People planning a pool in Florida often forget one of the most important items required by law – a pool fence. Florida law requires every pool owner to install a barrier at least 48 inches in height for any pool that’s 24 inches or more in depth. It can’t have any gaps, openings or other entrances that a curious or unattended child could climb over, crawl under, or push through.

The pool fence must be installed in such a way to ensure it surrounds and blocks off the entire pool and it can’t have any protrusions or indentations that a child could use as a handhold. Pool fence laws apply to in-ground pools and above-ground pools. There are a number of associated laws that govern night swimming, pools and decks and similar situations, many of which new pool owners aren’t aware of until they’ve already contracted for the pool to be installed.

When selecting a pool fence, there are multiple options from which to choose. Many people automatically think of chain link fence because it’s cost effective, can be installed quickly, and is the option of choice for location near lakes and waterways. It’s a good choice and also comes with a bottom cable to prevent unwanted wildlife and pets from entering.

SimTek is another choice that provides beauty, safety, and stylishness. It’s extremely durable and easy to maintain, is available in textures that mimic wood and stone, and provides exceptional sound absorption. It’s also eco-friendly. PVC fencing is another option that is long-lasting, resistant to hurricane winds, highly decorative, and has a lifetime warranty.

For a luxury look that combines elegance with functionality, aluminum fences are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to chain link that’s available in multiple colors and styles. It’s a great way to meet pool protection laws. The rails and gates can be customized for complete safety. Wood stockade fencing is also available.

A pool is a wonderful way to cool off and a focal point for entertaining. It’s also essential that pool owners be in compliance with laws for the safety of small children that don’t understand the danger.

Fencing is beneficial for a multitude of uses. It provides privacy, safety, and aids in reducing noise. There’s more to erecting a fence than simply getting it upright. There are laws and ordinances governing the installation of fencing, along with permits that may need to be obtained. Failure to comply with any existing codes or regulations could result in an order to tear down or move your newly installed fence.

Fences are great for marking boundaries, but it’s absolutely essential that you know exactly where your property line actually is. You’ll need to have the property surveyed if it hasn’t been recently. It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fence installer are so beneficial. They know the laws and are able to obtain any needed permits.

A fencing professional will also know if there are any setbacks. In some locations, fences are required to be set back off the property line. That can range from 2 inches in some places to several feet in others to allow for maintenance. Fences can’t be built on an easement under any circumstances and a neighbor can’t paint or make other changes to a fence that you’ve had erected.

In other locations, you can erect a fence and half of the upkeep and cost will be attributed to your neighbor when they have what’s deemed a substantial building on their property. It also means that your neighbor can cut any tree limbs or bushes that infringe on the fence. In other areas, you may or may not need your neighbor’s permission to install the fence in the first place.

Fences serve a variety of purposes, but laws can vary widely in regard to their installation. It’s always best to have a professional perform the installation since they’re familiar with local ordinances. Before beginning any fencing project, ensure you have a recent survey to establish property boundaries. Property lines aren’t always straight and physical features can create installation difficulties that only professionals are able to accommodate properly.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you want to get the best value for your money. The longevity of your fence will depend on a multiple elements. You’ll have to compare costs and contrast them against factors such as materials, intended purpose, aesthetic value, and ability to customize.

Wood

The longevity of a wood fence will depend largely on the type of wood used in its construction. Untreated cedar will last anywhere from 15-30 years, spruce can endure for 4-7 years, while pine can weather the elements for 5-12 years. Treated cedar can last 25-40 years, and treated spruce and pine can last for up to 20 years.

Even the treated wood utilized in today’s fencing is subject to moisture from the ground and weather. Wood fences should be inspected regularly for splitting, splintering and rusting of hardware. The wood can also be stained or painted to accommodate its surroundings.

Chain Link

Cost effective and easily installed, a chain link fence will serve its purpose for about 20 years, a vinyl coating will extend its lifespan by several years, and it won’t rust. Chain link offers security and requires little maintenance, but doesn’t provide privacy. Color options are limited and doesn’t allow for much customization.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence is durable, doesn’t rust, and can be customized. It’s available in an array of colors and provides security. Aluminum fencing can last for 20 years with almost no maintenance. It’s an elegant and stately look that adds value to any property.

PVC

The average lifespan of a PVC fence is 20-30 years and many come with a lifetime warranty. PVC fencing is fire-resistant, won’t attract pests, and is unaffected by weather and UV rays. Over 30 decorative and unique options are offered, it requires very little maintenance, and it’s available in a myriad of colors. It doesn’t rot, won’t attract pests, and is non-toxic. PVC fencing is also recyclable.

SimTek®

This is the king when it comes to style, texture and color options, and will last about 25 years on average. It resembles the look of stone and wood grains. SimTek® is resistant to impacts, is noise dampening, and provides security. It’s one of the most durable fencing materials offered and almost completely maintenance free. It’s able to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130. It’s unaffected by sun and extreme temperatures.

Wooden fences are one of the oldest forms of barriers and they’ve come a long way in terms of security and stylishness since their ancient predecessors. Today’s wooden fences are available in multiple styles and are built to surpass South Florida’s stringent Hurricane Building Codes. The three most popular types of wooden fencing are stockade, board-on-board, and shadowbox.

A board-on-board wooden fence is a design in which boards are attached vertically to the rails in such a way that the upright boards alternate one on each side of the rails. The overlapping pattern offers visual privacy even if boards shrink due to weather conditions, but it may cost more than other types.

A shadowbox fence is very similar in design to a board-on-board fence, but doesn’t offer the visual privacy since there are small gaps between the boards. When looking directly at the fence, nothing on the other side is visible. However, if viewed from an oblique angle, outsiders can glimpse what’s on the other side due to the small gaps. One of the benefits is that they hold up well to strong winds since a breeze can pass through.

Almost everyone is familiar with stockade fencing. It’s a design that places vertical boards up tight against each other to form a panel that creates a solid barrier. It’s a simple design, yet very effective for preventing wildlife and intruders from entering while keeping children and pets in. Stockade fencing can be customized to match the architecture of homes and out buildings, while also accommodating slopes and other physical features of the property’s terrain.

Wooden fencing is an option that still remains very popular. It can be painted, stained, customized in a variety of ways, and utilizes modern processes for longevity. They provide privacy, a degree of sound blocking ability, and help ensure safety for children and pets.