For many homeowners, having a pool is the ultimate luxury, particularly when the weather gets nice. However, just because you can relax and have fun in the sun, it doesn’t mean your pool isn’t a potential hazard. Households with little children have to take extra precautions to ensure that the kids are safe at all times.
In this article, we want to go over the various pool fence codes for Evansville, IN. At Mr. Fence, we’re committed to providing the highest quality materials to ensure that you and your family stay safe all summer long.
Do I Need to Have a Pool Fence?
If your pool is permanent or semi-permanent and deeper than two feet, then yes. Fences aren’t necessarily required otherwise. Also, keep in mind that even if you don’t have small children, these guidelines are meant for all residential and public pools. You don’t want to get fined or cited, and it’s still a good idea to have a barrier in place. For example, what if you want to prevent strangers from using your pool while you’re away? Or what about animals that may decide to take a dip?
Overall, pool fencing is both practical and beautiful. Getting yours from Mr. Fence is also an excellent idea since we adhere to all local and federal regulations, and we have the designs that work best.
Here is an overview of what the city of Evansville has to say about pool fence codes.
Height – Indiana actually has one of the tallest height requirements in the country. While fences in other states usually have to be four feet, the minimum in Evansville Indiana is 6 feet. If you have an above-ground pool, the sides of the structure can be included when taking measurements. However, assuming that your pool isn’t 6 feet high, you will have to make up the difference with an addition on top.
If your pool is purely private and enclosed on all sides, then the fence can be 4 feet tall. However, it’s usually better to err on the side of caution, mainly if your home or other building serves as a barrier to the pool area.
Openings – Interestingly, while Indiana has the highest fence regulations, the law is surprisingly lax about openings within the fence itself. Overall, no opening shall be more than four inches. These can include vertical clearance from the ground (or top of the pool structure), spaces between posts and slats, and any decorative openings.
Gates – As with other states, your pool fence gate has to be self-closing and self-latching. While it’s not required to be able to padlock the latch, we highly recommend it if possible. This way, when you’re not home, someone can’t gain easy access to your pool area or backyard. Also, the latch has to be at least 45 inches above the ground. Pool gates are also subject to the same rules as the rest of the fence, specifically height and openings.
Other Recommendations
Because Indiana law doesn’t regulate as many elements of a pool fence as other states, you have a lot of flexibility and leeway. However, at Mr. Fence, we highly recommend keeping these additional considerations in mind when installing a new pool fence.
Climbing
A barrier doesn’t do much good if someone can simply climb over it. Pay attention to any natural obstacles (i.e., trees and rocks), as well as openings within the fence itself. Also, if you have decor that could be used to gain a foothold, you’ll want to keep it on the inside of the wall.
Pool Cover
You’ll want to cover your pool when it’s not in use to help keep it warm. If you have little ones running around, we suggest a hard cover that can support their weight. Toddlers may not realize the danger and accidentally step on your pool cover by accident.
Privacy
For most people, relaxing by the pool isn’t an activity we want the neighbors spying on. At Mr. Fence, we have a wide array of options that will provide both adequate protection and keep prying eyes from peeking into your backyard.
Signage
If you plan on having pool parties over the summer, you’ll want to have some signs posted around the water. Some standard examples include the total depth at its deepest point, as well as a “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign. We also recommend any house rules, such as no running, no food or drink by the pool, and no glass anywhere near the water.
Call Mr. Fence Today
Getting a pool fence is a quick and easy way to provide safe fun this summer season. Call us for a site visit, and we’ll make sure to install the best fencing for your needs. No matter what kind of look or features you want, we have the tools and equipment to make it a reality.
