Does Your Pool Fence Meet ASTM Standards?
If you recently bought a home with a pool, the first thing you should do is have a pool fence installed. And if there already is a fence, have it inspected by a professional to ensure its in proper, working order.
Pool fences that are installed according ASTM standards and meeting those standards can cover most of your bases when it comes to not falling afoul of your city code or rules set by your homeowners’ association. Most importantly, if you have an ASTM compliant pool fence, you can rest assured that your pool fence has passed strict safety standards.
ASTM F2286-05-2013 outlines the design and performance requirements for removable mesh safety barriers such as All-Safe Pool Fences. The ASTM fencing standard typically provides a starting point for drafting state laws that cover pool safety and pool fence standards.
Local Rules for Pool Safety
Every city and state can set their own swimming pool safety standards and requirements. To learn more about what may be required in your area, we recommend reaching out to local officials or buildings departments to see what you may need to have installed.
Alternative Pool Safety Rules
Any laws that state legislatures pass that deviates from a national standard may cause controversy. ASTM fence standards and compliance rules regarding pools and pool fences include Standard F1908, which covers a recommended height of at least four feet (some city codes require a height of at least five feet), distance from the ground (no more than two inches is a good rule of thumb, though you could go up to four inches above surfaces with no gravel or grass).
The gate should open outward from the pool so that children pushing on it won’t get in and might even latch the gate if it happens to be unlatched. The latch will be at least three inches below the top of the gate. The gap between the gate and the pool fence should be more than half an inch to prevent children from reaching through the gap to open the gate.
Why are ASTM Standards Important?
These ASTM compliance rules exist because 300 children under the age of five years drown in pools every year. Following ASTM fence standards will help cut down on children getting into your pool without your knowledge or permission and risk drowning. Your best bet for staying compliant with ASTM standards and local regulations is to go over everything with a pool safety professional who can give you advice on how to bring your pool and pool fence up to code.
All-Safe Pool Fence & Covers installs documented ASTM compliant pool fence material only, which means our fence materials have been independently tested for safety by an independent ASTM certified laboratory and they exceed the nationally recognized standards for pool fencing (ASTM F2286-05-2013).
Get an Expert on the Phone
Find your local dealer to schedule a free on-site consultation and quote for a cost-effective safety barrier. An expert will work with you to determine the best way to help protect your family.
