If you’re going to enjoy poolside living, then you need a pool fence. A pool fence protects neighborhood children and pets. It’s also a legal requirement for any Houston resident who is going to build, own, or maintain a pool.
At Lone Star Fence & Construction, we’ve built countless enclosures across the Greater Houston area. So we’ve heard lots of questions about pool fences. Here are some of the most common questions we here, along with their answers.
When do I legally need to have a pool fence installed in Houston, TX?
Once your pool can hold more than 24 inches of water, it must be enclosed.
Practically, this means you need to get your pool fence build scheduled before or soon after your contractor breaks ground on the pool. The key word is “could,” which means you need the fence before you fill the pool. Especially since children can drown in less than two inches of water. Your new pool could hold that much water after one hard rainfall.
If you just bought a house with a pool, you must inspect the fence immediately, even if the previous owner had one. If the fence is damaged or on its last legs, it’s not up to current safety standards and will need to be repaired or replaced.
What laws impact pool fences in Houston?
In Houston and surrounding counties:
- Pool fences must be at least 4 feet tall.
- Gaps may not be larger than 4 inches.
- Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
- Gate releases must be 54 inches off the ground to render them inaccessible to small children.
- The fence may not have any horizontal rails or decorative cutouts that can be used as climbing handholds or footholds.
While this does restrict your creativity somewhat, Lone Star Fence & Construction can still build a beautiful customized pool fence that complements your home and landscape.
How quickly should you repair or replace a damaged pool fence?
You should schedule a repair or a replacement as soon as you notice there’s a problem.
If a gate doesn’t latch or a wood picket is missing, the barrier is non-compliant. More importantly, it’s unsafe, and that one little oversight can lead to true tragedy.
And if the fence is leaning, rusted through, or rot-damaged you must get it replaced immediately.
What’s the best material for a Houston pool fence?
We recommend one of two fence types.
Wood fences are great for aesthetics and privacy. It’s just important that you regularly seal and stain the fence to prevent rot and warping, since you’ll be exposing the wood to more moisture.
Most of our clients and customers prefer wrought iron, however. We galvanize our wrought iron fences to ensure they don’t rust and rot in Gulf Coast air, and you get a classic look that meets all your legal requirements. Wrought iron, properly spaced, also makes it easier to keep an eye on the back yard if need be.
Secure Your Pool Today
Don’t wait for a code violation notice or a close call with one of the neighborhood children.
Get a pool fence built just for you and your Houston backyard. Contact Lone Star Fence & Construction to schedule a free quote today.