Pool Nets vs Pool Fences

When you’re concerned about creating a safer pool area, knowing the benefits of a pool safety net vs. a fence can be an important part of making the right decision. While both are ASTM-compliant safety barriers that help prevent unsupervised access to the pool and accidental immersion, they approach it in two different ways. Pool netting protects the surface of the water, while a pool fence cordons off the pool area itself. Both approaches have their merits, and some pool owners choose to use both options, creating multiple layers of protection. We’re going to take a closer look at what both of these safety powerhouses bring to the table.

Barriers Save Lives

When comparing pool safety nets vs. fences, it’s important to know that both can save lives. Thousands of lives are lost to accidental drowning every year, and tens of thousands of victims seek treatment for nonfatal injuries in emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and physicians’ offices. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance cites a lack of safety barriers as a contributing factor in a majority of these incidents. Whether you choose pool netting, a swimming pool safety cover, or removable mesh pool fencing, you’ll be creating a safer pool area for your friends, family, and pets.

Pool Safety Nets

The primary difference between a pool safety net vs. a fence is that the net is installed directly over the surface of the pool to prevent water entry. Spool safety nets are made of strong twine knotted to form a weave with openings that stretch no larger than 3½”. This net is anchored around the edge of the pool to anchor points sunk into the deck or on solid structures, like walls, at the pool’s edge. In the center of the net is a system of springs that work to tension the entire net. This tensioning system is anchored at the edge of the pool with a cord that lets you adjust its tension.

Pool safety nets vs. a fence give you a barrier that doesn’t just prevent access but can help stop accidental immersion, especially by children. The gaps are narrow enough to prevent a child’s body or head from passing through but large enough to make walking on the net difficult. The result is that a pet or child is held out of the water but near the edge of the pool, where it’s easier to pull them to safety. The central tensioning system will even out the tension even with uneven and asymmetrical pool designs, surrounding architecture, and installed pool fixtures, like ladders. When you’re ready for a swim, roll the pool netting up and move it away from the pool area.

Removable Mesh Pool Fence

Removable mesh pool fencing creates a strong perimeter around your pool area. Featuring strong poles anchored in the ground, rip and climb-resistant mesh material, and a self-closing, self-latching gate, it prevents access by children or pets. An alarm can be easily added to the gate for further protection, and if you need more space to entertain guests, the whole installation can be removed and stored safely out of the way until it’s time to close the pool down again. 

A pool safety fence vs. pool netting helps keep the whole pool area safe from unsupervised access. This can include the deck, furniture, and pool accessories. The mesh design still offers superior visibility to monitor the pool area itself while not offering the handholds or gaps often found in more traditional pool fence materials. The versatility of being able to remove the fence for parties makes it a popular choice for parents who want a more secure area that protects their loved ones but who also want to ensure their kids can enjoy the full pool-entertaining experience with friends under adult supervision. 

Choosing Your Safety Barrier 

Whether a pool safety net vs. fence will be a better option depends largely on your pool protection needs. A removable mesh pool fence is a great option when you want to keep pets and kids out of your entire pool area without supervision. It can also be the more convenient option for those who like to get in their laps on a daily basis or frequently use their pool, as the pool fence doesn’t have to be completely removed for use–just enter through the gate! It’s also a popular way to meet your regulatory obligations as a pool owner if you don’t currently have kids or pets.

Pool netting may be the better choice not only if you have particularly determined and athletic children or pets but also for wildlife in your area, like squirrels or stray cats. Removing the netting is a more involved process than simply stepping through a gate, but once it’s removed, the entire pool area is cleared for action. Nets are also perfect for swimming pool areas with limited space around them for fence installation.

Finally, rather than a pool safety net vs. fence, you can opt for both. A removable mesh pool fence with pool netting installed on the other side gives you multiple layers of protection to prevent accidental drowning. This keeps your children and pets out of the pool area, while a net prevents water entry. It’s a powerful one-two pool-safety punch.

Create Your Perfect Pool Protection Plan

Your local All-Safe Pool installer is your go-to pool safety expert. They’ll schedule a time to visit with you about your needs, take measurements, and create a free no-obligation pool safety quote that lays out your protection options. In many cases, peace of mind is far more budget-friendly than you imagine. Request your free quote from your independent All-Safe Pool professional today.