A swimming pool is a luxury addition to your house. Many homeowners are designing entire poolscapes that integrate landscaping and hardscaping to create a resort feel around the swimming pool. However, they still need to adhere to safety regulations regarding pool fencing, especially if children can access the pool without supervision.

The ultimate goal of pool fencing is to prevent anyone, especially children, from accessing the swimming area without permission. States and local ordinances have different specifications. In Indiana, for instance, most local ordinances require a fence that's at least six feet tall to surround the pool.

For safety reasons, many ordinances put further specifications on the fence. For example, to prevent children from squeezing through, the space between pickets should not be more than four inches.

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Likewise, the fence shouldn't be near a structure someone can use to climb over the fence, nor should its construction facilitate climbing. In other words, openings shouldn't allow for the passage of a foot, or the fence should be topped with deterrents such as sharp finials.

Chain Link Fencing for Pools

Chain link represents an effective, budget-friendly method of fencing in the pool. The material is not very expensive, and installation is relatively easy. With chain link fencing, the mesh needs to be small enough to prevent climbing.

Rather than install industrial-looking chain link around their luxury pool, some homeowners opt for powder-coated chain link. Powder-coated fences come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, with black, gold, and brass being popular for attractive fencing. You can also combine the chain link with wooden framing for a more upscale appearance.

Metal Fencing for Pools

Metal picket fencing is another popular method for enclosing pools. Typically, contractors use metal panels with straight pickets that adhere to the above-mentioned codes. The pickets are usually tubes of aluminum or steel.

As with chain link, the powder-coating process can transform the look of a metal fence. What's more, you can choose from more elaborate styling that resembles wrought iron fencing. Indeed, homeowners often choose the pointed finials over a flat top around swimming pools. Likewise, the panels can feature arcs and other decorations as long as they don't provide footholds.

Decorative Fencing for Pools

Wrought iron, or iron-look, is not the only style of decorative fencing for a swimming pool. Indeed, as long as it adheres to the regulations, any style and material can be used for your pool fence.

For example, if you have a traditional style pool, you may want a picket fence in your backyard. For this style, you may consider the picket style with pointed tops to prevent climbing. The picket height and spacing should adhere to the codes. In lieu of wood, which requires maintenance in humid areas, some homeowners opt for vinyl fencing that resembles wooden pickets.

In that vein, if you want the fencing to create privacy as well as security, you may opt for a wooden or wood-look privacy fence. Conversely, you can have chain link erected and create a living fence by planting an evergreen hedge at the base. Just talk to your fencing contractors about how best to protect the integrity of your fence.

Some homeowners opt for glass fencing, though glass is an uncommon choice. In this case, contractors use tempered, heavy-duty glass for the perimeter. They can attach it with standard fasteners or stretch the glass between concrete or stone posts. The result is a modern-looking pool fence.

As long as there are small children in your household, you need pool fencing to protect them. Once they're older, your perimeter fence is considered enough protection for the neighborhood children. When you're ready for a swimming pool fence, consult with Duke Fence Co., Inc.