Here's a Tip!!
A good barrier is necessary, and one of the best ways to prevent small children from wandering into a pool or hot tub area by themselves.
But there are other steps you can take to help insure that a "closed" pool area stays closed.
For instance, you could install a wireless security camera that's trained on the pool or hot tub "24/7".
That way you can view the pool frequently from inside your home to make sure that everything and everyone is "safe and secure".
An adequate barrier around your backyard pool is the number one installation that can help insure against accidental drownings. However, barriers come in all shapes and sizes. What's important is (1) that your barrier should enclose your entire pool, completely separating it from your house or patio, (2) that it is at least 4 feet high from grade level with no openings greater that 4 inches, and (3) that it includes a self-closing, self-latching and lockable gate or door. This will help prevent small children and others from entering your pool unauthorized and unsupervised.
There are a multitude of regulations in the U.S. that specify requirements for swimming pool barriers at residential pools. Investigate the standards that may apply to your specific municipality. (Click here to search for statewide residential pool or hot tub regulations in your state.) The following discussion summarizes the guidelines recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Please read its publication, "Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools" for the complete version.
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The top of a pool barrier should extend at least 4 feet above grade with no handholds or footholds that a child could use to climb over. Any space between the bottom of the barrier and the ground should not exceed 4 inches.
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Solid barriers should have no projections or indentations which could be used to climb. (Do not underestimate the climbing ability and determination of a child).
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The walls of above-ground pools usually are at least 4 feet high and serve as a natural barrier for small children. However, make sure any steps or ladders are raised or removed out of reach of the child.
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If the pool barrier is chain link, the mesh size should not exceed 1-1/4 inches square.
- Any gate or door in the barrier should be self-closing, self-latching and open out from the pool. That way if the gate or door was inadvertently left open, a small child (attracted to the pool) may push it to its latched position.
