The cool, sparkling water of your backyard pool calls to you on a hot, balmy Florida afternoon and it’s the most refreshing way to beat the heat. If you already have a pool or are planning to have one installed, then it’s important to know about the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act and how choosing a pool fence in the Pace and Pensacola, Florida area can meet those requirements.

 

The safety and protection of your children is a top priority for you and a fence is one of the best ways to protect them from accidents. We’re here to help you to understand the regulations set forth for their protection and how to make sure you choose the right pool fence so you can be sure you meet these standards. 

Saving Lives With Pool Safety Requirements in Florida

Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, also known as the Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, requires Florida homeowners to take certain safety precautions with swimming pools, such as erecting fences and other safety barriers. 

 

It sets the standards and requirements for swimming pool barriers and fences that you must have around your home pool to protect young children and medically-frail seniors from accessing your pool. In addition, your local county or city government can enact separate regulations as long as they are at least as stringent as the state rules.

Is a Pool Fence in Pace and Pensacola, FL Required if I Already Have a Privacy Fence?

If you have a privacy fence around your yard, you may or may not need an additional barrier around your pool. There are several important factors to keep in mind so let’s explore the requirements to determine if you need a pool barrier installed by a Florida fence company in addition to your privacy fence.

What are the Requirements of a Pool Barrier or Fence?

According to the 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. The house can act as one ‘side’ of the pool barrier, with the remaining sides surrounded by a privacy fence or other barrier. A variety of fence materials, brick walls, and removable pool fences in the Pace and Pensacola, FL region can all count as pool barriers as long as they are properly secured and at least 4 feet tall. 

Other Pool Safety Regulations

In order to pass a final inspection and receive a certificate of completion, a residential swimming pool must also have at least one pool safety feature:

 

  • 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 must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet
  • All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor
  • The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements
  • The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover

 

With these requirements in mind, it may be wise to have a secondary barrier within your yard, even if you have a privacy fence. 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 a fence is an excellent start, you have to take additional steps to protect your little ones. Here are some quick tips:

 

  • 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.

What’s Your Liability?

It’s important to note that you can be held liable for accidental injuries or death if you do not follow the law on swimming pool safety.  Always check your coverage requirements with your homeowner’s insurance carrier to make sure you are protected. In addition, if your pool barrier doesn’t meet the safety standards, and you are trying to sell your house, it may delay the closing when a house inspection is performed.

Pensacola Region Popular Swimming Pool Fence Options

Your primary consideration must be safety and security when considering swimming pool fence options, but that does not mean you need to sacrifice the look of your fence. The options in materials, designs, and colors are a lot to sort through, but your Florida fence company, High Steele Fence, is here to help! Let’s explore a few of the top choices in Florida.

Aluminum Pool Fencing

Aluminum is a great pool fence option for its classic elegance and low maintenance. While it is not designed to be a privacy fence, it is both safe and secure. 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 aesthetic of wood makes it an attractive option for your pool fence. A wood fence can be stained or painted to match any exterior color scheme. Since wood and water don’t mix, you’ll need to seal and stain your fence regularly to protect it from the elements and 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

Whether you have a large or small pool, vinyl is a good, cost-effective way to add beauty, privacy, and security to your swimming pool and residence wherever you are in the Pace or Pensacola 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 option for a pool fence in Pace and Pensacola, FL is chain-link fencing. Florida properties that need a sturdy, economical option can 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. 

When installed by true Florida fence company professionals like High Steele Fence, a pool fence can last a long time and be just what you need! 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 Pace and Pensacola, Florida area.

High Steele Fence Can Help with Pool Safety Fences! 

If you are having a pool installed and want to make sure you meet the safety requirements for your pool fence, then High Steel Fence is here to help!  We’re a reputable Florida fence company, and will ensure that you meet those requirements to protect your family and pets. From installation to replacement, whatever your pool fencing needs are, we can help! 

Reach our friendly, professional staff today by calling us at (850) 889-4059 or contact us through our website. We’re here to answer all of your questions and assist you with your fencing needs!