How Some States Are Proactively Preventing Pool Drownings

 

Over a year ago Rockville, New York was one of the first town boards to consider passing a “pool fence law” in an effort to reduce drownings in personal swimming pools. The motion was originally discussed as far back as October 2012 and included a bit of an incentive for homeowners who now needed to comply with the new law. Originally any homeowners who lived on a corner lost a lot of space when installing pool fencing and many homeowners were raising concerns. Trustee Edward Oppenheimer originally said: “We find that homeowners who live on corner properties lose a lot of space, especially when they have pools. We want to allow that fence to come out only three feet of the property line, which will give the owner a larger yard.” At the time Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard agreed with the provision, but she later clarified that the number one concern was to improve public safety and keep children safe from drownings.

 

It’s been more than a year since that discussion in Rockville and specifics for pool barriers have been published on the NY State website. The document is available for download and entitled “Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code“ The specifics in the document cover exactly what homeowners need to do in order to make sure their pool barrier is up to safety standards.

 

 

 

Here’s a quick summary of the specifics as outlined in the document above:

• The barrier must completely surround, and obstruct the swimming pool
• Barrier height must be at least 4ft high
• A building wall can form part of the required barrier. However, where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, at least one of the following requirements must be satisfied:
  • the pool must be equipped with a powered safety cover
  • all doors with direct access to the pool through that wall must be equipped with an alarm or other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, which are approved by the governing body
• In the case of an above-ground pool:
  • the barrier may be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure; however, if the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the space between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier cannot exceed 4 inches.
  • the pool structure itself can serve as a part of the required barrier, provided that the pool structure is sufficiently rigid to obstruct access to the pool. However, where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then:
  • the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier
  • when the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
• Barriers shall be located so as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers.

 

It still too early to see what kind of safety data may emerge from this type of legislation but New York State is hopeful that they will see a decreasing amount of swimming pool drownings and deaths. Town’s like Rockville continue to give more incentive to homeowners to install compliant pool fencing but above all safety should be the primary concern. New York is leading the push to improve pool safety. In addition to the required pool fencing they are also starting to require additional security precautions including:

 

• regulations for pool alarms
• regulations for suction equipment in pools
• regulations for entrapment avoidance
• regulations for temporary barriers during pool construction
• regulations on pool heaters and backflow prevention

 

***

About the author

Gerald Berkowitz is a Chester County, PA business attorney specializing in commercial litigation, contract disputes, and execution on commercial judgments.

 

 

 

Blue Sky Pools began a decade ago with a focus on customer service and attention to detail. With a growing business and growing families, our passion is to create a safe and beautiful pool and spa area the whole family can enjoy.

 

We like to provide the peace of mind that all families deserve and need with their pools. With Guardian Pool Fence Systems of Hawaii, every pool fence installation is custom to that specific swimming pool. Our removable-mesh fencing systems come in a variety of styles and is built and installed to the specifications of your pool area.

 

All Guardian Pool Safety Fences are very attractive, strong and transparent! They feature our patented self-closing, self-latching, key-locking gate. Swimming lessons are not enough to protect your young children, it does not mean they are “water safe”. Because accidents do occur, we are very passionate about having our fence around your pool.

Blue Sky Pools services all of the Hawaiian Islands and we pride ourselves in our expert installation and competitive pricing. We work with several contractors to help create a safer swimming environment for families throughout the islands. With our association with Guardian Pool Fence Systems Inc, we can offer the highest level of swimming pool safety fencing that will last the test of time on Oahu and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Aloha

 

 

 What is the approximate cost of your pool fence?

Having a pool fence is an absolute necessity as it helps to prevent children or animals from falling into the pool. It is important that you plan well before you start installing a fence. Installing a durable and impervious fence is important for keeping your children and pet safe around the pool. Look out for the right contractor to do the pool fencing for you.  A good contractor will not only knowledgeable, but also help to save money. Here are a few cost estimate to help plan the cost of your pool fence.

 

Start up costs

The cost of your pool fence will depend on the size of your pool and the material you want to use. The cost is also depends on the installer you choose.  It’s true: you get what you pay for.  Some installers offer you  coupons, which can help lower your price.  Fences designed to surround your pool will cost you anywhere between $ 15 and $28 linear foot. Most pool fencing companies will offer you discounts if you are to enclose a larger area. 

 

 

Enhancement and improvement costs

If you install your pool fence along a slope or insert it directly into the soil, the total labor cost is going to increase.   The reason is that swimming pool fencing is meant to be installed in a more rigid and durable substance, like concrete. In the dirt, your installer will have to use different tools, longer poles or dirt spikes which will consequently lead to a higher price.

 

Additional costs

As you plan your spending, consider other factors that may add to your total cost. Factors such as the height of your fence, material used, color, if it is for building code etc. Higher the fence, the safest it is. Companies usually offer mesh pool fences between 4.5 to 5 feet tall.  You will also need at least one self-closing gate. The  average cost a self closing gate is around $325. If you want to protect your pool and save on your pool maintenance costs, you might want to install a pool cover too. The average cost of a pool cover would be between $350 and $500 but if you choose the more fancy, automatic option that could cost you thousands of dollars.

 

Guardian Pool Fence Systems have been in business for over 22 years. We engineered and developed our fence systems with children in mind. Our factory is in Los Angeles CA. Contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE now!

 

 

What Does It Take To Install Your Own Pool Fence?

 

If you just finished installed your brand new pool or are eying the completion in the coming months, more likely than not you just can’t wait to hop into the water and swim to your hearts content. There is only one problem. You need to have a fence installed around the pool This is by city ordinance and there isn’t anything you can do about it. The ordinance is set up to protect both humans and animals from falling into the water, so you must abide by the rules and install a pool fence. The only real question you have left to ask yourself is if you should do it yourself and install the fence, or if you should pay for the installation. There are pros and cons for both services, you just need to determine what works better for you.

If you decide to pay for someone to install the fence you pretty much know what you are going to receive. You know the fence is going to be installed correctly and you know about how long it is going to take. This way, you know exactly when you’re able to swim in the pool and when construction around your house is finally complete. Of course, the price for a service installation is far higher than what it would take, if you decided to install the pool on your own. Depending on the size of the pool and your yard this installation labor fee may be rather expensive, sending up the total bill for your new pool by a considerable amount. 

On the other hand, should you opt into installing the pool by yourself it is possible to save a good chunk of change over hiring professionals. Of course, installing a pool fence is not as easy as you might think. You need a drill guide in order to make sure the fence goes up straight. If it doesn’t, the entire fence not only is installed incorrectly but it is against city ordinance laws and it is possible for you to receive a citation, both fining you and requiring you to tear the fence down and install it again. Unless you have experience installing fences yourself, you might want to opt into paying for this particular service, just to make sure it is done correctly. If not, you may end up paying more to install the fence yourself. 

 

 

 

Type of pool fences

Installing a fence around your new pool is not just an excellent addition to your yard, but it is a necessity. Due to this, you need to determine what kind of pool fence is going to work for you. There are many different options available to you, ranging from rod iron and glass to wood and even mesh. Before you start the installation process (or hire a professional), you need to decide what material best fits your pool fence needs.

When looking at rod iron you might instantly be attracted to the finished look of the material. It is a sturdy fence and provides a sharp addition to the yard, but it is incredibly expensive. This might be one of the most expensive options out there when it comes to your fence. If you already spent a good deal on the pool you might not want to spend this much on the fence. Plus, the metal spikes on the top of most rod iron fences may prove dangerous, should you or someone attempt to climb over the fence.

Glass is a nice feature, as it gives the illusion of no fence at all. With that being said, it is also expensive and difficult to maintain. You pretty much have a few hundred feet of windows against dirt and bushes. This means in order to keep the clear, polished look, you must constantly wash and clean the glass windows. This may turn into more of a pain than anything else.

Wood is a classic choice when it comes to fences, and provides the most security, as individuals are not able to see through the wood. It is less expensive than the rod iron and glass fence features, but the upkeep might be one of the worst options. Not only do you need to clean the wood in order to prevent dirt build up and fading from occurring, but you also need to refinish and paint the wood every few years, otherwise you are left with the chipped, dull look.

A mesh fence is possible the least expensive option and the fastest to install. It also provides the least amount of upkeep. Essentially, there really isn’t any upkeep necessary for this kind of a fence. There is no cleaning or refinishing necessary, so if you want an inexpensive, quick and easy fence to maintain, mesh is the best option for your pool. 

 

 

Owning your own pool has many benefits, and is a great investment.  It allows you the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy swimming without leaving the sanctity of your home. Your own private pool grants you the opportunity to avoid overcrowded public pools, and have the peace of mind knowing, that your pool is properly cared for and maintained.  Considering these things, one must remember while owning a pool, awards you the chance to indulge in hours of fun, they also require proper up-keep and come with a great deal of responsibility.

 

Owning A Pool Of Your Own

Depending on the preference of the owner, pools can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Pricing can vary, depending on the size, depth, and type of pool. Some common pool shapes are:

-Infinity Pools and Perimeter Overflows                                                 

-The Kidney-Shape Pool

-Classic Rectangle and Lap pools                                                                       

-Geometric Pools

-Free Form Pools                                                                                                    

-Custom Pools

 

In addition to the shape, you must also consider other things such as:

• Your intended use
• landscape around the pool
• size of the backyard
• who will be utilizing the pool

 

Pools offer a variety of fun activities, such as fun family games, entertaining, and hosting parties. Pools give active individuals an alternative means for exercising and staying in shape, by doing exercises such as water aerobics. Swimming is a great sport that keeps the body in good health as well. Appropriate maintenance and cleaning helps to keep the owners in good health, and prolongs the life of the pool. Some people hire individuals or companies in order to ensure that their pool gets the proper care. However, if you maintain your own pool, you want to be sure to buy a good chemical test kit, and clean your pool regularly.

 

Proper Pool Safety

Unfortunately there are many pool and drowning accidents each year, so it is important to make your pool as safe as possible.  Pool fences can be attractive, are easy to install, and are easy to remove.  They can be used as a first-line defense to help save your loved ones from a tragic accident. Pool covers and pool alarms are great safety measures to use as well, in order to prevent drowning accidents.

 

Each year about 800 children under age 14 die in accidental drownings. 5200 kids require treatment in the ER. Pool Fence is your number one safety equipment. Drowning is the Number 1 cause of death under the age of 5.

 

Drowning is silent and time is crucial! When your child is missing look in the pool first!

 

 

Pool Fencing in West Covina

 

Residential pools are very common in West Covina, California, and it’s no secret why. In such a warm and sunny climate, nothing makes more sense than having a place to take a cool dip, or to hang out and socialize with friends and family.

However, no matter what type of pool you install, it’s important to install a pool fence at the same time. This is true even if you don’t have small children at home or your own children are very familiar with the water and are good swimmers. Why?

 

Your own or guests’ small children can literally wander off in an instant

The Centers for Disease Control states that about 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning, and one in five are children under the age of 14. Children between the ages of one and four are most likely to drown, and they can wander off in just a minute. As vigilant as parents try to be, every parent knows that it occasionally happens that a child will simply wander off in the blink of an eye.  In fact, most children have been missing for fewer than five minutes before they’re discovered in the water. The vast majority of drowning deaths are preventable simply by installing a perimeter fence with a locking gate around the pool.

 

Children may be tempted to go swimming with friends when parents aren’t home

Even if your own children are strong swimmers, their friends may not be. Even the best-behaved children may defy parents’ orders and go swimming with friends unsupervised — with tragic results. A backyard pool fence can be locked so kids can’t access the pool when parents aren’t home.

 

 

Kids who panic aren’t strong swimmers, even if they usually are

The water is no place to panic, and while an adult might have the resources both emotionally and physically to stay calm during a cramp, water inhalation during horseplay, etc., a child may not. If adults are closely supervising children while they’re in the pool, the adults will see that a child is in trouble and be able to rescue him or her. However, if the children are in the pool unsupervised, even a good swimmer could drown in just an instant because of some mishap. NEVER assume that your child will be able to handle a sudden emergency, panic attack, cramp, etc., and stay calm – even if he or she has had water safety training and/or is a good swimmer.

 

Most pools are 4 to 5 feet deep – but children can drown in just a few inches of water

While the 4-5 foot depth typical of a backyard pool is not “deep” water to adults, it  is for a child. Don’t be cavalier because your pool is “only” a shallow pool. That’s still plenty of water for most children to drown in, and very small toddlers can drown in just a few inches of water.

 

Accidents happen because of horseplay every day

Even ordinarily responsible adults suddenly find themselves quadriplegics every day because they decided to take a headfirst dive into a pool that was too shallow. Accidents do happen – but many can be prevented if a pool fence is always locked unless there’s plenty of adult supervision. Never, ever let children engage in the sort of horseplay that can cause serious injury or even death in your pool, and keep your pool fence locked at all times if you’re not closely supervising. The rule of thumb is that an adult should be no more than an arm’s length away when children are using the pool.

 

 

 

 

Get Proper Pool Fencing In Pasadena

 

 

Pasadena, CA is in of America’s most famous cities, yet it has managed to maintain its small town charm for over a hundred years. Nestled at the foot of the mountains of the Angeles National Forest, Pasadena is home to just over 100,000 residents, but at any given time its downtown bustles with many tens of thousands more visitors, attracted by the wonderful shopping and dining locations, the range of fine museums, and the overall loveliness of the city.

 

Residents who live in Pasadena seldom move, and why should they? With picture perfect weather nearly all the year round and so much to do that one never gets bored, it is a wonderful place to live. Many homeowners put down deep roots and celebrate generations of families in their Pasadena homes. With home ownership in this fine city that sees so many days of sun frequently comes the installation of a swimming pool in the yard. Swimming pools are a great way not only to add enjoyment to your life but also to add value to your home. But if you have or are soon going to install a swimming pool, take heed: the process is not over — in fact the pool should not even be filled — until you have installed a pool fence. Unfortunately, even in a place like Pasadena that seems a paradise, accidental drowning deaths can happen at any time, and the victims are almost always innocent young children.

 

 

 

A pool fence can be installed with relative speed and ease and will not cost you as much as you might think. There are certain city and state laws and statutes you have to follow when putting up a pool safety fence on your property, but they are not restrictive in negative ways, and follow just good common sense. You may think that with your grown family and / or the infrequency of visits from youngsters that you don’t need a pool fence on your property, but one can never know for certain who might wander onto the property even if they’re not supposed to. Without a fence, you simply have to consider your swimming pool a potential hazard and a definite liability. With a pool fence, it can revert back to being just a wonderful addition for you and the family to enjoy.

 

And take heart: a pool fence does not have to be thought of as a necessary headache at all — in fact, with a good installation job and a careful eye toward aesthetics, you can even add greatly to the curb appeal (or backyard appeal, as the case may be) of your home. Your fence can provide both safety and beauty, thanks to the range of options available to you. From any number types and finishes of woods to wrought iron to vinyl and more, you can design a pool fence to match the aesthetic of your home and your yard, bring your property into regulation compliance, making it safer, making it more visually appealing and adding privacy and all all while potentially adding enough value to your home to cover the fence’s installation price anyway!