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These days, swimming pools have become a must-have feature in US and Canadian homes. It provides families much-needed respite from summer months’ searing heat and allows them to host grand backyard pool parties. Despite all the benefits, families, especially with small children or pets, resist the prospect of constructing a private pool, fearing what if their kid/pet slips or jumps into the pool water in their absence. When it comes to pool safety, practical things we perceive are jackets, arm floaties, and pool rings. But, the best way to fully secure your pool area from anyone entering in while you’re not around is by installing high-quality pool fencing.
Now, you’ll say there are so many options for pool fences in the market; which one should I opt for? In this article, we won’t recommend an option. Instead, we’ll introduce the different types of pool fences, along with the pros & cons of each.
1. Mesh Pool Fences
Mesh is one of the most affordable & popular options for pool fences in US and Canadian homes. It’s see-through; you can easily keep an eye on your private pool from the inside of your house. The mesh material also prevents kids and pets from climbing the fence as the chain links are too small. Woven typically with steel material, mesh fencing is rust-free & quite strong. To further strengthen the security around your pool, consider an end-to-end solar pool cover that saves on your utility bills too.
Pros
- It doesn’t block the view of the pool and backyard landscape.
- It is reasonably priced compared to other pool fencing options.
- Mesh fencing is removable when needed.
Cons
- Require regular maintenance to maintain strength & appearance.
- If the mesh fencing is not installed correctly, safety could be compromised.
2. Wood Pool Fences
The wooden fences have an uncanny ability to complement just about any pool environment. Besides defining your space, it provides complete privacy when you and your kids are in the pool, and no one can peep-in from outside. If you opt for wooden fencing, you’ll have a further array of finishes to choose from. The three most popular wooden pool fencing finish options include redwood, cedar, and pine. Cedar is best preferred for its rodent-resistant property, while pinewood keeps insects at bay. Both these wood finishes are middle-range in terms of longevity and cost. Redwood is the most stylish and expensive option to go for; it is charismatically striking in appearance and most rot-resistant.
Pros
- It can be customized as per your suit design preference.
- Affordable when compared to other pool fences.
- Solid wooden fencing thwarts kids from slipping between the slats.
Cons
- It requires periodic upkeep.
- Can twist or rot over time.
3. Vinyl Pool Fences
Vinyl fencing is the most idyllic alternative to wood. It offers a similar ability to provide privacy and can be customized to compliment your pool and decking appearance. It can be textured to achieve a wood-like appeal. Vinyl fencing holds the edge over wood fences due to low maintenance needs and increased material durability.
Pros
- Low maintenance required.
- It won’t rot or splinter.
- It can easily be cleaned.
Cons
- Extreme weather conditions can damage the pool fences.
- Not a natural material.
- High initial cost.
- Mildew and algae can cause staining.
Conclusion
In case you don’t have enough space in your yard or budget to install pool fencing, you can consider its alternative, the pool cover. It is a safety addition that envelops the poend-to-end, preventing even the slightest possibility of anyone jumpingor slipping into the pool water. You can opt for a pool enclosure that opens and closes with a push of a button; it offers great convenience and adds a stroke of royalness to your backyard pool.
