When it comes to residential fencing around pools, contractors and homeowners know that the right choice has to pull double duty. It needs to meet safety codes requirements while also delivering the privacy and style homeowners want for their backyard retreat. With so many residential fencing options on the market, how does one decide which is best for the project they are working on? Let’s break it down step by step.

Start with compliance and safety

Often, the first question homeowners ask is, ‘What is the safest type of pool fence?” The answer is simple. The safest option is one that meets local building codes, many of which follow standards set by the International Code Council (ICC), and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).

According to the ICC, residential fencing surrounding the pool should be a minimum of 48 inches tall with self-closing and self-latching gates. It should have no more than two inches of clearance from the ground for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or gravel. If the surface below the barrier is solid, such as concrete, the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed four inches. That low gap helps keep pets and kids safe.

The clearance also creates enough space between the top and bottom rails to prevent someone from using the privacy fencing around the pool like ladder rungs to climb up and over. And finally, the pickets themselves should be spaced no more than four inches apart. This narrow “air space” or “gap width” prevents small children from slipping through. Altogether, these specifications create more than just a code-complaint fencing around the pool. They form a safety system designed to protect people, pets and peace of mind.

Prioritize durable residential fencing options

Meeting code is only part of the equation. The safest residential fencing is also the one that lasts. Wood fencing, for example, is prone to rot, warping and weather damage, especially around pools where moisture is constant. That deterioration can quickly turn into a safety issue.

Steel and aluminum fencing, on the other hand, are inherently durable to the damaging effects of moisture and will sidestep those challenges. Further, leading fencing manufacturers use a powder-coated finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and UV protection. With this level of protection, residential pool fencing can withstand the most extreme weather, including coastal environments or regions that experience significant precipitation. This gives peace of mind to contractors and their customers that their pool fences will remain durable and safe season after season.

Address sloped terrain with rackable technology

Many homes with pools end up with double fencing, including one wrapped around the pool and another marking the property line. When both fences match in material and style, it ties the whole yard together and looks great. But not every backyard has level ground, especially those on large properties. With traditional fencing materials, this can lead to stair-stepped panels, awkward gaps at the bottom, or an uneven top line. None of that is ideal for safety or aesthetics.

That’s where rackable fencing options by Fortress Building Products come in. Both the steel and aluminum residential fencing solutions are offered with a fully rackable technology that can follow the natural grade of the landscape. The panels adjust smoothly without metal-on-metal pressure, so there is no risk of fatigue or damage to the powder coat.

Contractors can use them around the pools and as perimeter fencing. With their clean, streamlined profiles, these metal fencing options blend effortlessly into the landscape, allowing the pool and outdoor living space to take center stage.

The safest choice: steel and aluminum fencing

At the end of the day, residential fencing enclosing pools does not have to be complicated. Focus on three essentials: code compliance, durable materials and solutions that adapt to site-specific conditions and terrain. Getting that right will help contractors deliver a residential fencing that checks every box, including safety, style and long-term value.

For proven weather-resistant performance and smarter residential fencing solutions, Fortress Building Products has you covered. Discover on-trend options designed to elevate pool projects.