Monthly Archives: June 2015

Swimming Pool Safety Tips for Children

The Centers for Disease Control reports that among children ages 1 to 4, drowning is the leading cause of death due to injury. With summer just about in full swing, here are some tips that will help keep your child safe around the swimming pool so that you do not have to take an unexpected trip to your nearest emergency medical facility.

pool

Constant Supervision

Having an adult to supervise children at all times when they are in or near a pool is vital to helping ensure their safety. If there are any infants or toddlers in the pool, an adult must be in the water with them, always at arm’s reach. Even if the children are older, adults still need to be nearby. You must not be distracted while supervising; turn off the phone, do not take care of household chores, and definitely do not drink alcohol.

Establish Rules

You need to establish pool rules and make sure they are strictly followed. For example, do not allow any toys near the pool when the pool is not being used and empty all blow-up toys once everyone is done swimming. Also, do not allow any tricycles or bicycles at poolside and keep all electrical appliances at a safe distance. Make sure no one runs on the pool deck or dives in a pool that is not deep enough.

Fences

It is very easy for a small child to get to a pool that is not surrounded by a protective fence. Children can get through a doggy door, through a window or through a door that has been cracked open. Fences need to be climb-resistant, without any type of furniture of other item nearby that could be used to help a child get over. They also need to be at least four feet high with no more than four inches of space between the slats.

Gates should self-latch, self-close and be well maintained, and should only open away from a pool. The latch should be at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate so that small children cannot open it.

Drains and Filters

Tragically, many children die because they swam too closely to a pool drain or filter and were trapped by the suction. Keep all swimmers away from these areas to eliminate the chances they will be harmed.

By following just a few basic safety precautions, you can make sure everyone stays protected and still has a great time in the pool this summer.

Original Source: http://www.southlakestyle.com/2015/06/23/76452/swimming-pool-safety-tips-for-children

The iFence “Layers of Protection” Pool Safety Tips

Ifence pic

A swimming pool can offer your family wonderful times of enjoyment and many happy memories. In an imperfect world, however, there are often dangers associated even with the good things in life. At iFenceUSA™ we are firmly committed to helping protect children from harm. Our Resort Collection™ swimming pool fences are designed with pool safety in mind. Here we not only explain the standards we have built in to our fences but we also provide helpful tips to keep children safe. We want you to think in terms of “layers of protection.”

B.O.C.A. pool safety standards

The International Code Council (I.C.C.), more often known by their former name, the Building Officials and Code Administrators (B.O.C.A.), outline strong safety standards for swimming pool fences. In an effort to eliminate or reduce the accidental drowning of children, these standards have been recognized by many communities throughout the world.

Here are the highlights of the B.O.C.A./I.C.C. pool safety standards:

  1. The fence must be a minimum of 48″ tall (or taller, depending on distance between horizontal rails).
  2. The middle horizontal rail must be at least 45″ above the bottom horizontal rail (to prevent using the horizontal rails as a kind of ladder for climbing).
  3. The spacing between pickets must be less than 4″.
  4. If space between pickets is less than 1 3/4” (as in ourExtreme feature), rule #2 does not apply and fence does not have to be taller than 48” (because the tighter picket spacing has made climbing much more difficult).
  5. The space between the bottom horizontal rail and the ground must be less than 2″.
  6. The gate(s) must be self-closing and self-latching.
  7. The gate(s) need to open out (away from the pool area).
  8. The opening mechanism of the latch must be at least 54″ above grade (ground level).

When installing your pool fence it is important to realize that the purpose is to prevent entry, not exit. Consequently, the fence should be installed at least 48” away from any objects or grade inclines that could be used a “stepping stone” to gain entry into the pool area, such as steep hills, large rocks, retaining walls, air conditioner units, pool heaters, etc. If space is tight, consider a fence on the high ground. Failure to follow this code may result in costly non-compliance citations, including forced re-installation to meet code. We don’t want this to happen to you but more importantly, the safety of children is paramount!

Obey local laws regarding pool safety

While many communities have more relaxed standards, others have adopted more stringent standards. This is why we urge you to check your local pool fence legal codes before ordering your fence, as these codes often vary from B.O.C.A. standards. If a permit is required, we recommend you obtain the permit before ordering your fence. Often, a neighborhood association may have restrictions as well. We provide the fence specifications you need to determine compliance, but since we are not familiar with all local code nuances throughout the world, iFenceUSA™ is not responsible if the fence you order does not comply with your local codes, whether government- or association-initiated.

Location of your fence

Swimming pools can be enclosed by a fence surrounding the pool while totally detached from your house or other “pass through” structure. Another plan is to use the house itself as a partial barrier, with fencing extending out from it to enclose the pool area and then terminating back at the house. The latter plan may comply with your local community pool safety codes (usually with alarms on all points of entry into the pool area from within the house), but it is our considered opinion that a separately enclosed pool area offers children a greater degree of protection. A child that “slips” outside would still have another layer to get through. We encourage you to thoughtfully plan for the safety of children, your own and others who may visit, and make decisions based on what you think is best, and the governing laws in your community.

Additional Safety Tips

Following are some options for protecting children and preventing accidents as provided by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals:

  1. Safety Covers:An impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool, spa, or hot tub will prevent access to the water when there is not supervision.
  2. Alarms:Alarms are available for doors, fences, in pools, and as a clip-on for children. Alarms detect unwanted entrances to your pool, spa, or hot tub.
  3. Rope and Float Line:Place these across the pool to alert swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow end of the pool.
  4. Rescue Equipment:Equipment such as a life ring and shepherd’s hook should be placed near the pool in an easily accessible spot.
  5. Posted Emergency Information:Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency telephone number – 911 – near the pool, spa, or hot tub.
  6. Outside Telephone:Be sure to have a telephone in case you need to summon help.

For more information on childhood drowning prevention, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission by calling (800) 638-2772 or visit cpsc.gov and view publication No. 359 and No. 362.

Original Source: http://www.ifenceusa.com/poolsafety.php

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Why do homeowners choose to install fencing?  There are many different reasons that people choose to install a fence but one of the main reasons is always for the safety and security it provides to their home and family.

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Pool Safety: Fencing around the perimeter of an in ground pool, with the use of a locking gate helps to prevent children and children from accessing the area without an adult.  The fence helps secure the area to prevent accidental drowning.

Pet and Children Containment:  An aluminum fence prevents children and pets from leaving the enclosed area.  This helps to keep them from running out into the road accidentally and helps protect them from people and other animals from entering the area.

For the Prevention of Theft:   A fence detours people from thinking your house is an easy target.  A fence makes your house a trickier target for thieves.

Aesthetics:   If homeowners are looking to enhance the outer appearance of a home, garden or pool area a fence is the way to go.  It is a large statement piece that significantly improves the exterior look and feel of your home.

Added Value:  Adding a fence adds to the equity of your home.  It is a home improvement investment that you get back what you put into it.

Reasons to Choose Aluminum Fencing

Warranty:  Not all fencing materials offer a lifetime warranty but aluminum does.  The warranty covers against paint cracks, peeling, chips and workmanship defects.  The powder coating makes the fences finish last for a significant period of time over other fencing materials.

Colors:  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors, black being the most common choice amongst homeowners.  Different colors are available in every style and grade of aluminum fence.  You can choose a color that coordinates with the exterior of your home.

Economical:  Over the long term, aluminum fencing is the most economical type of fencing.  Other types of fencing materials require replacement not to mention maintenance and painting expenses over time.

Maintenance:  Aluminum fences are rust resistant and require far less maintenance overall than most fencing types.  Aluminum does not need to be stained or power washed yearly.  There is no need for paint either as the powder coating used on aluminum helps prevent against chips, cracks and peeling.

Safety:  If you are looking for a fence that meets B.O.C.A. standards, aluminum s designed to meet pool codes.  This is true not only of residential use but also commercial use.

Installation: There is no other fence as easy to install as an aluminum fence.  The fence comes in pre-assembled panels with posts pre-punched.  The most difficult part of installing an aluminum fence is digging the holes for the posts.

Aluminum fence is priced according to the ornamental design and grade of fencing you choose.  Residential fencing is less expensive and requires a lighter gauge then commercial or industrial aluminum fence do.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Preferred Option In Perimeter Fencing

When you plan to install a fence around the perimeter of your yard or swimming pool there are a variety of options to consider.   Out of the vast array of options the most popular material in fencing continues to be aluminum.  When you look at all of the options on the market and compare the benefits of aluminum over other materials you will see why it continues to be the number one selling material in fencing.

Aluminum fencing is a preferred option in fencing for the many benefits it offers to homeowners.  Below you will find a list of the advantageous that aluminum offers over wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron and other fence materials.

Minimal Cleaning and Maintenance:  The prime advantage that aluminum has over other materials in fencing is the lack of time and money you will spend on the upkeep.  Aluminum fence does not require special cleaning or maintenance.  In order to keep your fence in the same shape as the day that it was installed all that is required is a light power washing every once in a while when dirt, algae or moss starts to grow.

Huge Selection of Styles:  Ornamental aluminum fencing comes in so many variations.  Whether you are looking for something simple or something decorative there is a style that will compliment the exterior of your home.  Decorative finials add a historical look while circles appear modern; depending on what you desire there are features you can add to create the perfect combination for your yard or pool area.

Resistant To Corrosion:  Aluminum fencing is resistant to corrosion.  Once the fence is installed the metal is prepared in such a way that it preserves the natural shine for a long period of time.  Often times the aluminum is powder-coated which offers a smooth finish to the surface of the fence.  You can purchase aluminum fencing in a variety of colors therefore it never will need to be painted.

Easy Installation:  The installation of aluminum fence panels is just another reason this material is chosen often for perimeter fencing.  Being that you can install aluminum fence on your own in a weekend, it is that easy, it saves homeowners a great deal of money in installation.  If you are not a do it yourselfer finding a fence installer will be simple.

Aluminum fencing is also easy to repair, durable, light-weight and competitive in price as well.  The benefits of choosing aluminum are abundant therefore making it a continued favorite for homeowners.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

Choosing The Perfect Deck Railing

It is almost impossible to picture a deck without railings.  Railings are in place not only to create an aesthetically pleasing architectural addition but also to provide support for unsteady people as well as to add an extra barrier of protection for children and pets.  As you begin shopping for railings for your deck you will find the market is flooded with a variety of styles and materials to choose from.  It is easy to be confused when it comes to different railing systems available within today’s market.  Following the tips below you will better be prepared to make a decision on what railings and hand rails are best for your home and situation.

Determine a Reasonable Budget: Coming up with a reasonable budget is where every home improvement project should begin.  Take into account what you can afford and how much you are willing to devote to your project.  As you determine a budget consider the durability and maintenance of the product you choose and wok those figures into the extended budget.   The cost of aluminum railings upfront may be a bit more but overtime when you consider the time and costs associated with maintaining wood it may be that aluminum rails and hand rails are the better value.

Consider the Variety of Materials Available On the Market:  Railing for your decking comes in a variety of materials; varieties include aluminum, vinyl, wood, iron and glass.  For a durable, attractive, versatile and practically maintenance free material we suggest you look into aluminum railing systems over other materials on the market.  Wood is prone to decay and requires yearly upkeep which can be a financial drain year after year.  Glass is a trendy option that is difficult to keep looking fresh and clean.  Iron is incredibly durable but is heavy and more difficult to install.  Vinyl is a good choice but again is not nearly as durable or maintenance free as aluminum.

Consider Local Regulations:  It is necessary to check with local ordinances on rules and regulations of deck railings in your area.  Depending on the height of your deck the railing will need to be a specific height.  Not only should you consider the height of the railing system but also the width of the space between each rail.  All of these are important measurements to obtain before ordering your aluminum railing to ensure you are ordering railing that meets the residential code criteria.

Choose a Color and Style:  Choosing a color and style of railing can often be one of the more difficult choices.  Many homeowners need to visually see what the combination will look like with the style of their home before committing.  Many online companies offer design studios that allow you to import a picture of your home and design the space with a variety of aluminum railings. This allows you to visualize different colors and styles before you commit.  These tools are terrific to compare between several styles you are considering.

The final decision is yours.  It will come down to your personal taste and desires.  Some homeowners choose a complementary style that matches the home while others desire a stark contrast between the two.  While one person likes simplistic designs others may enjoy the ornamental aluminum styles.  Take time while choosing your aluminum railing as it is an investment that will be last for decades to come.

iFenceUSA offers a variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!