What Are The Best Pool Safety Barriers To Install

Pool safety barriers not only look great, but help keep people safer. And, of course, pool safety is always a top priority for any pool owner.

If you don’t have kids, you might not think a barrier is a big deal. However, you never know when a child might wander into your yard.

The great part is you have a variety of different types of pool barriers to install. Whether you want something simple or something fancier that provides extra privacy, the choice is all yours.

Pool Safety Barriers Required By Law

Pool safety is so important that Honolulu requires all residential swimming pools to have safety barriers in place. When constructing a new pool, you can’t get a permit until you can show how you’ll keep it safer.

The law allows for various types of barriers, so you’re not limited to just a few things. The city just wants to keep residents safer and prevent drownings.

Fences

Obviously, pool fences are the most common type of pool safety barriers. They also come in the most varieties. The good news is they’re available for both above and inground pools.

When it comes to pool fences, you have two main options - permanent and removable. A removable fence works well if you travel often and completely empty and close your pool off for longer periods. These types of fences also work well if you ever decide to get rid of your pool.

A permanent fence usually works best, though. They’re sturdier and allow for more customization. For instance, you can choose different types of metal, such as a wrought iron fence, or go with a traditional wood fence.

Ideally, the safest fences are at least five feet tall, effectively keeping smaller children from climbing them. Also, if the fence isn’t solid, ensure the spacing isn’t wide enough between the bars for kids to crawl through.

Mesh Fencing

Mesh fencing is a bit different than your traditional pool fence. While it still goes around your fence, it’s made of a nylon mesh. You attach aluminum poles around your pool and attach the mesh to create a custom fence.

This option is removable and is easier to replace than a traditional fence. However, they’re not nearly as strong. They usually come in several strengths based on the weight they can withstand if someone tries to push through.

These aren’t strong enough to keep adults from getting through, but can help keep smaller kids out. It’s always best to go with the strongest strength and as high as possible.

Pool Covers

If you don’t like the idea of a fence or you want double the pool safety barries, a pool cover is always an option. These cover the surface of your pool completely and keep anyone from entering until they’re removed.

A strong manual pool cover is a more affordable option. It can take longer to remove it and put it back on, but these usually withstand thousands of pounds, so a child or random stranger isn’t going to accidentally fall through as long as the cover is attached correctly.

As an easier to use option, automatic pool covers do all the hard work for you. As you might guess, though, they’re more expensive.

Another form of pool cover is the pool net. These are strong nets that keep the pool surface exposed, but prevent anyone from accidentally falling in. The net stretches securing (when installed correctly) across the pool surface just like a pool cover, catching anyone if they slip.

Barrier Costs at a Glance

Additional Pool Safety Barriers

In addition to the above pool safety barriers, you can also add a few more safety features to create multiple layers of protection:

Remember, pool barriers are just part of pool safety. Contact us today to check pool cleaning off your to-do list and spend more time enjoying your pool.