Pool Safe Fencing

"The safest single barrier or protection is a good fence with an effective latching mechanism"
- Bill Kerr, Life Saver Pool Products

A successful pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under or through...
- CPSC Pool Safety Brochure

Accidental drowning in pools (as well as spas and hot tubs) claims nearly 350 young lives a year
...good pool fences should allow at least 65% visibility through them so activity inside the pool area can be observed from outside. - Bill Ullrich, President - Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Instritute

Some of the CPSC Guidelines for Swimming Pool Barriers**

pool barrier should be at least 48" above grade
eliminate handholds and footholds and minimize the size of the openings
For a solid barrier
- No indentations or protrusions should be present, other than normal construction tolerances
For a barrier made up of horizontal and vertical members
- If the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45", the horizontal members should be on the swimming pool side of the fence.
- The spacing of the vertical members should not exceed 1-3/4". This size is based on the foot width of a young child and intended to reduce the potential for a child to gaina foothold.
- The spacing between the vertical members should not exceed 4". This size is based on the head breadth and chest depth of a young child and is intended to prevent a young child from passing through an opening.
The maximum clearance at the bottom of the barrier should not exceed 4" above the grade.
Gates
- should open out from the pool
- should be self-closing and self-latching
- the release mechanism of the gate should be at least 54" from the bottom of the gate. This keeps a young child from reaching the latch and getting to the pool.

**ALWAYS CHECK YOUR LOCAL BUILDING CODES!