Are chain links good pool Barriers? The answer to this is yes. Due to the alarming statistics of fatalities caused by drowning on yard pools, erecting barriers around these areas are recommended, and in most municipalities, required for pool owners. Children below five years of age are the ones most prone to accidental drowning. A chain link fence installed around your pool is the best way to keep your loved ones safe, because they are:
- Cost efficient – chain link fences costs less than most fencing materials. They no painting to be done, unlike other types of fencing materials.
- Easy to install – ease in installation is also one of the advantages of chain link fences. Other fence types would require more leveling and aligning work compared to chain link fences.
- Durability – chain link fences are weather resistant. This attribute makes them ideal for the pool area where there is a greater chance of exposure to water.
Having chosen chain link fences as your pool fence, you also need to know how to childproof these fences.
Mesh size
The mesh size of your chain link fence should be smaller than what is commonly used. For standard use, chain link has mesh that is sized from 2 inches to 2 3/8 inches. What you would want to use around your pool area should be smaller than this. The advisable mesh size is 1 ¼ inches or smaller. This would prevent your toddlers from injuring themselves in the wires.
Height
The height of your chain link barriers should at least be 4 feet. This height would be enough to keep your children from going over the fence.
Picket distance
The pickets or poles supporting your fence should no more than 4 feet. This would provide the ideal support for your chain link since the lesser the spacing between your pickets, the more resistant your fence is to banging.
Chain link gates
Your chain link gates should have the same height, mesh size, and picket distance as with your chain link fence. Another thing to always keep in mind in installing your chain link gates is that they should open away from your pool area. The reason behind this is that, when children are confronted with barriers, they would most likely push (pulling would be less tempting to your toddlers) against it. Having gates that open out would be more resistant to accidental openings. This positioning would help in case you forget to latch your chain link gate.
Self-closing hinges and self-locking latches
These types of hinges and latches will help enhance the security and reliability of your chain link gate. These components will eliminate the margin of error should you ever forget to close and lock your chain link gate. You can rest easier, knowing your children and your property will be safe.
For all of these reasons, chain link fences are some of the best options for pool fences.
