Pool Fencing

Protect Your Family With Proper Pool Fencing

A pool is a wonderful addition to any home, but it also creates serious safety responsibilities. At FortiCraft Laredo Fence Builders, we install pool fences that meet all safety requirements while looking great with your backyard design. Your pool fence is about more than just following rules—it's about keeping the children in your family and neighborhood safe.

Pool drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for young children. A proper barrier fence dramatically reduces this risk. We've been serving Laredo homeowners since 2024, and we take pool safety seriously. We know all the local code requirements and industry best practices to ensure your pool fence does its job properly.

Pool Fence Safety Requirements

Building codes specify minimum requirements for pool fencing to prevent accidental drowning. While exact requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction, here are the general standards:

• Height: Fence must be at least 4 feet tall, though 5 feet is recommended for better safety
• Spacing: Gaps between vertical pickets cannot exceed 4 inches to prevent children from squeezing through
• Climbability: Fence design must not create footholds or handholds that aid climbing
• Gates: All gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches mounted 54 inches or higher
• Gate Direction: Gates should swing away from the pool to prevent children from pushing through
• Latch Release: Latches must require two separate actions or be out of reach of young children

Best Materials for Pool Fencing

Several fence materials work well for pool enclosures. Your choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance expectations:

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum is the most popular choice for pool fencing and for good reason. It never rusts even with constant exposure to pool water and chemicals. The powder-coated finish resists sun damage and stays looking new year after year. Aluminum pool fences are available in attractive styles that complement any backyard. The open design lets you see into the pool area from your house for supervision.

Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl pool fencing offers excellent durability and minimal maintenance. It won't rot, warp, or rust, and it cleans easily with just soap and water. Vinyl comes in both privacy and semi-privacy styles. The solid privacy designs block the pool from view, which some homeowners prefer for aesthetics or privacy from neighbors. Vinyl is more expensive than aluminum but requires virtually zero maintenance.

Chain-Link Fencing

Chain-link provides affordable pool safety when budget is a primary concern. Vinyl-coated chain-link in black or green looks better than standard galvanized. The fence is strong, durable, and meets all safety requirements. While not as decorative as aluminum or vinyl, chain-link gets the job done reliably.

Wood Fencing

Wood pool fences create natural beauty and complete privacy. However, wood requires more maintenance near pools due to moisture exposure. If you choose wood, we recommend cedar or redwood for their natural rot resistance. Regular sealing is essential to protect the wood from water damage. Wood works well if you want your pool fence to match existing wood fencing on your property.

Pool Fence Gates and Latches

The gate is the most critical component of your pool fence system. A fence is only as safe as its weakest point, and gates are where most safety failures occur. We install commercial-grade self-closing hinges that automatically close the gate after someone passes through. Even if someone forgets to close the gate, it closes by itself.

Self-latching mechanisms engage automatically when the gate closes, securing it without requiring manual action. The latch is mounted high enough that young children can't reach it. Some latches require two separate movements to open, making them even more child-resistant. We test every gate thoroughly before completing installation to ensure proper operation.

Additional Pool Safety Measures

While a proper fence is essential, consider these additional safety features:

• Pool Alarms: Door and gate alarms alert you if someone accesses the pool area unexpectedly
• Surface Alarms: Float alarms detect when someone or something enters the water
• Pool Covers: Safety covers provide an additional barrier when the pool isn't in use
• Door Alarms: If your home has doors directly to the pool area, alarm them to alert when they're opened

Inspection and Permits

Most jurisdictions require permits and inspections for pool fence installation. This ensures the fence meets all safety requirements. We handle the permit process as part of our service. The inspector will verify fence height, spacing, gate operation, and latch function. Having a professional installation ensures your fence passes inspection the first time.

Even if you already have a pool, adding or upgrading your fence is important. Older pools may not have fences that meet current codes. If you're selling your home, buyers will often require proper pool fencing as a condition of sale. Insurance companies may also require compliant pool barriers.

Combining Pool Fencing With Property Fencing

Some homeowners use their property perimeter fence as the pool barrier if it meets code requirements. This works when your entire backyard is enclosed with a fence that has a self-closing, self-latching gate. However, having a separate pool fence provides an additional layer of protection. It also allows people to access your backyard without having access to the pool area.

We can design a complete fencing solution that includes both property boundaries and pool barriers. The fencing can match in style and color for a unified look. This comprehensive approach provides maximum safety while creating an attractive backyard environment.

Frequently Asked Questions