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Two children walking into a gated pool area

If you own a backyard pool, you have a responsibility to your family to install fencing in the yard, especially if you have pets or young children. But why is a pool gate so important, and what should yours look like? Allow us to explain.

The Importance of Pool Gates

Having a fence around your pool is great for a few reasons. First, it protects your children and your pets from jumping into the pool unsupervised. Remember, about 70% of children who drown were not expected to be near the pool or in the water. Additionally, thousands of family pets drown by falling into inground swimming pools each year.

The best way to protect your family from pool-related accidents is to be proactive and install proper safety measures. A pool gate keeps children, pets, and unwanted visitors out of your pool, potentially saving them from an unexpected drowning.

Ideal Fencing

When installing fencing around your pool, there are a few factors you should consider. Not all gates are effective at keeping kids out. Here’s what you should look for:

  • Avoid chain-link fences, especially those with diamond-shaped links.
  • Consider verticle bars and other structures with no handholds or footholds.
  • Make sure your gate is at least 4 feet high to prevent jumping over it.
  • Your pool gate should be free-standing, not connected to or a part of any other structure.
  • The structure should be transparent, so you’re able to see someone inside the fence.
  • The gate itself should be self-closing and self-latching and should be locked when not in use.
  • You may also invest in a pool alarm, which (when armed) would alert you to disruptions to the water surface.

When your pool has a fence, you can rest a little easier, knowing that you’ve taken steps to secure your family’s safety and prevent an unexpected drowning. However, not every house will have a pool gate; if your child experiences drowning while at a pool without a fence, you should contact an attorney immediately.

To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please call (888) 425-6070 or send us an email.