Pool safety is a significant issue even for residential pools, and fences serve to provide a secondary layer of protection in addition to other items like covers and alarms. Any pool with a water depth of 400mm will require a fence by law in New Zealand. This regulation includes temporary and inflatable pools even in residential areas.
Why do swimming pools need fences?
Child safety
Child safety is the number one reason why fences are needed to prevent unsupervised access by children. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s latest report, an average of 389 pools or spa-related fatal drownings involving children under 15 years old were reported yearly. 73% of these involved children that were younger than 5.
The CDC has even more stark figures showing that more children between one to four years die from drowning than any other cause save for congenital disabilities. Also, for children between one and 14 years old, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death, behind only motor vehicle accidents.
Pet Safety
Children are not the only ones at risk of drowning. While dogs and cats can swim, they can easily drown if they do not find their way back to the stairs. The same applies to other feral animals, including raccoons, opossums, and squirrels.
They tire from their exertion of trying to lift themselves by the wall and soon lose the ability to stay afloat. You can use a sturdy fence to prevent the entry of pets and other animals.
General safety
Beyond pets and children, anyone can easily drown in a swimming pool. They could be adults who do not know how to swim, slip into the pool, or a guest under the influence of alcohol. Slips and accidents usually happen, and a fence significantly reduces the chances of such accidents.
Law requirements
Given the prevalence of drowning accidents around residential pools, regulations in the country require that the pools should have fencing. A pool barrier must restrict access to the pool from the house, other buildings, vehicle or pedestrian access ways, and other areas of the property.
Insurance obligations
Your home insurance provider will require a fence around the pool if you have one to reduce the liability claims. Some will even have guidelines on the kind of fence you should put up; if you do not follow them, they will not pay out your claim. That would mean you pay out of your pocket, which could be financially damaging. Even renters who install pools should check with their landlords and insurance companies to know where they can be liable.
Fencing guidelines for swimming pools
Setting up a new fence pool is not a matter of showing up with any fixture or barrier. There are guidelines often under country law. So for most of the part, your pool fence should meet the following:
- The fence should be at least 1.2m in height above the ground and any permanent projection, depending on the presence of horizontal rails.
- The spacing between slats should not be more than 100mm.
- The gate should be self-closing and self-latching
- The gate accessing the pool should open outward away from the pool.
- The latch opening the gate should be at least 150mm away from the bottom of the gate.
- The fence should not have any indentations or intrusions as they can be used for climbing.
- It should have door alarms on the doors leading to the pool area
The laws are detailedly listed on the Auckland Council website, so it is important to check with the laws of legal fence to carefully set up.
Different types of pool fences
Swimming pools come in different designs and forms. The most common categorization is by material, and here are some common options:
Mesh pool fencing
Mesh fence is a popular option because its nature makes it easy to meet all the codes for swimming pools. It is also cost-effective and does not require expert installation as it comes with a straightforward DIY installation kit.
It will give you a clear view of the pool, and you can always remove it when you need to use the area near it. You, however, should get a sturdier base to prevent it from being pushed over.
Aluminum pool fencing
Aluminum fences are also popular thanks to their added durability on top of being one of the cheapest pool fencing options. It is also rust-resistant, unlike wrought iron, and holds well against bad weather. That means you get a sturdy pool fence with little maintenance. You can always customize it in a range of unlimited designs to match your taste and your home’s exterior.
Wood pool fencing
Wood is another top poo fencing material where cost is a factor. It is certainly less expensive than metal and offers a classic aesthetic look. Its main downside is the amount of maintenance it needs. You will have to occasionally clean it, and after too much weather exposure, strip it and repaint it to maintain a fresh, neat look.
You also should avoid using a solid wood fence as it blocks the pool’s view. Wood also offers plenty of styles and design options.
Glass pool fencing
Glass pool fences are easily the most beautiful option available. They are also the most expensive type of fence, so they may not be an option for most people. Glass pool fences provide excellent views both from in the pool and out of it. Young children and pets will not be climbing over the glass fences. Unfortunately, on top of the expense, glass pool fences do not handle bad weather well.
Pool fences are an integral part of your home if you have a pool. They primarily provide safety for young children and pets and help protect you from liability and breaking state and city laws. You have various options ranging from glass pool fences to wood and aluminum fences.
To find the right pool fence, consider the local laws in your area, the cost of the fences, aesthetic factors, and maintenance costs. To know more, contact Royal Glass today through 0800769254 or info@royalglass.co.nz for expert advice.
