While a backyard pool can be great recreation and exercise, the dangers of an open pool cannot be underestimated. The CDC reports that over 3,400 children drowned in non-boating-related accidents in 2007. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that for every fatal drowning, there are four more submersions serious enough to require hospitalization. A locking fence is the perfect solution to protect your children and the children of your neighborhood.

Photo: Geoff & Dianne Rhodes

Locked Fences Save Lives

For above-ground pools, a lockable fence can be attached to the top of the pool walls. Depending of the height of the walls, this can make the fence ten feet high or higher. This not only has the advantage of making it impossible to scale, but has the added bonus of stopping children from crawling in and out over the sides of the pool which is also very dangerous.

In-ground pools can prove to be more difficult. A short fence will only prevent accidental drowning by toddlers and very small children. It offers no protection against older children scaling the fence for an illicit dip and having an accident. Even if local laws prevent a fence higher than four or five feet, appeal to local council to put up a higher one only around the pool. Exceptions will sometimes be granted in the interest of neighborhood safety, especially if the fence is in a backyard.

Add a Weighted Cover

If the local council will not give permission to erect a fence or the one that is permitted is not high enough, adding a weighted cover will make it more difficult for unauthorized people to gain access. Several companies make roll-out, weighted pool covers that are locked into place. The extra few minutes it takes to lock and unlock the cover are worth the peace of mind.

Consider Motion Detectors

If a cover isn't feasible due to the size or shape of the pool, motion detectors can be installed to trigger both floodlights and an alarm. This will scare off any trespassers and alert you if someone enters the pool. A pool alarm operates much like a car alarm. You can have it set to go off inside the home, outside, or both.

Manage the Ladder

If you have an above-ground pool, remove the ladder when you're not using the pool. Using a u-shaped bike lock, attach the top of the ladder to the pool filter housing, a ringbolt screwed into the shed, or another secure location. This prevents anyone from putting the ladder back up and climbing in. Conversely, if your pool is in-ground and you don't use a cover, leave the ladder in place. If someone falls in, they could drown if they aren't strong enough to pull themselves out by the lip of the pool.

A locked fence is the best barrier you can buy to avoid accidental injury or death in your pool. Weighted covers, motion detectors, and proper ladder management are also possibilities to protect your children and the neighborhood kids from harm.