Pools are fun and provide hours of entertainment during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, pools can also be a hazard, especially when it comes to kids. If you have a pool and want to better protect yourself, kids, and anyone else who visits, check out these three tips for better pool safety.

If you install a chain-link fence around your pool, kids can easily slip their little feet into the openings to climb over the fence. Similarly, if you have a fence with horizontal slats, anyone can climb them like a ladder to get over the fence. For this reason, you need to make sure your fence discourages climbing to prevent injury.

Metal fences with vertical slats are a better idea for securing your pool. These are hard to climb over, especially if they are tall. They are also strong, so they can withstand kicking and other attempts to break down the fence.

Many people choose wrought iron or aluminum fences because of their beauty, durability, and extra security measures: pointy tips. If someone does try to climb over your wrought iron fence, they'll have to get over the classic pointed tips of these types of fences. The fear of pain alone should be enough to keep most people from trying to climb over the fence.

Don't just leave an opening in your fence to access the pool; install a latching or locking gate. It's crucial the gate can latch closed at the very least. This prevents the gate from opening on its own. Plus, depending on the type of latch you choose, kids may not know how it works or be able to unhook it, keeping them safe and secure.

For extra security, you can install a lock with a number code. This allows you to keep the gate secure without adding the hassle of bringing a key with you that could get lost to the pool each time you want to swim.

Ideally, the gate should close on its own after opening to ensure the door is always shut. Even if you don't have kids, a locked gate can help save adults. Adults can be just as careless as children when drinking or horse playing. Plus, you never know when a random neighbor kid may try to get to your pool.

It may seem like hiding the pool will help stop kids or strangers from trespassing, but this can be a terrible idea. Imagine your child does sneak inside the pool, if you can't see through the fence easily, you may not know they are in trouble. For this reason, solid privacy fences are not an ideal choice for your pool fence.

Besides choosing the right fence, installing the right lights can help boost visibility. For example, if your pool area is dark, someone may not realize they are near the edge of the pool, causing them to step off the ledge. With plenty of lights, everyone can see where they are walking both day and night.

Lights are also helpful if you have older kids who don't need constant monitoring, but you still want to keep an eye on them.

As long as you keep your pool well secured and properly lit, you shouldn't have to worry about injuries. Choosing the right fence and gate is one of the most important decisions you can make to secure your pool. If you would like to know more about pool fences or fences in general, contact usat West Georgia Fence today.