It is April. Summer is quickly approaching all of us that live in warm, humid Houston. That’s why I want to take a few minutes and talk about something that should be on nearly every homeowner’s mind. If your home has a swimming pool, you can likely save a child’s life by installing a safety pool fence.
You may not save that child’s life while you own that home. However, it might be the homeowner after you or two or three homeowners down the road. In any case, there is a very good chance that a child’s life is going to be saved with the installation of a pool fence.
Drownings Happen All the Time
It’s frightening. In 2021, there were at least 77 fatal drownings in Texas. It’s also estimated that there were nearly 600 non-fatal drownings. Many of these people spent time in the hospital. Some of these victims are permanently mentally and/or physically damaged.
Nearly one in five drownings are a child. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 4 years and younger. I’m very much aware of this fact because it nearly happened to one of our children. That is why I’m in this line of work.
I know that it is awfully easy to say, but if you have a home pool, it is critical to be constantly attentive. However, even if you said that you are, let’s be honest and recognize that were going to occasionally “slip” up. That’s where a safety, pool fence comes in.
Reasons a Pool Fence Are Important
A pool fence is a barrier. If they are properly installed, they are going to keep a person, adult and/or child, away from the pool unless they are given permission to get close to it. Or, go into it.
Not all pool fences are created equal. This is particularly true in the Houston area. So, if and when you install a pool fence, be careful on which one you choose and who installs it.
Here are a few basics that you want to know before you install a pool fence:
- The minimum height should be at least 48”. Any shorter than this and you risk children climbing over it. The taller, the better. However, if you get too tall, you interfere with the beautiful sightline to your pool.
- Your pool fence will have at least one pool gate. The best pool fences have gates that are self-closing and self-locking. If you have more than one gate, they should all be self-closing and self-locking. The latches to these gates should be high enough to stay out of the reach of children.
- The fence should be nearly indestructible. Children and pets will constantly climb and push on these fences. That’s one reason many pool fences are now constructed of a mesh material. The mesh provides a near perfect view inside the fence, bends easily and is nearly indestructible.
Choose a Pool Fence from Life Saver Of Houston
We nearly lost our child early-on in a near drowning accident. That’s why I chose to sell and install the Life Saver pool fence. I did a lot of research before I chose this brand of pool fence… they are safe.
If you think you are ready to install a pool fence and if you still have questions, give me a call. My name is Wayne and I can be reached by dialing (832) 367-2377. Or, perhaps you want to know how much it will cost. I give free quotes… no obligations. Give me a call and/or email me!