The importance and benefits of installing and using a pool fence/barrier are many. The key to preventing swimming pool related tragedies is to provide the maximum number of layers of protection around your pool. If you watch the news during the summer time you probably hear about near drownings and drownings far too frequently and a majority of these drownings could be prevented with properly installed pool barriers. The Southern Nevada pool code is extremely stringent and plays an important role in protecting small children from accessing backyard swimming pool and spas and accidental drowning. With provisions requiring pools to have layers of protection, such as fences, self-latching gates, and door alarms, the pool code is a valuable tool to help keep children safe by preventing their ability to access bodies of water. Having a swimming pool is a luxury but can soon turn into a nightmare if you don’t properly install a barrier and that is why we want to talk about some of the benefits of installing a fence/barrier as well as some alarming statistics about drownings.

The following are some of the benefits of installing a pool fence/barrier:

It enhances pool safety – Please keep in mind that even with a pool fence it doesn’t mean that it is child and pet proof. However, it does provide a huge layer of protection for either one when there is a lapse in adult supervision. It will give parents and guardians extra time to locate a child before the unexpected can occur. Children can climb on or get over a barrier if it is too low so in the end, constant supervision is a must!

Help reduce drownings – Investing in a pool fence can and will help prevent the chances of a drowning because of the extra barrier.

They come with a variety of options – If you choose to purchase a pool fence/barrier you have options for mesh, metal, and or a pool net. When it comes to installing a pool net, these can still allow for small children to fall through and please allow for 20 minutes to take it off and reattach after each time you swim.

Mesh fences provide flexibility – when choosing fences, mesh fences allow for the most flexibility on install. They can be easily installed and removed if you are hosting a party/get together with friends. In the end, if you’re looking for convenience and ease of use, install a mesh fence because they are fully removable, extremely lightweight and can be disassembled extremely easily.

Peace of mind – let’s be honest this should be your number one benefit. Having a pool fence or barrier will ultimately provide comfort in knowing there is a barrier between your home and the pool if your child were to get outside.

According to the CDC, “How Big Is The Problem?

• From 2005-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day. An additional 332 people die each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.
• About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
• More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments (EDs) require hospitalization or transfer for further care (compared with a hospitalization rate of about 6% for all unintentional injuries). These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state).^”

At Clark County Pool & Lawn we feel strongly about the importance of installing pool fences and barriers but there is no better protection against potential drownings than your constant supervision. If you should have any questions, please contact us today!