Swimming is fun. It is therapeutic. It is everything good you can imagine. It provides a perfect opportunity for you and your family to get off your usual routine and do something different. Swimming time is a time to bond. So, investing in a swimming pool is not such a bad idea.
After you spend a fortune building a swimming pool, it is now time to put a fence around it. Reasons being you need to avoid unnecessary accidents. An unfenced swimming pool is dangerous, especially if you have children. Children are curious beings. They can decide to test the waters any time, and you know what happens after that. You do not want your investment to be your source of sorrow.
There are several types of pool fences available in the Australian market. But glass pool fences are the best. Funny how that is, right? Glass material is brittle, and we all know that. So, for most people, a glass pool fence is not such a welcome idea. In fact, there are several myths surrounding glass pool fences that most people choose to believe. Some say that they are weak and can break easily. Others say that they are not durable, while others claim that they are not as effective. But there is one thing that these people fail to acknowledge; that there is a big difference between the usual glass and the glass used to fence pools. The material is tough, durable, and the safest of them all.
In this article, you will learn more about glass pool fencing and why it should be your number one option as far as safety is concerned.
1. There is a Recommended Standard Thickness and Design
Glass is the most recommended material for pool fences, but there are safety standards to meet. In general, most glass pool fences are 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm thick. But the Australian law requires that the material be at least 12mm thick. Its thermal and chemical makeup should be able to withstand huge impacts. That makes it strong, hard to break, and durable.
When it comes to the gates, the Australian standard 2820 clearly states that the glass should last for at least 10000 life cycles. That means that you should be able to use it for at least ten years.
As you can see, the myth that glass pool fencing is weak and not durable could not be further from the truth. The Australian government is strict, and suppliers must abide by these regulations if they want to stay in business.
2. There is a Recommended Height and Distance
The recommended height for glass pool panels should be 1200mm, which is equivalent to 120 cm. The gate should be equally as tall.
When it comes to the distance, the gaps between the panels should not be more than 100mm, which is equivalent to 10 cm. Additionally, the fence should be at least 900mm away from any climbable objects. That equates to a 90 cm distance.
As far as safety is concerned, 120 cm is way too tall to climb. 10cm is way too small for anyone to slide in, even a small child. And 90 cm is way too big a distance for anyone to access the pool with a climbable object. These prevent unwanted access to your swimming pool, meaning that you do not have to worry about intruders or even your kid(s) drowning.
3. Glass Pool Fences are Not Climbable
Apart from the 120cm height, the texture is the other thing that can prevent unwanted access to your swimming pool. The material is so smooth and slippery for anyone to climb over your pool fence. Even for someone tall enough to hold the top edge getting a foothold is still difficult, if not impossible.
4. Glass Pool Gates Are Automated
Another Important characteristic of gate pool fencing is the automated gate system. The gate closes itself when you open it, and that means that you do not have to worry about accidentally leaving it open. Additionally, your gate should have a latch installed on the inner side of the pool 1200mm above the ground. The latch should also be automated and is necessary to ensure that the pool gate is tightly closed. All these are requirements by the Australian pool code.
Apart from that, it’s also a requirement that the gate open from the outside instead of inside. And why is this important? Because it’s always easier to push something than it is to pull. Your child can accidentally open the gate just by lying, and they do not need to use so much effort to do so. That cannot happen if your get opens on the outer side.
Conclusion
Your safety and that of your loved ones should always come first. And as far as pools are concerned, glass pool fencing is the way to go. Now you know why.