk. It’s a good idea to inspect your gate every time to ensure it still closes and latches automatically. Take a good look to make sure your latch isn’t rusting or degrading over time. Never leave your gate propped open, even for a minute. All pool gates should be self-closing and self-latching, but pool toys or outdoor furniture can get in the way. Always check to make sure your gate closes behind you before leaving the pool area.
Remove Climbable Objects
Installing a good quality pool barrier is a great first step, but don’t forget about the outside of your fence. Little ones who love the water can be tempted by climbable objects left lying around your pool, and might clamber over to swim unsupervised. This is a huge safety risk, so it’s important to secure your pool boundary. Keep your outdoor entertaining area separate from your pool to prevent kids from using furniture, barbecues or eskies as climbing gear. Children can even use heavy pot plants to climb fences, so keep these in other areas of your garden.
Call in a Professional
A good quality fence is vital to pool safety, so it’s important that you work with a trusted contractor to build your fence. If you lack experience or skill, a homemade fence isn’t going to cut it. Many states have regulations surround who can and can’t build a pool fence, so it’s always a better idea to call in the experts.
Heat Pump Manufacturers
At Australian Energy Systems, we’re as passionate about your pool as you are. We provide a wide range of heating options, including pool heat pumps and solar pool heating supplies. Call us on 1800 243 847, or contact us online for more information about our wide range of pool heating solutions, as well as our pool covers.
