Pool fences do much, much more than simply provide your yard with a bit more outdoor privacy. This type of residential fencing prevents children from getting unsupervised access to your pool, ensuring that when kids do swim, they do so safely.

However, there isn’t any federal pool fence law. Instead, state and local laws regulate pool fences, but these can vary widely and can be quite complicated. Without a standardized definition of what pool fences need to be, their construction can become a bit tricky.

Fortunately, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a few recommendations. Here’s what homeowners should do to make sure their pool fences are up to scratch.

Make Sure Everything Is Technically Correct.

Pool fences should be at least four feet tall, and must be impossible for children to climb over. The gate of any and all pool fences must open outwardly from the pool area, close by itself, and latch itself, too.

Choose a Sound Style.

Pool fences can come in a variety of different style, such as removable mesh, vertical bar, and glass panel. Removable mesh is very popular because it’s easy-to-move. Vertical bar is also another popular option because it has gaps allowing parents to keep a better eye on things. Glass panel fencing, lastly, are durable and transparent, making them the best choice of pool fence around.

Add Additional Protection.

The whole point of having pool fences is to make the swimming areas safer, which is why homeowners would be wise to add additional protection to their swimming areas. For example, there are underwater motion swimming pool alarms, automatic rigid pool covers, and more that can make these fun areas safer.

Fencing a pool makes it more safe. Even though the U.S. does not have a federal law pool fence law, you should still install these house fences because they make your yard safer, and more discrete. Just be sure to make it up to snuff when you do.

If you have any questions about pool fences, feel free to share in the comments.