Pool Fences for Babies, Toddlers & Grandkids

The Southern Nevada Health District says most drownings in Clark County happen to children ages 1 to 4, and most drowning deaths happen in residential pools. Clark County Fire adds that most victims were last seen safe inside the home. A fence between the house and the water buys time when someone looks away.

Layers of protection

Local agencies recommend several layers, because no single one is perfect:

• A four-sided, non-climbable fence at least 60 inches high (Southern Nevada Health District).
• Self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool, with latches out of a child's reach, never propped open, and locked when the pool isn't in use.
• Alarms on doors and windows that lead to the pool, and an alarmed or secured doggie door.
• Nothing to climb: move chairs, tables and planters away from the fence.
• A designated "Water Watcher," swim lessons and CPR.

Which fence works best for little ones?

• Removable mesh: lowest cost, hard to climb, and it can come down when the grandkids go home.
• Aluminum: permanent, low maintenance, good for families with young kids for years to come.
• Glass: nothing to grip and a clear line of sight, at a higher price.

Isolation fence vs. perimeter fence

A fence around the whole yard still lets a child walk from the back door straight to the pool. Clark County Fire describes isolation fences that separate the pool from the residence. If you can't isolate the pool, alarm every door and window to the pool area.

A checklist for new parents and grandparents

1. Fence all four sides of the pool, at least 5 ft high.
2. Test that every gate closes and latches by itself.
3. Add alarms on doors and the doggie door.
4. Move anything climbable 3+ ft from the fence.
5. Keep a phone and rescue equipment at the pool.
6. Sign up for swim lessons and a CPR class.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put up a pool fence for a baby?

Before the baby can crawl. Clark County Fire warns that a crawling baby can get out through a doggie door, so it's easier to have the fence, alarms and gate habits in place early.

Is a removable mesh fence good for visiting grandkids?

Yes, it's a common choice. It's lower cost and can be taken down when the grandkids aren't visiting. Make sure it's back up and latched before they arrive.

Is a pool cover enough for a toddler?

Clark County Fire says solar and floating covers are not safety covers. A safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 is a good extra layer, but a fence and alarms are still recommended.

How high should a baby pool fence be?

The Southern Nevada Health District recommends fences at least 60 inches high, which matches the Southern Nevada building code amendment for home pools.

Keep reading

Fences: Aluminum · Glass · Removable mesh · Self-closing gates · Repair

Guides: Pool fence cost · Pool barrier code · Building a new pool · HOA & community pools · Permanent vs. removable

Areas: Henderson · Green Valley · Anthem · Seven Hills · Inspirada · Lake Las Vegas · MacDonald Ranch · Whitney Ranch · Las Vegas · Boulder City