When it comes to water safety, a major question is what type of gate to purchase. Do pool gates need to be self-closing? Absolutely! A self-closing pool gate is an essential item for all pool owners.
According to CDC statistics, drowning is the leading cause of death among children between the ages of one and four. For this reason and many more, let’s discuss the key features that all consumers should look for in a pool fence, with a focus on self-closing gates.
Basic Fence Safety Features
Overall, a fence acts as a clear barrier between your home and the general pool area. This helps provide peace of mind. Still, to be truly effective, every pool fence should include a few fundamental components. Removable pool fences should be at least 48 inches tall, and individual slats should not be more than four inches apart. These features prevent young children from climbing over or squeezing through the fence. Not only that, self-closing gates are still a practical option when there are older children in the home who have unsupervised access to the swimming pool.
The Value of a Self-Closing Pool Gate
To reiterate, do pool gates need to be self-closing? A resounding yes! You see, when properly installed, the gate ensures that a child cannot approach the pool without your knowledge. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Academy of Pediatrics both recommend a self-latching, self-closing pool gate, as it is designed to automatically shut behind you. This eliminates the need for manual locking. Just be sure that the entrance isn’t blocked by anything that may prevent it from fully closing.
Installing a fence with a self-closing gate makes it easier to eliminate potential drowning hazards. Above all, pool gates must meet certain standards, including height, self-closing mechanisms, and self-latching devices.
Keep Adding Extra Layers of Protection
A pool fence and self-closing pool gate are a great start, but it’s important to implement multiple layers of protection. In addition to a pool fence, here are some additional safety measures you can take:
- Add high locks to all of the doors and windows leading to the pool. The higher the better.
- Add alarms to the doors and windows that access the pool. Consider any nooks and crannies that curious little minds could use as an escape.
- Place an extra alarm inside the pool to warn if someone is in the water. Just in case the little ones break free, there’s an extra alarm waiting in the water.
- Ensure that everyone is properly trained in swimming. You can even consider infant swim lessons, which start training babies to roll over and float.
- Learn CPR training, which can save a life in an emergency situation. If you’ve already been trained, be sure your certification is up-to-date. Water safety experts are always learning new ways to save lives.
In the end, the data is clear: do pool gates need to be self-closing? Yes with a capital Y. When combined with a pool fence and other layers of protection, a family can significantly reduce the risk of a potential water tragedy. By taking necessary precautions, homeowners can enjoy their pool while keeping their loved ones safe.
Combining multiple safety measures can help to keep the backyard safer and more secure. Self-closing pool gates eliminate the risk of human error and prevent the need for the gate to be physically closed or locked by the user. Installing one of these gates is a wise decision for every home with a pool or hot tub. We strongly encourage all of our readers to consider the option. It can make your pool area significantly safer.
