Summer is Here: Is Your Pool Gate Properly Secured?
Whether you have a private backyard pool or manage a community or public pool, safety is surely your main concern. Security measures should always include a gate and a gate lock and there are several options to consider.
Nationally, the number of fatal child drownings has been increasing in recent years and the majority of these tragic accidents happen at residential locations. There were an average of 397 drownings deaths per year between 2016 and 2018 involving children under the age of 15 in swimming pools and spas, according to the CPSC. Last year, as more families staid home and less children were enrolled in swimming safety lessons because of COVID-19 lockdown measures, these numbers worsened.
Although it has been improving over the past two years, Pennsylvania used to rank fourth in the country the amount of drowning deaths and near-drownings in pools and spas. Unfortunately, last year saw a record number of drownings in New Jersey. However, you can make your pool secure and help bring these grim statistics down.
Specifications and Installation for Pool Gate Safety
- Pool Fence Installation – Studies show that many pool drownings are due to a lack of access protection. In order to keep kids safe, experts recommend installing a fence that surrounds the pool or hot tub entirely. The fencing should reach at least 4 ft. heigh and the bottom of the fence should be no more than 4 in. from the ground.
- Fencing Specifications – Any openings in the fence should not be larger than 4 in. in diameter.
- Pool Fence Gate Orientation – Access gates should open outward, away from the pool or spa.
- Self-Closing Pool Gates – A fence alone does not guarantee that kids won’t go in the water. It should have a gate that closes and latches automatically. Magnetic gate latches ensure that the gate closes after every entry and exit to the pool area, preventing unsupervised children from accessing the area. Self-closing and self-latching gates are required in the state of Pennsylvania and many other states.
- The fence must have a self-closing, self-latching gate with a lock.
- Keep chairs, ladders, and other climbable items should be kept inside the gated area.
- The pools should have a rigid safety cover.
- Always supervise children near water, even if they know how to swim and lifeguards are on duty
- Keep life jackets, throw rings and safety devices on hand and visible around the pool area.
- Have a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
- Stay updated on your CPR certification.
- Make sure everyone in your family has had swimming lessons and knows how to swim well.
Types of Pool Gate Locks
In addition to an automatic closing feature, the gate must have a locking device to keep trespassers and unsupervised kids from accessing the pool. There is a wide range of effective locking mechanisms designed to secure pool areas.
Let’s take a closer look at options for public, apartment, neighborhood and community pools. For most situations, we suggest keyless or key keypad gate locks.
Keyless Entry Locks for Pools
Many pool owners and property managers are discovering the ease and benefits of using keyless entry locks for recreational areas. For public and community pools with hundreds of residents that require access, it’s more secure and cost-effective to go keyless for a number of reasons. Keyless entry systems eliminate the need for making copies of keys and periodically changing the locks.
Apartment complexes and homeowner associations are quickly adopting locks that work with key fobs or proximity cards because it’s easy to grant immediate access to pool members. All they have to do is pass their fob or card in front of a digital reader. At the same time, keyless systems make it possible to restrict times the pool can be accessed and block entry to specific users when necessary.
Remember that residential electronic locks are not suitable for this type of application on an exterior gate. If you are doing this job yourself, make sure to upgrade to a commercial-grade electronic lock that is built to stand up to the elements outdoors.
Keypad Access Locks for Pools
The most common keyless entry system for pools are those with keypads. In order to access the pool, members must enter the correct code in the keypad. There is no worry about lost or stolen keys, nor the cost of replacing them or rekeying the lock.
Keypad systems are affordable solutions and the number of members able to utilize them is virtually unlimited. Similarly to a keyless system, pool managers can block access at night or other specific times. Although, we recommend changing the passcode periodically to deter unauthorized entry to the pool.
What Is the Best Lock for a Pool Gate?
Two of the highest-rated pool gate locks for residential safety are the MagnaLatch® Child Safety Gate Latch and the TriLatch made by the Safetech Hardware brand. MagnaLatch® is a magnetic, self-closing gate lock with a opening mechanism that is out of reach for small children. TriLatch requires three points of security with a keyed lock, push button and lift latch. Both of these safety latches can be installed on all types of gates and fences–aluminum fences, vinyl fences, mesh and temporary fences.
Help Prevent Pool Drownings
Pool safety is a serious concern. For both residential and shared swimming facilities, we must take every precaution in order to prevent accidents.
Stay Safe This Summer with Great Valley Lockshop
If you are looking to increase security around your pool, simply call one of our offices to speak with a lock expert. The team of residential and commercial locksmiths at Great Valley Lockshop can help you find and install the best lock solution. You can reach our office at (610) 644-5334.
