Is it Better to Cover or Fence a Pool?
We are asked often if they should fence a pool. Well let’s look at some factors when making that decision.
Pools are excellent sources of fun during hot summer months, but during the recent coronavirus spike, we’re seeing most of them shut down for the foreseeable future in the interest of public safety. (Not that you’d want to go even if they were open).
Because of this, people just like you are finding themselves wanting a pool at their personal residences.
While this can be an excellent idea to save money on pesky pool entry fees and present ways you can customize your swimming water temperature (hello, 85 degrees), it can also present a new hazard to those with small children and pets.
Worry not. Here is all the information you need to know on whether you should cover or fence your swimming pool to keep your family safe:
What are the Benefits of a Pool Cover?
Pool covers are a popular choice by homeowners for the simple fact that they’re widely available, easy to install, and cheap. After going through the trouble of having a pool installed, all of these are greatly appreciated benefits.
You can find pool covers at just about any large store with a sporting goods section like Walmart, Target, Academy Sports and Outdoors, etc. They also range in color depending on your preference, with special black ones that help to keep the pool warm for the next time you decide to take a dip.
Pool covers are also excellent for keeping foreign objects out, such as insects, leaves, and frogs. With a pool cover, you definitely get to spend less time cleaning it out and more time swimming. However, that doesn’t mean they come without disadvantages.
Disadvantages
The following are some of the major disadvantages of choosing a pool cover:
- For the best results, you have to put it on and take it off every time you get in and out. Because of how heavy they can be, this can present a major hassle.
- While pool covers help with keeping your child or pet from falling in, they can actually be much more hazardous if that were to happen. If your pool cover comes loose under the weight of a foreign body, they can easily get tangled up, making it difficult to get them out.
- Your pool area may stay cleaner, but the pool cover itself can get very dirty in the elements. Because they’re so heavy-duty, the only real way to wash them is to use a water hose and scrub them with a solution.
- While the pool cover itself doesn’t have to be installed by a professional, you will have to have someone come and drill the holes for the anchors into your concrete patio.
What are the Benefits to Fence a Pool
Another solution to keeping your family and pets safe is to install fencing around your new pool. When you fence a pool it presents a unique set of advantages that pool covers simply can’t match, such as the security they provide, their variety, and the number of fence options.
Pool safety fences are generally available in a variety of materials, such as glass, metal, and mesh. When having your fence installed, you can choose the material that’s perfect for you. Additionally, there are color options so that you can have something that suits your existing theme and won’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Finally, pool fences provide much more security than covers and keep children and pets from being able to go near the pool at all. Many of them also have self-closing/self-latching pool gates that lock behind you and can be taken down for events where a fence is not required.
Disadvantages
In general, pool fences don’t have many disadvantages. However, here are some that you may come across:
- The anchor points for the fence a pool must be drilled by a professional to ensure the best quality.
- Fences don’t keep debris out of the pool, like leaves and insects. However, these things are relatively easy to get out of the water with a pool skimmer.
- They don’t work if you don’t close and latch the fence behind you. But by purchasing an option where the fence gate is self-latching, you can avoid that issue.
Should I Choose to Cover or Fence a Pool?
All in all, we recommend choosing to fence your pool rather than cover it. Pool covers can be hazardous to wildlife, pets, and children that may fall onto them, making them all but useless for restricting access to the water.
Fences, however, are highly customizable and present various ways to restrict pool access effectively, giving you peace of mind when you’re away.
If you’re considering pool fencing as a safety method, you can contact Baby Barrier for a free quote today. Our dedicated professionals have decades of experience in the business, and we can advise you on the best options for your home pool.
If you’re looking for a reliable pool fencing company that can be flexible around budget restrictions, Baby Barrier is the best fencing company out there. We look forward to hearing from you!