Last Updated on January 1, 2023
Every year, there are thousands of tragedies as a result of drownings and near-drownings. Drownings are a leading cause of death for children under the age of three and they are entirely preventable. If you have an in-ground pool in Las Vegas, then you need to have a pool safety fence. While many pool owners think a pool cover is enough, the additional protection a safety fence offers is a worthwhile investment.
Most municipalities in Las Vegas have safety codes and standards regarding pool safety. These regulations are in place for both community pools as well as residential pools. If you have an in-ground pool, you need to check with the local authorities to make sure you have the proper safety precautions in place for your pool. Standards for pool fencing are in place to prevent pool drowning. This is in addition to adult supervision, which is mandatory at all times.
Children are inquisitive and can move quickly. Accidents and drownings can occur in seconds, This makes pools dangerous for young children. The CSPC research and reports that pool barriers are the best way to reduce these tragedies in residential pools. Some of the statistics regarding pool safety and accidents are below:
• Almost 300 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools each year
• Children under the age of 3 represented 67%of these reported fatalities
• Over 4000 children under 5 suffer submersion injuries
• Most emergency departments reported fatalities were associated with pools
The Best Pool Barrier for Your In-Ground Pool
Children will want to get to the pool and a barrier that is too low or has footholds will not keep them out. For this reason, safety standards for pool fencing state that the fence must be at least 48 inches in height. Some municipalities in the Las Vegas area require the height to be 60 inches. Make sure you know what is required in your area before you install your fence.
The easiest way to eliminate footholds is by getting a mesh safety fence. There are no holes for fingers to grip. The poles for the fence are to be evenly spaced with mesh sections between them. Gaps between mesh and poles cannot exceed 4 inches. With this barrier, a child cannot squeeze through nor climb over. The bottom of the mesh barrier should not be more than 1 inch above the deck or installed surface. You also need to have a self-closing, self-latching gate in place to keep the child from entering when you are not around.
Chain-link fences are also common barriers but you have to take extra care with these. The maximum opening for the lattice cannot exceed 1 ¾ inch. Anything bigger than that can be scaled by a child. If there are to be any decorative cutouts in the fence, spaces must be less than 1 ¾ inches. Removable mesh fences are specifically made for swimming pools and are the safest option. A child can still climb chain-link fencing, but with mesh, this is never an option.
Installation of a safety pool fence is the most efficient way for you to protect your children and prevent them from getting access to the pool.
There are a variety of barriers or fences available. This means you can choose the material and style of the fence to match your home and safety needs. Be sure to keep these guidelines in mind when looking for the right pool safety fence for your in-ground pool. Without the right barrier, your pool will not be safe.
