Fence, Net or Alarm?
Our Mission is Child Safety. We install pool fences, we do not install nets or covers because we understand that while there is no substitute for constant adult supervision poolside, there is also no substitute for pool fencing!
Want a second opinion? How about the American Academy of Pediatricians?
"You must put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all 4 sides of the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach" http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
or, the Federal Government?
"Install a four-sided barrier, such as a fence with self-closing gates completely surrounding the pool. If the house forms the fourth side of the barrier, install alarms on doors leading to the pool area to prevent children from wandering into the pool or spa. Also install safety covers and perimeter or in-water alarms as additional layers of protection" http://www.poolsafety.gov/families.html
Personally we have a problem with the Federal Government (who doesn't!), since the idea of using the house as the fourth side and installing alarms as a substitute is not sound advice! Use alarms as additional layers of protection, not primary protection!
Alarms are back up not primary protection
"Approved swimming pool alarms should be placed in the water to detect movement. CAUTION: These alarms
should not be used without some other physical barrier". http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/injviosaf/Documents/DrowningSafetyGuideFactSheet.pdf
Nets and Covers
We are not advocates of nets for several reasons:
- They must be stretched very tight and are difficult to install and remove, especially on complicated shapes.
- They do not work well with attached spa's waterfalls, slides etc.
- They will not be replaced everytime the pool session is over, especially on hot weekend or holidays when the pool may be in almost constant use.
- Unlike fencing which offers permanent passive protection even when the pool is used often, the net is only offering protection if an active decision is made to install it. This is prone to neglect and misuse.
If you own a rectangular pool and have the finances available:
In this instance we admit that pool fencing may not be the ultimate weapon in aethetic pool safety. For those owners with a rectangular pool and deep pockets have the choice of an automatic pool cover that operates with the push of a button. Unlike other covers this can happen quickly and as often in a day as needed.
If the finances do not stretch to the above scenario, install a pool fence!
Conclusion: Pick up the phone and order a pool fence now at 888.513.1945. Consider back up alarms for all doors and windows into the back garden, but never leave children alone if there is a pool or spa regardless of the safety features in place.