Pool Fences: What You Need to Know

Do you have a nice swimming pool with no fence around it? Maybe you’ve been thinking of having a quality pool fence installed but don’t know exactly where to start.

Here are some helpful things to consider when planning for fencing around your pool area.

First – is a fence required?

Some jurisdictions in the U.S. require that pools of certain depths be surrounded by fences of specific heights. Check this out with your local city or county offices before any work starts.

(Note: a qualified local fencing contractor – who you’ll likely use to build the pool fence – should be able to tell you about any fencing mandates that apply to pools in your area.)

Pool fence security concerns

The purpose of a pool fence is to keep people (usually children) and pets (usually dogs) away from the pool when there’s no adult supervision. If you have no kids or pets, a basic, simple fence is probably sufficient.

If you do have kids and pets, you want to make sure the pool can be secured at times you’re not watching it. A secure fence means locking gates, which can be something as simple as a padlock or as thorough as a coded computerized locking system.

Ideal materials for a pool security fence include metal/aluminum, PVC/vinyl, chain link and wood.

Debris-blocking fence

If your home is in an area of high winds and blowing dust and debris, consider a solid fence that will keep junk out of your pool. Dust and debris can clog a pool’s filter and cause damage to its pump.

A similar style of fence makes a perfect privacy fence as well. A privacy fence blocks the view of your pool area from neighboring homes and passing people and cars.

Ideal materials for a debris-blocking/privacy pool fence include PVC, wood and chain link if the material is fitted with slats throughout.

The decorative element

For homeowners who do a lot of entertaining by the pool, think about having a fence installed that not only secures the pool but looks fantastic in the process.

Local fencing contractors can show you a wide range of decorative and ornamental fence styles that will add elegance and sophistication to your pool area and your entire backyard.

Ideal materials for decorative fences include metal, wrought iron and certain styles of wood and vinyl fencing.

Hiring a fencing contractor for your pool fence

Unless you have the skills and tools to build a proper pool fence, you’re going to need someone to build it for you. The best choice is a licensed fencing contractor with verifiable experience in building pool fences and advising homeowners on these projects.

Ask around and see if any of your friends or associates have had experience with fence contractors. Get their feedback. Do a search and check out local contractors’ websites and see what they have to say about themselves. Also, read online reviews of various fence companies.

When talking with a prospective contractor, ensure that he or she has hands-on experience with the type of pool fence you desire. And listen to what the contractor has to say about the project, because his or her knowledge will come through when talking about the overall fence installation process.

A Perfect 10 Fencing of Brooksville, FL, is a licensed Florida fencing contractor with years of experience designing and building “perfect 10” pool fences for our customers in Hernando, Citrus and Pasco counties.

Speak with a fencing expert today at (352) 606-2623 and get the pool fence you’ve been dreaming about.