- 1). Examine the width and height of the fence. The fence should measure at least 48" high and the gaps between the fence rails should not exceed 4". Additionally, the bottom fence rail should stand no more than 2" off the ground.
- 2). Compare surface features. Fences with protrusions and horizontal features like bars could allow a child to climb over the fence. Brick fences should have a hard-to-climb smooth surface, and metal fences should not have horizontal bars that children could use as props for their feet. The meshing of chain-link fences should consist of a tight mesh measuring no more than 2 1/4" wide.
- 3). Compare the gate and latch. Look for spring-loaded hinges that gently pull the door closed and self-locking mechanisms that lock the door. The gate should open away from the pool, to prevent children from accidentally leaning or falling through the gate.
- 4). Consider the four primary construction materials: wood, steel, aluminum and vinyl. Wood offers a sturdy construction but also the ability to customize the fence into a picket or privacy fence, but it requires periodic painting. Aluminum and vinyl resist corrosion, but steel offers the most sturdy protection.
- 5). Compare prices of the fence's walls. For a 4' x 6' fence panel, steel or aluminum cost $59 to $89, and wood costs $49 to $69. Vinyl costs $10 to $12 per linear foot.
- 6). Compare costs of accessories like post caps, latches, and post skirts. Post caps consist of a decorative cap that fits atop fence posts and cost $4.25 to $8.50 each. Self-locking latches cost $35 to $75, and post skirts that encircle the bottom of fence posts cost $4 to $5 each.
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