Pool Fence or Pool Net: What's The Difference?

Pool Fence or Pool Net: What's The Difference?
Here at Pool Fence DIY, we are definitely big advocates for the use of pool fences. After all, safety is what is most important to us. So we want to present you with all of your pool safety options. This will allow you to make the best decision for your family. With the relatively recent addition of pool nets to the pool safety industry, many people may be wondering what the difference is between these nets and a mesh pool safety fence.

In this article, we’ll help you to examine the answer to this question. We’ll look at the placement and strength of each of these products, how they each prevent access to your pool, and some additional safety measures that every home owner should consider.

Placement and Appearance 

With the use of a pool net, this “spider web”-type mesh product will be placed flat across the top of your pool.  This makes the net virtually unnoticeable when properly installed. A pool fence, on the other hand, is designed to sit at a 45-degree angle around the circumference of your pool area.  While it is more “visible” than the net, this tall fence serves an important purpose. It will be tall enough to deter curious children from attempting to climb over it. On top of that, it is removable at any time when it is not needed.

Strength

Both the pool net and the pool fence are designed to provide safe and secure protection from the potentially dangerous locale of your pool. Built to cover the water's surface, when a pool net is pulled firmly, it is predictably quite strong. Pool fences are built to surround the pool area. They remain sturdy enough to protect young children and pets from swimming accidents.

Access to the Pool 

When properly installed, a pool net should be very difficult for a child or pet to access the pool.  However, with any luck, the child or pet won’t reach the pool to begin with. A pool fence is one of the most commonly used methods of water safety for a reason. A sturdy fence can completely prevent access to the pool area. Keep an eye out for "tension-based support," which is an indicator of a strong mesh that can’t be ripped when pressure is applied. You can also outfit your fence with alarms and locks that further prevent potential access.

Additional Safety Measures

So which product is right for you and your family?  It depends on your particular situation and home. Whatever you decide, using multiple layers of protection with your pool net or pool fence is the best way to avoid tragedies related to drowning.

Here are some other measures you can take to avoid a potential water injury:

  • Install locks and/or an alarm on any doors and windows that lead to your pool fence.
  • Include an additional alarm inside the pool in case someone makes their way into the water despite previous security measures.
  • Equip your child with a wearable alarm, like the Safety Turtle, which can be worn as an extra safety precaution.
  • Anyone who will be nearby the pool should be properly trained in both swimming and infant CPR.  Swimming lessons can begin earlier than many people realize by training babies to roll over and float.

There you have it. Both a pool net and a pool fence can work well for you depending on your specific preferences and budget.  Now you are armed with the information needed to make an educated decision for you and your family’s safety.