How to Make Your Swimming Pool Fence as Safe As Possible

Installing or replacing a pool fence may seem a bit daunting.  You want your family to be safe.  You want your backyard to be beautiful.  You want to comply with all the rules and regulations in your area.  And you want a fence that will hold up to the elements here in the hot desert summers.  It seems like an impossible task, right?  Not only is it possible, it may be easier than you think.

Here are some things you need to know.

Why You Need a Pool Fence

Safety

The Southern Nevada Health District Drowning Registry is responsible for tracking the number of kids, (infants to 14 years old), in Clark County involved in a submersion incident.  A submersion incident may be defined as one that resulted in a call to 911, and includes both fatal and non-fatal calls.  In 2020, according to the SNHD, there were 26 calls to 911, with 57% of these submersions happening in residential pools.  The majority of these incidents (88%) were children four and under.  Though 26 submersions is too many, it is down from 2017’s report of 64 incidents.   With more attention to pool safety, and pool safety awareness programs, there has been a noticeable reduction.  A pool fence is an essential component for protecting your family. Not only does a safety approved pool fence provide protection for small children, but it is also important in the protection of family pets.   Many dogs, particularly smaller breeds, or breeds such as elderly dogs or dogs without physical strength or stamina may not have the ability to swim for longer periods of time.  Even dogs who are expert swimmers may become disoriented or may not be able to pull themselves out of a pool.

Drowning is a serious concern for all pool owners and is of particular concern in areas with warmer climates, younger families, or a high ratio of pools per capita.  Clark County, takes pool safety seriously and defines the A, B, C’s of drowning prevention as:

• Adult Supervision: It only takes a few minutes of distraction for a child to drown.  Avoid answering phones, doorbells, etc. while children are in the pool.  It is also a good idea to have a cell phone or landline near the pool in case there is an emergency.
• Barrier: Specifically pool fencing with the protective requirements as outlined below.
• Classes: Swimming classes for children and pets, CPR classes for adults.
• Devices: Life jackets and flotation devices for children and pets, and readily available rescue devices.

One other thing to consider when installing a pool fence is visibility.  Thin iron or aluminum rails allow you to easily monitor the pool with no blind spots.

Rules and Regulations

Pool fencing requirements can be confusing because of the many levels of laws, rules and requirements.    The Southern Nevada Building Officials  (SNBO) require the following as it pertains to pool fencing:  Pool fence is required to be 60″ tall when not on top of a masonry wall. When fence is on top of a masonry wall, it can be a minimum of 32″ masonry and 28″ of fence with an overall measurement of 60″. All pool barriers must have a maximum of 4″ of ground clearance on concrete, asphalt or other hard surfaces and 2″ or less on grass or rock. Gate latches must not be more 6″ down from the top of the gate.  All gates must be self-closing and self-latching.  All gates less than 8′ in width must also be self-closing.  Any vertical or horizontal openings in the fence must not have spacing larger than 4″ so that a 4″ sphere cannot go through the openings.

Building permits may be required on some additions or alterations to your property.  Refer to this guide prepared by the City of Las Vegas or contact your contractor or speak with your building permit department.

In addition, some Homeowners Associations (HOA) require submission of plans before construction begins.   Chances are that your contractor has dealt with your HOA before and can assist you on submitting an application or proposal to them.   Normally, if your plans meet all municipal and county requirements, the HOA will also offer approval.  However, make sure that they are contacted in the planning timeframe so that construction is not delayed.  If you still have questions or concerns, a call to your HOA board should help you with that.

Beauty

Some people when they think fencing, they think of privacy and confinement.  But you can have pool fencing that does not sacrifice safety, meets all building code and HOA requirements, and is beautiful as well.  In fact, the right fencing, can enhance the beauty of your backyard, as well as satisfying all code regulations.  You can choose a design that satisfies your safety requirements, and have it custom designed to fit your style and landscaping.  Check out our pool fence portfolio for a few ideas, or create your own.

Durability

Powder coating aluminum or wrought iron pool fence is a great defense from the normal corrosion of chlorinated or sprinkler water.  If you want a pool fence that will last, consider using zinc rich primer as a base coat under a polyester top coat that will offer the best corrosion resistance to the elements.  We have multiple styles, materials, and price points to fit your needs.

AR Iron has experienced professionals that provide high quality custom work.  Our designers will work with you on the design that best complements your home and yard, and complies with local safety and building rules.  We can take the hassle of planning, applying, and constructing off your shoulders and keep your family safe and your home beautiful.  Contact us today for a free quote!