One of the best ways to spend a weekend is enjoying the warm Florida sunshine and splashing about with your kids in your backyard pool. If you already have a pool or are planning to have one installed, then it’s important to know about the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act and how choosing a pool fence in Panama City, Florida can meet those requirements.
We know that the safety of your children is a top priority for you and a fence is a necessity to protect them from harm. We’re here to help you to understand the regulations set forth for their protection and how to make sure you choose the right pool fence so you can be sure you meet these standards.
What are the Requirements for Pool Safety in Florida?
Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act sets the standards for swimming pool barriers and fences you must have around your home pool to protect young children and medically-frail seniors from accessing your pool. Your local government can enact separate regulations as long as they are at least as stringent as the state rules.
Do I Need a Pool Fence in Panama City, FL if I Already Have a Privacy Fence?
Pool barriers and pool fences are vital safety components for homes with swimming pools. If you have a privacy fence around your yard, you may or may not need an additional barrier around your pool. There are several factors to keep in mind. Let’s explore your options to determine if you need a pool barrier in addition to your privacy fence.
What Counts as a Pool Barrier?
According to the safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, pool barriers and fences should 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 in the Panama City, FL region can all count as pool barriers as long as they are properly secured and at least 4 feet tall.
Other Pool Safety Regulations
In order to pass a final inspection and receive a certificate of completion, a residential swimming pool must meet at least one of the following requirements relating to pool safety features:
- the pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements stated below
- the pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover
- all doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet
- all doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor
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 better off you will be.
What’s Your Liability?
It’s also important to note that 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.
Panama City’s Popular Swimming Pool Fence Options
When considering swimming pool fence options your very first consideration must be safety and security, but that does not mean you need to sacrifice aesthetic beauty. Other factors to include in your decision for a pool fence in Panama City, FL is the cost, the style, the level of security, and the longevity a specific material will provide. The options in materials, designs, and colors are a lot to sort through, but we’re here to help! Let’s explore a few of the top choices many pool owners make in Florida.
Aluminum Fences for Panama City, FL Pools
Aluminum is a great pool fence option for its low maintenance, elegance, and beauty. It is not designed to be a privacy fence; however, it is both safe and secure. Aluminum fencing’s biggest asset is that it comes in several different ornamental shapes to accent and beautify your property, yard, and swimming pool adding value to your property and home.
Vinyl Pool Fences in Panama City, Florida
Vinyl Fencing can be designed to look like wood or stone or simpler styles. Vinyl fence is nearly maintenance-free, durable, and resistant to cracking and fading. Vinyl fencing is available in a variety of sizes and colors and is customizable. Whether you have a large or small pool, vinyl is a good, cost-effective way to add beauty, privacy, and security to your swimming pool and residence wherever you are in the Panama City area.
Chain Link Fence Options for Panama City Pools
Another option for a pool fence in Panama City, FL is chain-link fencing. Florida properties that need a sturdy, economical option can benefit best from this material. Chain-link fencing is available in traditional galvanized steel, PVC-coated versions, and can even be installed with colored slats through the openings to create a fence with more privacy.
Wood Pool Fences for Florida
There’s no denying that when it comes to a natural-looking aesthetic, wood fencing is hard to beat. It comes in a variety of styles and colors and can be stained or painted to match any exterior color scheme. Since wood and water don’t mix, you’ll need to seal and stain your fence on a regular basis to protect it from the elements and repeated splashing from pool use. If you’re not willing to put in the extra work, wood fencing may not be the best choice for you.
When installed by true fence professionals like Mr. Fence of FL, it can last a long time and be just what you need! The best way to know is to do a little research and then talk to our friendly staff who can give you our recommendation based on our experience in the Panama City, Florida area.
Mr. Fence Florida Can Help with Pool Safety Fences!
We have helped many homeowners to get a swimming pool fence in Panama City, FL that suits their needs, looks beautiful, meets required safety laws, and falls within their budget. From installation to replacement, whatever your pool fencing needs are, Mr. Fence Florida can help!
Reach our friendly, professional staff today by calling us at (850) 360-3573 or contact us through our website. We’re here to help with all your questions and fencing needs!
