Adding a pool is exciting but safety and legal requirements come first. One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is: Should the pool or the fence be installed first?
What’s the Right Choice?
Many homeowners believe the pool should go in first. But that’s not always the best move. When it comes to safety, legal compliance and a smooth installation process, a fence is just as important—if not more.
The Case for Installing the Fence First
1. Safety Comes First
- Risk to Children & Pets: Without a fence, kids and pets can easily enter the construction zone. Drowning risks and injuries from construction materials become serious concerns.
- Liability Risks: If an accident happens before the fence is installed, legal responsibility may fall on you—even if trespassers are involved.
2. Easier Access for Fence Installation
- Unrestricted Yard Space: Before the pool is built, there’s more open space for fence installers to move freely, allowing for quicker and more precise installation.
- Avoiding Fence Damage: If you install the fence first, you prevent accidental damage to the fence that can occur during pool construction (from digging, machinery, or debris).
3. Compliance with Local Regulations
Most cities and counties require a fence before a pool can be filled with water.
- Legal Consequences: Failure to install a fence beforehand may result in penalties, fines, or stop-work orders. Local authorities take compliance seriously.
- Permit Approvals: In many areas, a pool permit won’t be approved unless a fencing plan is submitted. Without it, construction could be delayed.
When Does Pool Installation Come First?
While installing the fence first is the best approach in most cases, there are a few exceptions where the pool should come first.
The design of the pool directly impacts how the fence is laid out. Custom-shaped pools with curves or irregular edges require fences that follow their contours. Built-in features like attached decks, waterfalls, or seating areas may need a tailored fence design, which can only be finalized once the pool is complete.
Temporary fencing is an option in some situations. Removable mesh fences, construction barriers, or safety covers can serve as short-term solutions but they must meet basic safety standards. These barriers work for phased construction projects, allowing work to continue while keeping the area secure. However, they aren’t as strong as permanent fencing and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
