Rob Cox
by Rob Cox, May 13, 2012
Pool Fence & Gate Inspection
I was driving through my neighborhood yesterday, and I noticed a nice pool fence surrounding a blue pool. I could see that the pool gate was left standing wide open. Two hours later, on my return trip, this pool still had an open gate. Shut the *!%#@!* Gate! *
Inspecting your pool fence and gates should be part of every spring pool opening, or something that is done regularly with intent and purpose.
Tragedy can strike with open fences or open doors leading out to the pool. There are too many recent stories (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of small children drowning in their neighbor's pools - pools that were not protected by effective pool fences and proper gates; and this has me concerned.
Here's some tips to inspecting a pool fence for safety.
- Check the entire perimeter for loose posts, loose boards, or a leaning fence.
- Slats, or openings on pool fences should be no more than 3 inches.
- Space between the fence bottom and the ground should be no more than 3 inches.
- Look for items outside the fence that could make it easier to climb over to the inside.
- Inspect all gates, make sure they are self-closing and self-latching, and near the top.
- Padlock gates that are not used regularly.
4-sided pool fences
If your pool has a four-sided fence, independent of any structure, pat yourself on the back. Generally speaking, these are the safest pool fence types. Not all 4 sided fences are as safe as the newer model shown in the image above, however.
Self-Closing, Self-Latching. Gates often need periodic adjustment of the hinges and/or latch to make sure that it closes on it's own and that the latch catches securely. Magna Latch type hinges and latches are considered the safest, but if you have the old Bar & Sickle type of latch - these can be very effective, with just a little bit of annual adjustment.
Self-Closing - that means that the gate will swing shut behind you. If you have a gate that won't self-close - go to your local Home Store, and you will find a 8 or 12 inch spring that will solve the problem. Attach one end to the the fence post and the other end to the gate, and you will have a self-closing pool fence gate.
