Having a pool at home is a great way to have fun with family and friends during a hot summer. But you want to keep safety as a priority, which means that you need to have a pool safety fence installed. Now you might be wondering, “How much are pool safety fences, and do I need one?”
Do You Need a Pool Safety Fence?
First, let’s tackle the second question: do you need a pool safety fence? Yes, you do. A pool safety fence helps children and pets away from your pool. In the USA, around ten people die every year from accidental drowning in residential pools, and out of that number, two are children under the age of 14.
On the other hand, pets might know how to swim instinctively but often drown because they are unable to get out of the pool in time. Pool safety fences also help prevent accidents such as slipping into the pool due to roughhousing or if people have to one too many drinks.
Pool Fence Laws
Depending on where you live in the USA, your state might require you to put up pool safety fences around your residential pool. In Washington State, for example, the Department of Health even mandates the height of the fence. The law states that the fence must have a latch and that it must have an alarm in case people try to open the fence without authorization.
If you are not sure if your state requires a pool safety fence, you can check online.
Furthermore, some cities may have specific laws covering pool safety fences. In Arizona, for example, there is a state law that requires homes with residential pools to have a safety fence unless everyone living in that residence is older than six years of age.
However, in Scottsdale, Arizona, there is a city law that requires all residential pools to have a safety fence regardless of the age of the people living at the residence. You need to get a permit from your local council or HOA before you can put up your pool safety fence.
Now, how much are pool safety fences?
The Types of Pool Safety Fences
If you are trying to decide what type of pool safety fence to place around your pool, here are the common types of fence you can choose from, as well as the pros, cons, and the answers to the question, “How much are pool safety fences?”
Temporary Fences
Temporary fences are the most common, affordable, and easiest way to put up a pool safety fence. They are generally made from nylon mesh or net and can be installed by drilling posts around your pool and hanging the up of the ends of the mesh. Temporary fences are durable, lightweight, and portable. You can buy them in most hardware or pool supply stores.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Can be installed quickly
Cons:
- Breaks easily
- Posts can bend or fall down
- Can be torn or ripped
Average cost: $15-20 per linear foot
Metal Fences
After mesh fences, metal fences are the most popular type of pool safety fence. Generally, they are either chain link or wrought iron. Aluminum is a popular material because they are rust-proof, lightweight, and durable.
Pros:
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Classic design
Cons:
- Heavy
- Needs professional installation or specialized tools
- When damaged, repair often means replacing large sections
- Can be climbed over
Average cost: Starts at $24 per linear foot
Wood
If you love DIY home projects, wood fences are the traditional choice for pool safety fences. For wood fences, you need to check with local regulations to ensure that the pattern you will use complies. You can get the materials for a wood fence at any hardware store, and you already probably have the tools you need right in your garage!
Pros:
- Can be customized
- Easiest to DIY
- Materials and tools are easy to find
- Great DIY project
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Need regular maintenance
- Slats must occasionally be replaced due to wear and tear
- Difficult to install on uneven ground
Average cost: Starts at $16 per linear foot
Vinyl
Vinyl fences are similar appearance as a wooden fence, with the main difference being the material. Vinyl is easier to maintain compared to wood, and it is more durable against changing weather. As with wooden fences, you need to check with local regulations to ensure that your vinyl fence’s pattern complies with the law.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Lasts for years
- Low maintenance
- Can be customized
Cons:
- The base must be secured in concrete, which increases costs
- More expensive compared to wood fences
- Requires professional installation
- Repairs are more expensive because you need to replace whole sections
Average cost: Starts at $40 per linear foot
Glass
Glass is generally the rarest type of pool fence because it is the most expensive and difficult to install. However, there is no denying that it also looks the most luxurious! Glass fences showcases your pool area and makes it look more spacious and open.
Pros:
- Durable
- Beautiful
- Gives your pool area a high-end feel
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires regular cleaning
- Requires professional installation
- Not recommended for families with small children or pets
Average cost: Starts at $100 per linear foot
DIY vs. Professional Installation
The costs of installing a pool safety fence will depend not only on the type of material you choose but also on whether you install it on your own or hire a professional. In general, installing your pool safety fence will cost your costs about 50%, but you need to balance those savings with the quality of the final project.
Is it worth saving a few bucks if the resulting pool safety fence breaks down easily? What’s more, if you’re going to use expensive materials such as glass or wrought iron, you might get a professional to install your fence, so make it look good!
I hope these answers your question, “How much are pool safety fences?” Find out more about Pool Safety.
Conclusion
So, how much are pool safety fences? It would depend on the material you choose and whether you can install the pool by yourself. If you’re used to DIY projects, and you have the correct tools at home, you can consider making your own wooden or vinyl pool safety fence. However, if you don’t know how to make a pool safety fence from scratch, you should hire a professional to make one for you.