There are several benefits of installing a pool fence. The most obvious benefit is the protection it gives to more small children. If you have small children, you must do whatever possible to protect them from the dangers of walking in your pool area unsupervised. Just think about what may happen if they step through an open door or gate or if they climb over an inadequately-protected fence. Below are some of the benefits of installing a pool fence.
Safeguard for children
A properly installed pool fence by Safe Pools Australia will act as a safeguard to make sure that your children stay in the areas of your home where they are supposed to be. It also deters any children from coming onto your property without proper supervision.
Building codes typically require a fence in good condition around a swimming pool. If you’re in Queensland, everything you need to know about pool compliance and safety is at, QLD pool fencing laws!
Add value to your home
The other benefit of a swimming pool fence is it can add significant value to your home when you eventually plan to sell it. One of the top three reasons people purchase homes with a pool is because they want their children and grandchildren to have somewhere to play together under supervision. Still, the second most popular reason is that the pool adds value to the home.
A study conducted by the Remodeling Magazine showed that homeowners who have a swimming pool installed with a fence are likely to realize an average return of nearly 70% of their initial investment when they eventually sell their house, which means you would need to spend less on upgrading or redesigning your home next time you move.
Helps avoid accidents
In addition, a pool fence can help prevent accidents from happening in your home and around your swimming pool. If you have steps or any other type of obstruction that a small child could run into and injure themselves, a properly installed pool fence may keep them from being injured at all because it deters them from venturing into the area.
It gives you peace of mind
A pool fence gives you peace of mind as well. You won’t have to worry about whether or not your young children are being appropriately supervised when they are playing outside by themselves because you will know that all of the gates are safely closed and locked at all times. By doing your part to keep your home safe, you are making it safer for all of your family members.
Types of pool fence materials
You can choose from various pool fence materials to create an aesthetically pleasing barrier and still meet your local building code requirements. Here are some of the most common types:
- Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl fencing comes in prefabricated panels or rolls, so you can easily attach them to existing concrete, wood, or metal fence posts or install them between existing wooden fence panels. Vinyl fencing is easy to care for, and it comes in several colors, but the downside is that rodents can easily chew through it if they find a hole.
- Wood Fencing: It’s crucial to use pressure-treated wood for a pool fence because regular untreated wood can become damaged and warped or attract termites. However, you should treat the wood regularly to prevent warping and splintering at even the slightest hint of moisture (even dew). Use western red cedar lumber, it’s the best choice – for outdoor structures like fencing.
- Chain-Link Fencing: This type of pool fence is one of the least expensive types available because it doesn’t require large wood or concrete posts. However, it doesn’t offer any degree of privacy, and the openings in the fence can be a hazard for small children who could fit their heads through them and get stuck, so this type of fencing is not recommended if you have young kids.
- Brick Wall: A brick wall may seem like an expensive yet aesthetically pleasing way to separate your pool area from the rest of your backyard, but it also makes an impenetrable barrier that no child could scale on their own. However, you should be aware that a brick wall will prevent sunlight from getting into your pool, making maintaining the chlorine levels in the water more difficult.
Installing a pool fence is not only a sensible way to create a safe environment for your family members, but it can also add an element of privacy and beauty to your landscaping. The best part about the process of installing a pool fence is that you have complete control over how it looks and which types of materials you will use so you can meet the requirements of your local building code and still create a beautiful handmade fence that is perfect for your backyard.