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.

Since the process for creating chain link fence was introduced in 1844 by Charles Barnard, the fencing type has remained one of the most effective and economical option for multiple uses. The fencing was based on the cloth weaving process and it was brought to the U.S. in 1891.

Chain link fencing quickly caught on and became popular for providing safety and security for parks and the estates of the wealthy and powerful. It became the preferred backstop method in baseball fields, catch fences at early car racetracks, and even for cage matches in wrestling.

Industrial sites, housing projects and commercial enterprises use chain link fence due to its affordability and versatility. The Department of Homeland Security recommends chain link fencing for the protection of soft targets and those that may be at increased risk of attacks. In high security areas, chain link fencing can be equipped with barbed wire or razor wire.

The fencing is strong, durable, resistant to corrosion, and offers a convenient see-through barricade. Chain link provides an imposing physical barrier and a psychological deterrent to would-be intruders. It’s cost effective to purchase, install, and can reduce the number of guards needed to protect a facility.

It’s an ideal solution for those that have small children and pets. It provides an added level of safety for parents at home and for those operating daycare centers. Chain link is used by animal breeders, animal shelters and in solutions designed specifically for zoos.

Chain link fencing isn’t just for permanent installation. It’s widely used for temporary protection of construction sites where valuable equipment and tools are kept. The fencing utilizes steel posts that can be easily removed from the ground at the end of a project and the distinctive diamond-patterned fencing can simply be rolled up and used in a different location if desired.

It’s available in multiple colors, styles, heights, and thicknesses. The fencing is able to withstand exposure to extremes of weather and coating can be applied to extend its lifespan even further. Chain link fencing is easy to repair if damage does occur and will serve its purpose for many years with only a minimum of maintenance, making it one of the most cost effective options available.