There’s nothing quite like jumping in the cool sparkling water of your backyard swimming pool on a hot Louisiana summer day! If you already have a pool or are planning to have one installed, then it’s important to consider how to make your pool area a safe place for your friends and family to enjoy. Although there are no laws pertaining to residential pool safety in Louisiana, Slidell, LA fence company Zale Fencing has some tips on the best ways to protect children and people with vulnerabilities while in and around your pool area.
Should You Install a Pool Fence If You Already Have Fencing Around Your Property?
Even if you have a Louisiana residential fence around your yard, you may want to consider an additional barrier around your pool. There are several things to think about, so let’s explore some of those and determine if it would be wise to have our fence experts at Slidell, LA fence company, Zale Fencing, install a pool barrier in addition to your regular fence.
What Should You Consider?
According to safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, pool barriers and fences should be a minimum of 4 feet tall and should surround all sides of a swimming pool. Your house can act as one ‘side’ of the pool barrier, with the remaining sides surrounded by a privacy fence or other barrier. There are a variety of fence materials, brick walls, and removable pool fences in the Slidell, LA region that can all count as pool barriers as long as they are properly secured and at least 4 feet tall.
General Pool Safety Guidelines
Just because there are no laws in Louisiana dictating pool fencing and protection, you still have the responsibility of protecting those that you love. Below are some suggestions of things you can do to make sure your pool area is secure.
- Fences should have no more than a 2-inches between the bottom and the ground.
- All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool should be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet
- All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool should be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor
- The pool should be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements
- The pool should be equipped with an approved safety pool cover
Even if you already have a Louisiana residential fence around your property lines, it is wise to have a pool fence within your yard. This is especially true if you have pets or small children. The more precautions you can take to protect your family, the safer they will be!
More Tips for Making Your Pool Safe
Although taking the steps of installing a fence is an excellent start, you can also take some additional steps to protect your little ones. Here are some ideas:
- Swimming Lessons – Water safety lessons can reduce the risk of accidental childhood drowning by 88%. Even children as young as 1-year-old can benefit from swimming lessons. When a young child is comfortable and learns how to be safe in the water, it can help prevent accidental drowning.
- Get a Pool Cover – If your children can walk across the pool without falling in, that can be a potential lifesaver.
- Don’t Allow Access Without Supervision – Constant, focused supervision when your child is in or near a pool or any body of water is imperative.
Are you Liable?
It’s important to be aware that you can be held liable for any accidental injuries or death if you do not take steps to make sure your pool area is safe and secure. Always check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier to make sure that any requirements they may have for coverage are met.
Popular Swimming Pool Fence Options in Slidell, Louisiana
While your main priority must be safety and security when considering swimming pool fence options, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice the look of your fence. There are many designs, materials, and color options to consider, but your Slidell, LA fence company, Zale Fencing, is here to help! Let’s explore a few of the top options.
Aluminum Pool Fencing
An aluminum fence is a great pool fence option because it looks elegant and is very low maintenance. Aluminum is not designed to be a privacy fence, but what you lose in privacy, you gain in security. Aluminum fencing’s most attractive asset is the wide variety of styles, finishes, and accessories that are available so you can customize your pool fence to accent and beautify your pool area while also adding value to your property and home.
Wood Pool Fencing
The natural charm of wood makes it an attractive option for your pool fence. We offer wood fences that can be stained or painted to match any exterior color scheme. One thing to consider is that wood and water don’t mix well, so you’ll need to seal and stain your fence regularly to protect it from repeated splashing from pool use. If you don’t want to put in the extra work, wood fencing may not be the best choice for you.
Vinyl Pool Fencing
Vinyl is a great, affordable way to add beauty, privacy, and security to your swimming pool area. A vinyl fence is nearly maintenance-free, durable, and resistant to cracking and fading and is available in a variety of sizes and colors.
Chain Link Pool Fencing
Another great pool fence option is chain-link fencing. If you are looking for a sturdy yet economical option, you will definitely benefit best from this material. Chain-link fencing is available in traditional galvanized steel and PVC-coated versions and can even be installed with colored slats through the openings to create a fence with more privacy.
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If you have a Louisiana residential fence installed around your pool area by a professional and knowledgeable Slidell, LA fence company like Zale Fencing, it can last a long time and be just what you need to give you the peace of mind that your friends and family will be safe while hanging out at your home. The best way to know is to do a little research and then talk to our friendly staff, who can give you our recommendation based on our experience in the Slidell, LA area.
Zale Fencing Can Help with Your New Louisiana Residential Fence!
If you are having a pool installed and want to make sure you are providing a safe area for your loved ones, then Zale Fencing is here to help! We’re a reputable, trustworthy Slidell, LA fence company and will ensure that every safety concern is addressed. From installation to replacement, whatever your pool fencing needs are, we can help! Reach out to our friendly, professional staff today by calling us at (985) 788-7089 or contact us through our website. You can also take advantage of our convenient online tool and get an instant quote for your new fence! We’re here to answer all of your questions and are looking forward to assisting you with all of your fencing needs!