A backyard pool feels like a great—until safety, legal, and insurance problems hit.
Think your yard fence is enough? It isn’t.
Drowning is a leading cause of child deaths, and weak barriers put them at risk. One missing layer of protection could change everything.
Homeowners face lawsuits, denied insurance claims, and tragedies over this mistake.
Does your pool need its own fence? Absolutely. Here’s why—and how to do it right.
Call Big Jerry’s Fencing today for a safe and compliant pool fence.
A Fence Around the Yard Isn’t Always Enough
A backyard fence adds privacy, but it won’t keep out a curious toddler or pet. That’s why most states require a separate pool fence—at least 4 feet tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Some, like Florida and California, go further, requiring alarms or covers for extra safety.
Legal and Insurance Requirments
Think your insurance has you covered? Think again.
If your pool doesn’t meet safety standards, many policies won’t cover liability claims. That means if someone—invited or not—gets hurt, you’re on the hook. Even if state law doesn’t require a separate fence, your insurer might. Some raise your premiums, others deny coverage entirely.
The Risk Factor: Safety Comes First
Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for kids 1–4, and even a small pool can be deadly. A regular yard fence won’t stop a determined toddler, but a proper pool fence cuts the risk by 83%.
Your kids might swim well—but what about their friends, the neighbor’s child, or a wandering pet?
What Makes a Pool Fence Compliant?
If your state requires a pool fence, it must meet strict safety rules:
- Height: At least 4 feet (some states require 5+)
- Gates: Self-closing, self-latching, and must open outward
- Climb-proof: No horizontal bars or footholds
- Spacing: Slats no more than 4 inches apart
- Materials: Durable wood, metal, glass, or reinforced mesh
- Alarms: Required in some states for gates and doors leading to the pool
Make the Right Call for Safety and Compliance
Laws, insurance, and real risks make a backyard fence insufficient. A proper pool barrier isn’t just a rule—it saves lives. Required or not, it protects children, reduces liability, and brings peace of mind.
Check local laws. Call Big Jerry’s Fencing now. Get a compliant pool fence installed by experts. One simple step can prevent a tragedy.