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A pool cover is not a safety device
Unless you're the only resident of an isolated area, your swimming pool is going to provide a powerful magnet to a large number of swimmers. Children of all ages, mentally challenged teenagers and adults, household pets, and even livestock have all unintentionally fallen into residential swimming pools. Sadly, the results are sometimes tragic. Placing a cover over a pool, not in use, neither acts as a barrier nor as a deterrent. Many accidental drownings have occurred when that child, dog, or yes, horse, has stood on the "solid surface" they think the pool cover provides.
Pool drowning statistics are scary.
It is indeed the responsibility of caregivers to keep children away from hazardous "attractive nuisances." But children are amazing escape artists. Somewhere in America, in the next twenty-four hours, two children will die as a result of drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If those children are between 1-4 years of age, the odds are high that this will occur in a residential pool.
No homeowner wants to contribute to a tragedy. And in fact, the decision as to whether or not they'll enclose their swimming pool is usually not theirs to make. Many states now have very specific rules governing fencing around residential swimming pools, and these rules can vary even more within a state's counties and communities. In many of these areas, pools can't even be constructed or erected without submitting an approved fencing plan. Ignoring these ordinances can result in criminal action and civil lawsuits.
No homeowner wants to contribute to a tragedy. And in fact, the decision as to whether or not they'll enclose their swimming pool is usually not theirs to make. Many states now have very specific rules governing fencing around residential swimming pools, and these rules can vary even more within a state's counties and communities. In many of these areas, pools can't even be constructed or erected without submitting an approved fencing plan. Ignoring these ordinances can result in criminal action and civil lawsuits.
Pool fences also lower maintenance time and money
And yet, some homeowners are resistant to the idea of fencing in private swimming pools. One of their chief complaints is that swimming pool fencing is unattractive. Not only do they have to look at it, it will lower the value of the property. But fencing around a residential pool can actually increase the value of a property. New owners will be thrilled that they don't have to add fence shopping to all the other new home chores. Fencing will not only keep out kids and pets, but will also help with maintenance by keeping out leaves and larger pieces of debris out of the pool area.
Have your pool fence installed by a Tampa Bay local expert
Safety, security, fewer legal worries, property enhancement, less maintenance time-put that way, pool fencing looks like a great idea! But should that fence be erected by the homeowner? Given all the very specific details that must be considered when erecting this type of fence, it's not recommended. Pool fences at a minimum should ensure that they cannot be easily climbed by a child all around the fence perimeter, have no lower gaps that can be climbed under, and be completely stable. All gates must swing outwards and lock. All gate locks must meet specific height requirements. Because of all these details, it's best to have such fences professionally installed.
Robert Frost said it best, "Good fences make good neighbors." And a properly installed pool fence not only protects pool owners and their neighbors, it's an investment that will allow them to enjoy their pool for years to come.
Robert Frost said it best, "Good fences make good neighbors." And a properly installed pool fence not only protects pool owners and their neighbors, it's an investment that will allow them to enjoy their pool for years to come.