There is nothing like jumping in a cool, refreshing backyard pool in the middle of a hot Virginia summer!
If you currently have a pool or are planning to have one installed, then it’s necessary to know about the Virginia laws regarding swimming pool fence safety and how choosing a Richmond, VA pool fence can meet those requirements.
The safety and protection of your loved ones is a top priority for you, and a fence is one of the best ways to protect them from tragic accidents.
At First Step Fence, we’re here to help you understand the regulations set forth for the protection of your friends and family members and how to make sure you choose the right pool fence so you can be sure you meet these standards.
Saving Lives With Pool Safety Requirements in Virginia
As a pool owner, it is very important that you know the Virginia Ordinances regarding pool safety and the fencing of swimming pools. These ordinances set the standards and requirements for swimming pool barriers and fences that you must have around your residential pool.
These ordinances are in place to protect young children and those that might be physically vulnerable from accessing your pool unsupervised. In addition, your local county or city government can enact separate regulations as long as they are at least as strict as the state rules, so check with them also!
Is a Richmond, VA Pool Fence Safety Required if I Already Have a Privacy Fence?
If you have a privacy fence around your yard, you may or may not need an additional barrier around your pool. There are several important factors to keep in mind, so let’s explore the requirements to determine if you need a pool barrier in addition to your privacy fence.
What are the Requirements of a Pool Barrier or Fence?
According to the safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, pool barriers and fences have to be a minimum of 4 feet tall and should surround all sides of a swimming pool.
The house can act as one ‘side’ of the pool barrier, with the remaining sides surrounded by a privacy fence or other barrier. A variety of fence materials, brick walls, and removable pool fences can all count as pool barriers as long as they are properly secured and at least 4 feet tall.
With these requirements in mind, it may be wise to have a secondary barrier within your yard, even if you have a privacy fence. This is especially true if you have pets or small children. The more precautions you can take to protect your family, the safer they will be!
More Tips for Making Your Pool Safe
Having a pool fence is an excellent start, there are additional steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Here are some quick tips:
- Swimming Lessons – Water safety lessons can reduce the risk of accidental childhood drowning by 88%. Even children as young as 1-year-old can benefit from swimming lessons. When a young child is comfortable and learns how to be safe in the water, it can help prevent accidental drowning.
- Get a Pool Cover – If your children can walk across the pool without falling in, that can be a potential lifesaver.
- Don’t Allow Access Without Supervision – Constant, focused supervision when your child is in or near a pool or any body of water is imperative.
What’s Your Liability?
It’s important to always check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier to make sure you are fully protected, as you can be held liable for accidental injuries or death if you do not follow the law on swimming pool safety.
In addition, if your pool barrier doesn’t meet the safety standards and you are trying to sell your house, it may delay the closing when a house inspection is performed.
Popular Richmond, VA Pool Fence Options
Your primary consideration must be safety and security when considering swimming pool fence options, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t also have an attractive-looking fence.
There are a wide array of options in materials, designs, and colors available and that’s where Richmond, VA fence company First Step Fence comes in!
We are here to help you navigate the process and help you decide which pool fence is the best for you. Here are a few of the options:
Aluminum Pool Fencing
Aluminum is a great pool fence option as it’s very attractive and extremely low maintenance. While it is not designed necessarily to be a privacy fence, it is both safe and secure.
Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of styles, finishes, and accessories, so you can customize your pool fence to fit in with the style and aesthetic of your pool area while also adding value to your property and home.
Wood Pool Fencing
The natural look of wood makes it an attractive option for your pool fence. Each board for our wood fences is hand-picked and crafted by the experts at First Step Fence.
Since wood doesn’t do well around water, you’ll need to seal and stain your fence regularly to protect it from the elements and repeated splashing from pool use. If you would prefer not to put in the extra work, wood fencing may not be the best choice for you.
Vinyl Pool Fencing
Whatever the size of your pool, vinyl is a good, cost-effective way to add beauty, privacy, and security to your swimming pool area.
A vinyl fence is nearly maintenance-free, durable, and resistant to cracking, rotting, and fading, and is available in a variety of heights and colors.
Chain Link Pool Fencing
Another material option for a Richmond, VA pool fence is chain-link fencing. If you want a sturdy, economical fence, then chain link may be the way to go!
Chain link fencing is available in traditional galvanized steel and PVC-coated versions and can even be installed with colored slats through the openings to create a fence with more privacy.
When a pool fence is installed by professionals like those at Richmond, VA fence company First Step Fence, you can be sure you’ll have made a great investment.
We have made it incredibly easy for you to get started with your pool fence project! For a quick quote, go to the instant quote tool on our website, where you will be able to compare pricing and materials.
Trust First Step Fence With Your Richmond, VA Pool Fence!
Having a pool is a big responsibility, so making sure your pool fence provides safety and security is a top priority. First Step Fence is a reputable, trustworthy Richmond, VA fence company, and we pride ourselves in providing quality materials and top-notch installations. From the planning stage to installation, we are here to help with it all!
Reach our friendly, professional staff today by calling us at (804) 902-2411 or by contacting us through our website. We’re here to answer all of your questions and assist you with your fencing needs!
