Pool Safety: Barriers for Residential Pools

The vision of your dream backyard is now a reality. Your pool is installed. Life is good! There isn’t much you will need to leave the house for now. But before you kick back and relax, let’s review some important pool safety!

Minimize Risk of Accidental Drowning

How do you properly protect your pool from having an accidental drowning? The CPSC provides an annual report on all reported drownings. This includes both fatal and non-fatal accidents. Did you know nearly 300 fatal drownings occur with children under 5 each year? There are also more than 4,400 total drownings every year with children under 5.

How do you protect any child from accidently falling into your pool when an adult is not present? The best solution is to install a compliant fence or wall around all 4 sides of your pool! Sounds easy, right?! Well, there are some major considerations when choosing the correct solution. Not all barriers are the same. Furthermore, you do not want the barrier to be an eyesore to your gorgeous backyard.

Pool Safety Guidelines and Recommendations

Where do you find the correct guidelines and recommendations for the proper safety barriers? Become familiar with the federal guidelines, state guidelines, and any local guidelines. Your municipality likely has a building code you must follow. So, start there first. If your local municipality does not have one created or you live in the country, you would then follow your state requirements. If the state requirements are unclear or unobtainable, you would look at the federal recommendations.

[NOTE: We are using the broadest guidelines that are provided at the federal level so there is commonality for everyone who could be reading this.]

Specific Guidelines

1. A minimum height for the barrier is 48 inches. However, strongly consider 60 inches.
2. Minimum opening gaps: 4 inches. This applies to gaps in the barrier structure, and to the bottom of the barrier to prevent a child from going underneath the barrier.
3. Door alarms should be installed on the home if it is the fourth side of the barrier.
4. A full pool cover is important for an additional layer of protection. Some styles even eliminate the ability for children to be able to access the water.
5. Above ground pools should also have barriers. The height of the pool can be a barrier if high enough. The ladder to climb into these pools should be removed or have a locking barrier of equal height surround it.
6. Standards that need to be followed:
   • Fencing: ASTM F 1908-08
   • Covers: ASTM F 2286-05
   • Overall standards: ASTM and UL

Enjoy Your New Pool…Safely!!

We are glad you found our insurance agency. The thrills of swimming are so much fun! However, we want to make sure you are properly protected against the dangers of water and young children. Check out the full guide for barrier standards and safety.

Happy swimming!