Pool Fencing and Gates

Experts agree that a 4-sided fence that “encloses the pool and nothing but the pool” is the most effective layer of protection for children under five. A fence that does not have the following characteristics has much diminished effectiveness:

• at least 48” above all natural and man-made terrain surrounding the pool
• with a self-closing, self-latching gate
• opening away from the pool

No fence is perfect. Even a self-closing, self-latching gate is its weakest link, due to mechanical and/or human error.

Mechanical malfunction can result from the progressive effects of:

• latch not aligned properly when first installed
• home owner reinstalls incorrectly [e.g., removable mesh fencing]
• corrosion and wear of mechanism

Select a quality product, have it professionally installed and inspected annually, and follow manufacturer’s test/maintenance recommendations to minimize the likelihood of mechanical malfunction.

In the large majority of cases where a small child drowns in a pool with a 4-sided fence, the gate was left open by a parent, caregiver or pool cleaner, carrying pool materials or a food tray. We suggest zero tolerance of this practice.

We also recommend a gate alarm with adult bypass switch to tell you if a child has unlatched the gate or someone is leaving it open.