A swimming pool safety fence is:
- A type of fence placed around swimming pools.
- A passive barrier to restrict the access of small children aged 5 and under to the swimming pool.
- Has self-closing and self-latching gates to be compliant with most countries’ laws and codes.
- Designed so that young children cannot climb over them or go through them.
- They are manufactured with strict standards to be sturdy, durable and non-climbable.
With a pool safety fence, present at home, one can be sure that pool accidents can be minimized or could be avoided.
If you are still looking for a service provider who can install a pool safety fence, there is a trusted company that can do the job for you. Fabri-Tech is a distributor of Life Saver Pool Fence® pool barriers and can install them for you.
Basic Pool Safety Fence Requirements:
There is no federal pool fence law currently in place within the United States. However, several states, including Florida and Arizona have created their pool fence laws. A residential swimming pool barrier must have all of the following characteristics:
(a) the barrier must be at least 4 feet high on the outside;
(b) the barrier may not have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier;
(c) the barrier must be placed around the perimeter of the pool and must be separate from any fence, wall, or other enclosure surrounding the yard unless the fence, wall, or other enclosure is situated on the perimeter of the pool, is being used as part of the barrier and meets the barrier requirements of the statute; and,
(d) the barrier must be placed sufficiently away from the water’s edge to prevent a young child or a medically frail elderly person who may have managed to penetrate the barrier from immediately falling into the water.
Pool fence regulations per the IBCs:
Though exact pool fence regulations tend to vary, in general, they follow the specifications of the International Building Code section 305, regarding “pool barriers.” The IBC was designed as a base code by the International Code Committee and has been adopted by most local building authorities throughout the U.S. It’s updated every three years, so be sure you follow the most current version.
Types of residential pools that need fences
- Swimming pools that are in-ground, completely or partially, must be enclosed by a fence.
- Above ground pool installations may need fencing, depending on water depth. (Check exact depth per your local code. It’s usually a minimum of 18-24 inches.)
- Outdoor spas and hot tubs have to be equipped with either a fence or a cover in most jurisdictions, again according to how deep the water is.
- Portable pools are usually not legally required to have a fence. However, if unfenced, between uses they should be either covered or emptied and stored.
Here are some simple reminders that to could think about:
- Ensure that trees and shrubs are away from the pool so that children cannot climb over the fence.
- Remove hazardous furniture, potted plants, or any hazardous materials beside the pool. Make sure it is more than two meters away from the fence.
- Your pool fence must be in good condition. There should be no climbing aids present near the fence.
- Display some first aid materials or charts near your pool area.
- Make sure your pool fence is inspected by experts to make sure it adheres to the government’s Pool Safety regulations.
For inquiries and more information about how to have a pool safety fence installed in your home, just call Fabri-Tech Screens at 941-393-0100 or 239-722-5565. Fabri-Tech’s Design and Construction Team will gladly come to your home or business in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Naples, Marco Island, North Port, Venice, Estero, Lehigh Acres, or Punta Gorda to offer you a non-obligation design quote. You will be happy you did.
