If you’re thinking about getting a swimming pool built on your backyard, you have one more decision to make: do you need a pool safety barrier or pool fence for it?
In Houston, there is no law that mandates whether or not you should build a pool safety barrier for your residential pool. Pool fencing laws in the state only regulate public pool and pools within commercial establishments, such as resorts and hotels. So, building a fence around your pool is completely your decision. Here are some pros and cons.
Swimming Pool Safety Barrier: Pros
Most Houston pool builders will advise you to build a safety barrier for your pool, regardless of whether your household includes children or not. The pros – according to pool building experts – boil down to three considerations: safety, access and risk reduction.
Safety is the main goal when getting a pool safety barrier for your pool or spa. After all, water can drown members of your household or your guests, regardless of age, height or level of inebriation. A misstep around your pool can be disastrous. A barrier around it is a preventive measure.
When it comes to access, you need to consider that you won’t always be around to watch over young family members, guests or even unwanted intruders. You can’t always be playing lifeguard, making sure everyone’s alright and no one is doing any risky behavior around the pool. Limiting access through your safety barrier is a solution. It limits these possibilities. It also limits your liabilities should the untoward happen.
Risk reduction is always a goal when you have a potentially hazardous addition to your household. This isn’t about overthinking you decision to install a swimming pool or spa. It’s just being real: you will have an accessible pool of water, of considerable depth, at home. There are always risks there, regardless of how careful you and members of your household are. Get a swimming pool fence and reduce these risks.
Swimming Pool Safety Barrier: Cons
The only con on the list is the cost. You can expect to spend at least $1,000 on a pool fence. Variations on your spending depends on the materials used and your pool builder in Houston. You can choose from aluminum, steel, glass and PVC/Vinyl fencing.
A DIY installation pool fence is an option when you want to save on cost. However, many Houston pool builders will dissuade you from doing so. After all, you’ve come this far in putting together your dream pool. Why choose a safety barrier that isn’t put up by experts, and may look lopsided and can even be compromised when it come to stability and reliability?
Pool Building Tips to Remember
Remember that a pool safety barrier is an important investment. So, when you can, get the best one for your pool. According to the International Code Council (I.C.C.), a pool fence should be at least 48 inches tall, with picket spacing that’s less than 4 inches and a self-latching gate. For more of the required standards, please check this out: http://apsp.org/standards.aspx
You might think of just installing a pool cover as an alternative to a pool fence. You need a pool cover, yes. But this is not an alternative to a pool fence. A cover is not made to withstand the weight of a typical adult.
If you have more questions about building a safety barrier for your pool, call Premier Pools and Spas Houston at (713) 436-4944.
