| Barrier to Entry is the technical term for a good, | | | | * Fence barriers should be at least 48" high, non- |
| solid pool fence. There is a difference between a | | | | climbable, with openings no wider than 4 inches. |
| fence and a barrier, however. Fences come in all | | | | * For chain link fences, the mesh size should be |
| types of shapes and conditions, but a Barrier, that | | | | under 1-1/4 inches |
| is meant to keep out non swimmers. Fences may | | | | * For lattice fences with diagonal members, the |
| or may not be climbable, a Barrier is not. A fence | | | | opening in the lattice should not exceed 1-3/4 |
| may have a loose, rickety gate held in place with | | | | inches. |
| a bungee cord, but a Barrier - does not. Whether | | | | * Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. |
| your pool is new or old, take a good look at your | | | | Adding a padlock or Gate Alarm is a good idea. |
| "Barrier to Entry" around the pool. Would it keep | | | | * Gate Latches should be mounted on the top of |
| out inquisitive kids or mischievous teenagers? A | | | | the fence. Magna-Latch style top release is best. |
| good barrier prevents a child from getting over, | | | | If a wall of the house serves as part of the |
| under or through. | | | | barrier, make sure that: |
| Barriers to Entry are not, however, Barriers to | | | | * All doors and windows leading to the pool are |
| Vision. The Barrier around a pool should not | | | | equipped with Door Alarms |
| obstruct the view from the house. The more | | | | * Keep doors and windows leading to the pool |
| visible the pool is, the safer it is. Pool designers | | | | securely locked. |
| now understand more than ever, that a proper | | | | * Install self closing Door Hinges or pistons to |
| design includes planning for many different views | | | | close the doors automatically. magna latch |
| of the pool from different locations around the | | | | If your pool is an above ground pool, follow these |
| pool. | | | | guidelines: |
| Of course, there are many laws in place | | | | * Steps to the pool should have a secure gate to |
| surrounding the barrier requirement around a | | | | prevent access. |
| swimming pool. The laws are becoming stronger, | | | | * Ladders should flip or rotate to prevent use of |
| and even beginning to include small inflatable pools | | | | the ladder steps. |
| and ponds in some areas. This will undoubtedly | | | | * If you have a partial deck, also have a secure |
| continue as it has been proven and reproven that | | | | gate to prevent yard access. |
| the most successful deterrent to drowning is a | | | | * If you have a larger deck, and it connects to |
| good barrier to entry around the body of water. | | | | the back wall of the house, follow instructions |
| Some of the Guidelines for Pool Barriers now | | | | above, and also install a secondary gate between |
| universally accepted include: | | | | the house deck and the pool deck. |