A fence that completely separates the pool from the house and yard is one of the most effective ways to prevent child drownings. This calculator sizes a fence set back from the water’s edge: the length, the panels, the posts and the gates.
Fence length
For a rectangular pool with the fence the same distance from the water on all sides:
length = 2 × (pool length + pool width) + 8 × setback
The extra 8 × setback accounts for the four sides being pushed out. A 16 × 32 ft pool fenced 4 ft from the edge needs 2 × 48 + 32 = 128 ft. For an irregular pool or a fence that follows the deck, measure the planned fence line instead.
Panels and posts
Removable mesh fences come in sections, often 10 to 15 ft; metal and glass panels are often 4 to 8 ft. Subtract the gates and divide by the panel width:
panels = (fence length − gate widths) ÷ panel width, rounded up
With 6 ft panels and one 4 ft gate: 124 ÷ 6 = 20.7, so 21 panels. A closed loop needs one post per panel plus one per gate: 22 here.
What a safe barrier needs
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code call for:
- a barrier at least 48 in high all around the pool;
- gaps under the fence and between vertical members small enough that a child cannot squeeze through, usually under 4 in;
- no footholds or handholds that make it climbable;
- self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward, away from the pool, with the latch out of a child’s reach;
- the house wall should not form part of the barrier unless doors have alarms.
Local codes may be stricter; most require a permit and an inspection for pool barriers. Keep chairs, coolers and planters away from the outside of the fence.
Cost
Removable mesh fencing often costs $15 to $30 per foot installed, aluminum $25 to $50 and glass $60 or more. Enter a local price to estimate the budget.
Layers of protection
A fence works best with other layers: door and pool alarms, a safety cover, swimming lessons, CPR training and, above all, constant adult supervision whenever children are near the water.