Guidelines for building an effective swimming pool fence

Drowning is one of the leading causes of deaths among young children, and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an astonishing 85 percent of these tragedies occur in backyard swimming pools. What that means for pool owners is that some safety precautions are common sense — and often are mandated by local law. The first and most effective step? Surrounding the pool with a well-designed fence. Whatever your choice of fence design and material, the information in the following sections can help keep your backyard pool both fun and safe.

Overview of fence design requirements

The goal of a swimming pool fence is to keep unsupervised children from getting over, under, or through it. It should enclose the pool completely (unless one edge of the border is formed by the house itself). Gates should swing shut and latch on their own. Here is an overview of the specifics recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and other consumer safety groups:

Height. The fence should be at least 42 to 48 to above grade, as measured by the side of the fence that faces away from the pool. The fence can be higher if desired, but keep in mind that a child capable of climbing a 4-foot fence will have no more difficulty climbing a 5-foot fence, and will just have one more foot to fall to the other side. Any child coordinated enough to climb a 4-foot fence should be coordinated enough to take swimming lessons or at least be taught water survival techniques.

Clearance. The pool fence should have no more than a 4-inch gap between the bottom of the fence and the grade — again, with the measurement being taken on the outside of the fence. This guideline is based on the head and chest size of a young child who might try to squeeze under the fence.

Pickets and rails. Spacing between any vertical slats of an ornamental fence should be no more than 4 inches, and spaces between wood slats no more than 1.75 inches. Any decorative cutouts in the fence should have a diameter of no more than 1.75 inches. Rails should be spaced at least 45 inches apart. If the rails are closer than that, be sure they are placed on the inside of the fence so that they cannot be used as handholds or footholds.

Gate specifics

Gates should be self-closing (meaning that they swing shut on their own) and self-latching. They should be designed to open outward from the pool so that a child pushing on the gate will actually force it to latch if it has not already done so. The release mechanism for the gate should be either at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, or it should be placed on the inside of the fence, at least 3 inches from the top of the gate, so a child will not be able to reach over the fence to unlatch the gate. The gate also should not have an opening within 18 inches of the release mechanism, so a child will not be able to reach through the fence to unlatch the gate. A lock or alarm on the gate can provide an additional layer of protection.

Chain link fencing

Chain link fencing now can be coated in PVC for a variety of colors, longer life, and rust resistance. The mesh size of a chain link fence should not be more than 1.25 inches in diameter to prevent a child from using the openings as a foothold. Slats, fastened at the top and bottom of the fence and running through the mesh, can be used to reduce the opening size. Chain link fabric is also available in a mini mesh, which provides more privacy and is even harder to climb. The mesh should be fastened securely to a bottom rail so that a child can not push under it.

Ornamental fencing

Ornamental steel or aluminum fencing is an attractive and sturdy choice for a backyard pool enclosure. Aluminum is probably the better choice for a pool area because it will never rust. When designing the fence, pay special attention to the openings under the bottom rail and between the slats. Gaps should be no more than 4 inches.

Wood fencing

Treated wood can be a good option for pool fencing, but keep in mind the design requirements for pickets, rails, and clearance. Slats must be separated by spaces no more than 1.75 inches. Wood pickets should not touch the ground because of rot, but be sure they are no more than 4 inches off of grade. Rails must be on the pool side of the fence. Wood is not as sturdy as some other fence materials and must be checked frequently for damage and dangerous openings.

Vinyl fencing

Vinyl is a solid fencing material that will not rust or rot, making it a good and versatile choice for a backyard pool fence. For fences constructed with diagonal latticework, make sure the openings are not more than 1.75 inches across.

Masonry fencing

For brickwork or other solid fencing, use care in ensuring that no gaps or protrusions exist beyond the normal tolerances that could be used as handholds or footholds.

Aboveground pools

In an aboveground pool, the sides of the pool itself act as a barrier, but access to the stairway or ladder leading to the water still needs to be controlled. One way to keep young children away is to design the ladder or stairway so that it is removable. The other is to surround the ladder or stairway with a fence or gate that meets the guidelines above.

Spas and hot tubs

Spas and hot tubs come with safety covers, but unless the cover can be securely strapped down or locked, a barrier fence that meets the guidelines above is still necessary.

Temporary fencing

Some manufacturers sell secure, removable temporary fencing for those who don’t need permanent fencing but want to protect the pool area during backyard parties. This fencing is typically easy for adults to install, disassemble, and store but young children will not have the reach necessary to get it down.

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