3 Tips for Better Pool Safety
Admin • February 14, 2020
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.
1. Install a Non-Climbable Fence
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.
2. Install a Latching or Locking Gate
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.
3. Keep the Pool Visible
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.
The Best Fence for Your Atlanta-Area Home This Summer (2026 Guide) Summer is the most popular time of year for fence installation in the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area — and for good reason. Long days, dry ground, and the urge to actually use your backyard all push homeowners to finally pull the trigger on that fence project they've been putting off. But with so many material options, choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the questions we hear most often this time of year so you can make a confident decision before the summer slips away. What Is the Best Type of Fence for Georgia's Summer Heat? Georgia summers are no joke — heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms put real stress on fencing materials. Here's how each major type holds up: Wood Fence — Classic and cost-effective, but wood requires the most summer maintenance. Heat and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp or crack over time. Annual sealing or staining is strongly recommended for Georgia homeowners. PVC (Vinyl) Fence — PVC is one of the best performers in hot, humid climates. It doesn't rot, splinter, or absorb moisture, and it won't need painting or staining. If low maintenance is your priority, PVC is a top choice for Georgia summers. Ornamental (Iron/Aluminum) Fence — Ornamental fencing is extremely durable in heat and storm conditions. The open design actually works in its favor during summer — it doesn't catch wind during storms the way solid panels can. A quality powder-coat finish resists rust and UV fading. Chain Link Fence — The most weather-resistant option by far. Metal construction means no warping, cracking, or swelling regardless of temperature swings. Chain link is a practical, budget-friendly option for large properties, pet containment, and commercial use. Should I Install a Fence in Summer or Wait Until Fall? Most homeowners assume fall is better for fence installation, but summer is actually an excellent time — here's why: Ground conditions in Georgia are typically firm and dry in summer, making post-setting easier and more precise. Scheduling availability tends to open up faster than in the spring rush. You get to enjoy it sooner. Installing in June or July means your yard is fenced and functional for backyard gatherings all season long. The one caveat: if you're installing a wood fence, avoid scheduling during an extended stretch of heavy rain. Saturated soil can shift newly set posts before the concrete fully cures. How Do I Know If I Need a Permit to Install a Fence in Carroll County or the Atlanta Area? Permit requirements vary by city and county, but here's what's typical in the West Georgia region: Most residential fences under 6 feet do not require a permit in Carroll County, but you should always verify with your local zoning office before breaking ground. HOA rules are separate from permit requirements — check with your homeowners association about height limits, material restrictions, and approved colors. Corner lots and properties near easements often have additional setback rules. West Georgia Fence has been serving the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area for over 50 years. Our team is familiar with local requirements and can help guide you through the process before your project starts. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area? Fence cost varies based on material, linear footage, terrain, and gate placement. Here are general ranges for the West Georgia and Atlanta area in 2026: Fence Type Approximate Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) Chain Link $15 – $30 Wood (Privacy) $25 – $45 PVC / Vinyl $30 – $55 Ornamental Aluminum $30 – $60 Commercial Fencing Varies — contact for quote These figures are estimates. Sloped terrain, rock soil, removal of an old fence, and gate hardware all affect the final price. West Georgia Fence offers free custom quotes — call 770-832-3363 to get an accurate number for your specific property. Financing is also available with approved credit, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting started this summer. What's the Best Fence for Privacy in a Georgia Backyard? For maximum backyard privacy, you'll want a solid panel fence with minimal gaps. The top choices: Wood Privacy Fence — The most traditional option. A 6-foot board-on-board or shadowbox wood fence provides excellent privacy and a natural look that blends into most Georgia landscaping. PVC Privacy Fence — Offers the same solid panel privacy as wood but with virtually zero maintenance. No painting, no staining, no warping. Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are switching from wood to PVC for exactly this reason. Ornamental with Privacy Slats — If you love the look of ornamental fencing but want more privacy, metal slats or inserts can be added to chain link or ornamental panels for a hybrid solution. 5 Signs Your Existing Fence Needs Repair Before Summer Gatherings Don't let a damaged fence ruin your summer entertaining plans. Watch for these red flags: Leaning or tilting posts — A leaning post is usually a sign of rotted wood or a shifting concrete footing. It won't fix itself. Boards with cracks, gaps, or rot — Cosmetic issues become structural ones when left through another Georgia summer. Rust stains or peeling paint on metal fencing — Surface rust spreads. Catching it early with touch-up paint or powder coat prevents full panel replacement. Gates that drag, stick, or won't latch — Gate hardware loosens over time, especially on heavy ornamental gates. Visible gaps at the base — If pets or small children could slip under, it's time to address the grade or add a bottom rail. West Georgia Fence handles repairs as well as new installations. If you're not sure whether your existing fence can be saved, we're happy to take a look. Why Choose a Local, Family-Owned Fence Company? With so many national chains advertising online, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid from an out-of-area company. Here's why local matters: A company based in Carroll County knows the soil conditions, the local permit landscape, and what fence styles actually hold up in West Georgia's climate. West Georgia Fence has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years , holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , and is fully licensed and insured. We've installed fences on everything from rural properties to government buildings to Atlanta-area apartment complexes — and we stand behind every job with a warranty. When you call us, you're talking to neighbors who care about the work they put their name on. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. 📞 Call us at 770-832-3363 📍 Serving Carrollton, Atlanta Metro, and surrounding West Georgia communities 🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
If you run a home daycare, you likely have an outdoor space where children play. Keep them safe with a well-designed fence using these tips.
If you're in the market fora new fence, take a look at the questions to ask before you make a decision. Keep reading to learn more.
