Why You Need a Child-proof Pool Latch

Above having fun and cooling off, safety is the most important factor when it comes to swimming pools. Children adore swimming, but unfortunately the second leading cause of death for kids under age 5 is drowning.

Most child drownings occur in a relative’s, family’s or friend’s pool, which are much less supervised and much more accessible. One of the most effective ways to prevent these drownings is with a fence around the pool with a secure, childproof latch.

Pool Latch Regulations

According to the National Building Officials and Code Administrators Standards and Regulations (otherwise known as BOCA), all pool fence latches must be well out of the reach of children at at least 54 inches from the ground. These latches should be self-locking and all pool gates should have self-closing hinges that open away from the pool.

The fence itself should not be very climbable. Chain link pool fences should not have weave that exceed 1 ¼ inches. All vertical fence pieces should be no more than 1 ¾ inches apart and any horizontal members should be on the pool side of the fence.

Check your area’s pool fence code for variations.

Top Pull Rod Gate Latches

Top pull rods are the safest and most child-proof pool gate latch. The top pull rod’s design consists of a latch that is placed near the top of the gate frame and door and a pull rod arm that extends usually at least a foot above the top of the gate. In order to unlock it, you have to pull up on the pull rod’s knob, opening the latch.

Child-proof Latch Features

Some features a childproof pool latch may have, include:

• Magnetic closure
• Compatibility with many fencing materials
• Key locking feature
• Sound alarm and flashing lights
• Easy installation
• Red light to indicate if not latched

Who needs a child-proof latch?

The pools we most highly recommend you install a child-proof pool latch are at residential and unsupervised pools since they are the sites for most child drownings. Other locations that could benefit from a childproof latch are places such as daycares, schools, hot tubs, and spas.

Explore your safety latch options at America’s Fence Store today.