A fence around the pool: how to choose the right one
A fence is the most reliable barrier between a small child and the water. To do its job it has to be high enough, have nothing to climb on and have a gate that closes and latches by itself.
What makes a fence safe
A pool fence is not a decorative boundary. It is designed with one thought in mind: a child of two or three must not be able to get past it, over, under or through.
- Height. High enough that a small child cannot climb it; around 1.20 m or more is usually recommended, measured from the outside.
- No footholds. Horizontal rails, cross patterns and decorations on the outside act like little steps.
- Narrow gaps. The gaps between the bars and under the fence must be small enough that a child's head or body cannot fit through.
- A clear zone outside. Chairs, flower pots, tables, bins and trees with low branches do not go next to the fence, because they turn into a ladder.
- A full perimeter. If a door or window of the house opens straight onto the pool area, the fence does not really close it off.
The gate: where most fences fail
The most common failure is not the fence itself but a gate left half open after coming and going with towels and toys. The right gate:
- closes by itself, with spring hinges or a self-closing mechanism,
- latches by itself as soon as it closes, without anyone having to bolt it,
- has the latch high up or on the inside, out of reach of small children,
- opens outwards, away from the pool, so a child pushing on it cannot open it.
Check every so often that it really closes from whatever position you leave it in. Springs loosen over time and hinges near the sea rust.
Materials compared
| Material | Pros | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Safety glass | Does not block the view, modern look, nothing to grip for climbing | Water and limescale marks, needs cleaning; only safety glass with fixings designed for this use |
| Metal railings | Durable, many designs, the pool stays visible from the house | Vertical bars, not horizontal; good corrosion protection, especially near the sea |
| Wood | Warm, natural feel that blends with the garden | Regular maintenance; solid wooden walls hide the pool from your view |
| Removable safety mesh | Goes up while the children are small and comes down when it is no longer needed | Less decorative; the sockets in the paving must be planned in advance |
Safety without losing the view
The fence should not hide the pool from the kitchen or the living room, because supervision remains the key measure. Glass or slim vertical bars keep it visible. Position the fence so there is room inside it for loungers and a comfortable walkway around the water, but without enclosing the whole garden and the play area.
Fencing works best together with the other measures we describe in pool safety for children, such as a safety cover and clear rules. It also protects your pets, as we explain in pools and pets.
A tall solid fence on the property boundary is a different thing: it gives you privacy, but it does not stop a child who is already in the garden. Pools at holiday rentals and hotels have additional obligations, which your engineer and the relevant authorities will confirm.
No fence replaces adult supervision. It is an extra line of protection for the moments when attention slips.
Questions
Is fencing mandatory for a private pool?
The requirements depend on how the pool is used and on your particular case, and your engineer will confirm them. Whether or not it is required, if there are small children in the house or the neighbourhood, a fence is worth it.
Is a glass fence safe?
Yes, as long as it is made of safety glass of suitable thickness, with fixings designed for this use and installed correctly. Because it has no footholds, it is very hard to climb.
See also
Child safety
Pool safety for children in layers: supervision, fencing, a safety cover, alarms, rules and swimming lessons.…
Pool privacy
Pool privacy: how to screen yourself from neighbouring balconies and roads with fences, plants, pergolas and…
Pool cover
Solar summer covers, winter covers, roller covers and safety covers: what each does for temperature,…