Are you planning on purchasing an above ground pool for your home? Did you know that there are certain laws when it comes to fencing around the pool? These can apply to above ground or inground pools. Let’s take a look to see if this rule applies everywhere and if you should have a fence around your above ground pool.
According to the state you are in, you may have to have a fence around your pool. It also varies between inground and above ground pools. To say that you have to have a fence around your pool without knowing the state would only be a guess. Some states require signs for public pools to be posted. Sometimes you not only have to have a fence, but you have to have a lock too.
You can find information on what your state law says on fencing, signs, and pools at Signs.com. They have information on fencing for above ground and inground pools. Some states do not have a law on the matter, so they list various counties there as well.
Did you know that according to state laws, sometimes you will only need a fence around your above ground pool when it is within the city limits? This is because the area has more people. More children can be in the area and accidents can happen. So, cities may be a bit more strict with the issue.
According to Clear Choice Pool Fencing, a company that installs glass pool fences in Perth, you may think that by putting up a fence you are good and not breaking the law. Well, if the fence surrounding the pool is not a certain height, you may still be looking at some trouble. City codes and ordinances can help you determine what your fence height should be. In most states, the fence should be at least four feet high.
If you are required to put a fence around your pool, then you can bet that it has to be set up just right. The law will not just allow any fence to be set up. You will need one at least four feet high. That is not all, though. The way in which the gate swings is important too. Let’s go over which features your fence should have.
As stated above, the height of the fence should be at least four feet high. That cannot be stressed enough. Any fence that does not meet these standards may still be subject to penalty, and if someone who cannot swim (the elderly or young in most cases) wanders into your pool and a fatality happens, then you may be subject to a harsher penalty, like prison time.
The gate is important too. The gate should swing outward from the pool. This is so it cannot be forced open by pushing it inward. The gate should never be able to swing inward towards the pool.
The latches are important too. Did you know that the gate should have two latches on it? The first latch should not be more than 54 inches from the bottom and the second latch should not be more than three inches from the top. This is a basic rule in most states that require fencing around a pool.
If you have to have a fence in your state, the gate has to be up to date and swing in the proper direction with two latches. Sound like enough? Not so much. You will actually need to have a lock on the gate too. If it is in use, it should be fine. However, at night or when the pool is not being occupied then you must have lock the gate.
The best thing that you can do as a pool owner is to supervise your pool. Regardless if there is a law in your state, it is always better to have a fence with a locking gate, even if it is not required by law. Your pool should always be supervised by an adult, especially when children are around.
Hopefully, you have found all this information helpful. Getting a pool can be a big responsibility. It is good to know the law on the matter before you go to purchase. That way you will know if you want to invest in purchasing some fencing. You can check out this YouTube video for more information on installing a pool fence.
