| |
Consumer Product Safety Commission Barrier Guidelines
Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools
Swimming pools should always be happy places.
Unfortunately, each year thousands of American
families confront swimming pool tragedies—
drownings and near-drownings of young children.
These tragedies are preventable. This U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) handbook offers
guidelines for pool barriers that can help prevent
most submersion incidents involving young children.
This handbook is designed for use by owners,
purchasers, and builders of residential pools, spas,
and hot tubs.
The swimming pool barrier guidelines are not a
CPSC standard and are not mandatory requirements.
Therefore, the Commission does not endorse these
guidelines as the sole method to minimize pool
drownings of young children. The Commission
believes, however, that the safety features recommended
in this handbook will help make pools safer.
Publication of this handbook is expected to promote
pool safety awareness among owners, purchasers and
builders of swimming pools.
Some localities have incorporated the guidelines
in this handbook into their building codes. Check
with your local authorities to see whether these
guidelines are included in your area’s building code
or in other regulations.
Why the Swimmin... Read the full article
Aesthetics of Black Mesh Fencing
Why Black Mesh Fencing?
Many homeowners design their pool and patio areas to be aesthetically pleasing in appearance. Without compromising safety, the best way to retain this visually appealing aspect is to install black mesh pool safety fencing. Many homeowners think that using a color matched to the background - green for a more foliated area, white to match the pool trim, etc. - is a good choice, but those colors reflect light. Think about a mirror. When light is reflected off a mirror, it obscures the vision.
Any color that humans see in visible light is actually the light that is reflected off of an object. White light contains all the colors that humans see, and those colors are absorbed when the light strikes an object. The colors that aren't absorbed are the ones people see. Using a mesh the same color as the background actually obscures the background because the light reflected to a person's eyes is the same as that from the background.
In contrast to colorful objects, black objects absorb all the light that strikes them. Think of a black hole. A black hole is a collapsed star the gravity of which is so great that even light cannot escape. Black objects absorb all the light that strikes them, reflecting none back to a person's eye. Because the lig... Read the full article
Consumer Product Safety Commission Evaluation of Swimming Pool Alarms
[Please note, that even while this study recognizes alarms as one of the 5 layers of protection, it also states that supervision and safety barriers are the most effective and should be replaced by an alarm system.]
An Evaluation of Swimming Pool Alarms
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On average each year 350 children under the age of five years drown in swimming pools, with
most deaths occurring in residential settings. Also each year, on average, another 2,600 children
under five years of age are treated in hospital emergency rooms for near-drowning incidents in
swimming pools. About 79 percent of these incidents occur at a home location. These numbers
have remained relatively unchanged over the past several years.
During 1999 and early 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff
conducted a review of commercially available swimming pool alarm systems designed to detect
water disturbance or displacement. There are no voluntary standards that define applicable
performance requirements for disturbance or displacement type products.
The CPSC staff evaluated four water disturbance alarms and a wristband. Two of the
disturbance systems used surface wave detection circuitry, while the other two detected subsurface
disturbances. Th... Read the full article
|
|
from industry experts and customer generated reviews from Google, vendors and other resources
-
Triple Review - Oasis, Cali Bamboo, and Child Guard
Reviewed by x
Author's rating: N/A
1. Oasis by Simtek Fence, formerly Mity Fence
Designed and manufactured in Orem, UT. Simtek produces, sells, and markets the "Oasis" line of fence products. The fence quickly spread through the Colorado and Utah markets and now has dealership agreements with installation companies throughout the country. The product offers a bridge between low cost vinyl fencing and high cost block walls and masonry. This is a 100% private fence that appears to have a custom rough granite finish. Six colors are available immediately in 6' and 3' heights. Gates are made in the 6' ...Read the full review
1. Oasis by Simtek Fence, formerly Mity Fence
Designed and manufactured in Orem, UT. Simtek produces, sells, and markets the "Oasis" line of fence products. The fence quickly spread through the Colorado and Utah markets and now has dealership agreements with installation companies throughout the country. The product offers a bridge between low cost vinyl fencing and high cost block walls and masonry. This is a 100% private fence that appears to have a custom rough granite finish. Six colors are available immediately in 6' and 3' heights. Gates are made in the 6' height for 4' or 6' wide applications; the gates can be doubled to accomplish a 8', 10 , or 12' opening.
Product features:
Graffiti resistant material
Lifetime warranty
Fast Installation
Unique and Eye Catching Custom Block Design
Galvanized Steel Enforced Panels and Posts
Good up close digital pic of product and color options: HERE
www.simtek.com, recommended dealer for do it yourselfers: www.champifence.com
2. Cali Bamboo
Along the same lines as the Simtek fence, CaliBamboo offers a range of product that will convince the market to slow the need to harvest our forests for short lived wood fencing such as seen at home depot. CaliBamboo offers a truly Green product line of rechargeable material - and yes its real bamboo. One of the best new product websites on the net - www.calibamboo.com
For picture gallery click HERE
3. Child Guard (removable pool fence)
This design has been around for several years now and is the lowest cost option for safely securing your pool from children. Downside: NOT DOG PROOF. This is a hybrid plastic type mesh that is woven through steel poles that quickly installs into sleeves. Can be installed over pool deck or grass. This fence is believed to be compliant with pool codes throughout the country but please check with you local codes to make sure your covered -especially if you are running a daycare. Fence can be removed in short order to open up the yard for parties etc.
www.childguard.com
From~
Fence Wizard. "New Products and Review for Residential Fencing." Weblog Entry. The World Famous "Fence Wizard." 1 October 2006. 17 March2009 .
-
Review of AboveGroundPoolSafety.com
Reviewed by x
Author's rating: N/A
Above ground swimming pool safety fences are all designed in generally the same way. Most are designed for professional installation for which the installer has specific tools needed to perform the installation. They attach additional uprights to the vertical braces of the pool, and fence sections fit in between these uprights to protect the pool from young children. Some people have adapted in ground safety fence to be used on their above ground pools. This type of adaptation is universally not recommended. Today modern DIY kits for above ground pools provide the same pro... Read the full review Above ground swimming pool safety fences are all designed in generally the same way. Most are designed for professional installation for which the installer has specific tools needed to perform the installation. They attach additional uprights to the vertical braces of the pool, and fence sections fit in between these uprights to protect the pool from young children. Some people have adapted in ground safety fence to be used on their above ground pools. This type of adaptation is universally not recommended. Today modern DIY kits for above ground pools provide the same protection as professionally installed kits, as long as a few guidelines are followed. First, it is necessary to use a kit that is designed for above ground swimming pools; pool support bases must be substantial enough to hold the fencing; special considerations must be made in the installation of the ladder. The ladder is the most common area of access to the pool, and an above ground pool fence with a gate is only effective with a removable ladder when the ladder is removed and there is no access to the pool. Permanent ladders must have their own safety system and the safety fence must prevent access between these ladders and the pool.
When decks are used other considerations must be taken. If the deck only going to be used for supervised swimming, then the safety system can simply be extended around the raised deck, again taking into consideration limiting the access from the ladder area. Most decks have permanent stairs. Above ground safety fences do not adequately protect against intrusion from access through permanently installed deck stairs, nor do they prevent falls from a raised deck. On the other hand, if the deck is less than 48" from the pool height and will be used separately from the pool usage, then an approved protection barrier must be used. Removable safety fence can be used between the raised deck and the pool. This type of fence can be removed during supervised swimming and can be re-installed when the deck is being used for other purposes. Special consideration must be taken when different types of fence meet each other.
AboveGroundPoolSafety.com focuses on quality above ground pool safety fence that is quality built to withstand the rigors of busy summer use and also be easily installed with common tools. Each above ground pool safety fence kit is made for DIY installation; they're easy to install and easy to buy. Simply count the number of upright spans and choose from the dropdown list. Each kit is shipped directly to your location with all hardware provided. In about 3 hours, the average handy person can do a professional installation with a battery drill and common hand tools. AboveGroundPoolSafety.com has technical assistance available from 9am to 9pm eastern time, 7 days a week, to answer any installation or application questions. Anthony Gaeto had an equity interest in AboveGroundPoolSafety.com, as well as DIYPoolFence.com, and LifeFence.com, all specializing in DIY Installed pool safety fences, in addition to NationalPoolFence.com.
-
High Quality Fencing for Experienced Do-it-yourselfers
Reviewed by x
Author's rating: N/A
After testing National Pool Fence pool safety fencing, and receiving feedback from consumers, we have determined that it is a high quality fence, but may be a bit difficult for the average user to install. As a result, we recommend this fence for more experienced DIY installers.
The fence itself is designed with lining on all four sides to prevent fraying, and is made of UV and tear resistant mesh to stand up to weathering and other abuses. The mesh has no toe- or finger-holds so children cannot climb it, and is black in col...Read the full review After testing National Pool Fence pool safety fencing, and receiving feedback from consumers, we have determined that it is a high quality fence, but may be a bit difficult for the average user to install. As a result, we recommend this fence for more experienced DIY installers.
The fence itself is designed with lining on all four sides to prevent fraying, and is made of UV and tear resistant mesh to stand up to weathering and other abuses. The mesh has no toe- or finger-holds so children cannot climb it, and is black in color for the most transparent effect. National Pool Fence calls itself a "standard in pool safety", and our investigation has shown it to be a reliable safety measure for pool fencing.
Installation requires a core drill, which is available for rental at most local hardware stores, so the tool is not difficult to find. National Pool Fence also offers it for sale, but while they offer a great price, it is a more expensive tool compared to what the average handyman may own. For this reason, National Pool Fence gets recognition for its reliability and safety aspects, but it does not have as easy of an installation procedure as other pool safety fencing.
-
DIYPoolFence.com delivers "superior design elements"
Reviewed by x
Author's rating: N/A
In our research, which is backed by comments from consumers, DIY Pool Fence pool safety fencing beats out other DIY mesh fencing on the basis of aesthetics and safety. Its highly transparent mesh gives it the ability to retain the aesthetic appeal of any pool area without losing any of its safety benefits. DIY Pool Fence mesh fencing is woven of a high strength synthetic mesh with UV stabilized rubber coating. The woven design enhances the strength of the fencing, while the rubber coating gives it a soft feel to the ... Read the full reviewIn our research, which is backed by comments from consumers, DIY Pool Fence pool safety fencing beats out other DIY mesh fencing on the basis of aesthetics and safety. Its highly transparent mesh gives it the ability to retain the aesthetic appeal of any pool area without losing any of its safety benefits. DIY Pool Fence mesh fencing is woven of a high strength synthetic mesh with UV stabilized rubber coating. The woven design enhances the strength of the fencing, while the rubber coating gives it a soft feel to the touch. To ensure durability, the top and bottom are reinforced with a heavy duty edging material to prevent fraying. All of these factors ensure the strength of this fence for reliable safety.
This strength is uninhibited by DIY Pool Fence's dedication to a more attractive pool safety fence. Mesh fencing comes in a standard black because it allows colors to remain vibrant in the background so the fence becomes less noticeable and more transparent. Nearly all pool fencing uses the black mesh principle. However, DIY Pool Fence uses larger holes in the mesh, which allows it to be transparent from an angle. Most other pool fencing does not offer this, even though being able to see into the pool area is a definite safety benefit. The larger holes are still too small to offer toe or finger holds so small hands and feet, so there is no concern for children climbing the fence, and it is still as stable as other fencing. DIY Pool Fence claims "superior design elements" and we think they have a right to that claim.
DIY Pool Fence also includes a feature many other pool safety fencing products miss - a gate without a top rail. Their mesh is strong enough to maintain its shape without the top rail, and this feature is another safety precaution for young children. Without the rail, children have nothing to grip to climb over the gate, so DIY Pool Fence's claim that it offers "one of the safest" fences is justified by our investigations.
-
Magna-Latch and Tru-Close - Essential for a Secure Barrier
Reviewed by x
Author's rating: N/A
Pool safety fencing is a necessity most people recognize for families with children and a pool, but many are unaware of a potential hazard in their fence's integrity. The fence's weakest point is the access point, and the design of the gate is integral to the overall safety of the fence. Not all gates are created equal, but the safest gates are self-closing and self-latching. Even then, gates can differ in reliability and ease of installation.
Magna-Latch latches and Tru-Close hinges are the best picks for...Read the full review Pool safety fencing is a necessity most people recognize for families with children and a pool, but many are unaware of a potential hazard in their fence's integrity. The fence's weakest point is the access point, and the design of the gate is integral to the overall safety of the fence. Not all gates are created equal, but the safest gates are self-closing and self-latching. Even then, gates can differ in reliability and ease of installation.
Magna-Latch latches and Tru-Close hinges are the best picks for a self-closing, self-latching gate on the basis of testing standards and versatility for installation. Meeting testing standards use after use demonstrates the reliabilities of these products, and versatile installation means they are ideal for the average do-it-yourselfer. After our first-hand experiences with these systems, we recommend them without a doubt as top picks.
Magna-Latch calls itself the "Number 1 trusted" latching system for pool safety fences, and after our experiences with it, we have to agree. Because it is magnetically triggered, it won't be jammed by small debris, and it will latch automatically. This is important for a pool gate because an unlatched gate could lead to disaster. Magna-Latch also ensures its reliability by testing to 400,000 cycles. This reliable latch is a no hassle accessory for the average home installer, fitting new and existing gates, and is adjustable for 3/8" to 1-7/16" gap. It can also fit round posts with an adaptor. We believe that such a reliable safety device should be easy to install for proper installation, and that is why Magna-Latch makes our list of top picks.
Tru-Close hinges promises a "quick, easy, and safe" product, and it certainly delivers. Tru-Close hinges do not require lubrication, and are easily adjusted with a screwdriver, so maintenance is a breeze. To ensure the most reliable product, Tru-Close hinges are tested to 50,000 cycles, demonstrating solid product performance. These hinges also fit new and existing gates, and can be installed on gates up to 55 lbs. This versatility, combined with easy installation, makes Tru-Close our pick for self-closing gate hinges.
-
LifeFence.com Is Our Top Pick
Reviewed by Sarah, FL
Life Fence pool safety fencing beats out other DIY mesh fencing because of its solid stainless steel rods and installation support, with online installation video and tool rental availability. These features make it not only more durable (and thus safer), but also very easy for the average person to install without a hassle.
Life Fence solid stainless steel rods offer a durable alternative to the frequently used aluminum poles for mesh fencing. Aluminum has a weaker structural integrity than steel, even with reinforcements, and alum...Read the full review
Life Fence pool safety fencing beats out other DIY mesh fencing because of its solid stainless steel rods and installation support, with online installation video and tool rental availability. These features make it not only more durable (and thus safer), but also very easy for the average person to install without a hassle.
Life Fence solid stainless steel rods offer a durable alternative to the frequently used aluminum poles for mesh fencing. Aluminum has a weaker structural integrity than steel, even with reinforcements, and aluminum poles will snap at the base when they are removed and reinstalled for winterizing or accessibility. The stainless steel core, sheathed in PVC, also allows the holes for installation to be smaller than those of professionally installed fences for a more attractive appearance when the fence is not in use. The more reliable and aesthetic installation of the solid stainless steel rods are part of the reason Life Fence is our top pick for mesh safety pool fences.
Life Fence's installation support is the other part of why it is our top pick. Life Fence offers a template for homeowners to use to plan out the ordering and installation of the fence so exactly the right amount of fence is ordered and then properly installed. The online installation video provides 24/7 installation instruction, and tool rentals allow any do-it-yourselfer a no hassle installation, even if they don't have a large tool selection to choose from at home. The rentals also make selecting the proper tool for the job easy for the beginner DIY installer. Offering no hassle installation is an important aspect for DIY pool safety fences, and Life Fence's dedication to that makes it a pick above the rest.
|
|
|
|