Three Features to Look for in Your Pool Safety Fence
If you own a swimming pool and have kids in the house, then a pool fence is essential for safety. Without a fence in place, there's a risk that young children could fall into the pool and become injured or drown. There have been several tragic cases of children drowning in pools recently—make sure you don't add to the statistics. By choosing a pool fence that's made of a strong, durable material, has a self-closing latch, and is climb-resistant, you'll ensure that your children are safe at all times, without having to give up your home pool. Look out for these three features.
Strong material and construction
Choosing a strong, durable material for both the poles and main sections of your fence is essential. A pool fence made of strong mesh will not be broken and will rebound against shock, like a child running into it, by bending but not breaking. This means children won't be hurt by running into the fence but will be kept well away from the pool no matter what. You should also ensure that fence posts are made of a strong material like fiberglass, so that they can't break or bend, which would compromise the integrity of the fence.
Self-closing latch
Most pool safety fences will come equipped with a gate feature which allows you easy access to your pool without having to remove the entire fence. If you choose this option, then make sure you pick a gate with a self-closing latch. It's easy to forget to close the gate if you're surprised by the telephone or doorbell, and this leaves your child at risk. By choosing a gate that closes automatically behind you, you'll never have to worry. This is also a great option if older children have access to the swimming pool. Even if you're diligent about closing the gate to keep little ones safe, they may not be.
Climb-resistance
As children get older and more mobile, the risk of climbing increases. You should choose a fence that's tall enough that your child or toddler cannot reach the top and attempt to climb over. Using a climb-resistant material like mesh prevents children from gaining a foothold and trying to enter the pool that way. If you're still worried about the potential of your child getting over the fence, consider investing in additional pool safety products like motion sensor alarms or exterior door alarms. That way you can be confident that if one safety method fails, it's backed up by another.
Contact a pool fencing company like Standrite Australia Pty Ltd for more information on your options.