The Ultimate Guide to Pool Safety in Southern California

So long as they continuously practice pool safety, Southern California homes can keep pool season going all year. In this post, the Pool Defence team will show you how to keep your pool safe and compliant.

Understanding Southern California’s Unique Pool Safety Challenges

Mild SoCal winters mean plenty of people still regularly swim year-round, only possible thanks to strict safety requirements. Here are just three major ways this manifests:

• California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires multiple safety features for each pool.
• Los Angeles-specific guidance says barriers must be at least 5 feet high and children should not be able to open gates.
• Many insurers require self-closing gates to secure coverage; this insurance also has higher liability limits.

California Pool Safety Laws and Compliance Requirements

Pool safety laws in California mainly fall under the Swimming Pool Safety Act. The act, as mentioned above, requires all residential pools to have at least two safety features from the following:

1. An enclosure
2. Removable mesh fencing
3. An approved safety cover
4. Exit alarms for home doors
5. Self-closing/latching doors
6. Pool entry alarms
7. Other verified forms of protection

These features only became requirements in 2018, and there’s currently no state mandate for retrofitting pools built before then. This means it’s your responsibility to guarantee your pool is safe for yourself and your family.

On this note, Pool Defence has sturdy, childproof mesh and glass fences that suit state requirements. We also provide safety nets that help you show off your pool without the risk of children falling in.

Fencing Options for Every Southern California Home

A mesh or glass pool fence stops your children from wandering into the pool, but it also gives you a clear line of sight when your children are swimming.

Here’s a closer look at these two fencing types:

• A mesh pool fence is more affordable, easier to reposition, and requires less upkeep.
• Glass pool fencing, meanwhile, is stronger than mesh and may offer more curb appeal. However, it’s more costly and requires special cleaning products.

You can pair either fence type with a durable net for extra protection and peace of mind.

Pool Safety Technology and Equipment

Alongside safety nets and fences, a homeowner can use plenty of extra tools and equipment to maximize their pool’s safety. Here are just a few examples:

• Pool alarms: These alert you when someone enters or exits the pool. Make sure to adjust the alarm’s sensitivity, as Santa Ana winds can trigger them.
• Gate or door alarms: Similarly, these tell you when someone opens a gate near the pool. However, they don’t go off when someone climbs the gate.
• Motorized covers: These automatically cover the pool, stopping kids from falling in and preventing evaporation. However, they need regular cleaning.
• Smart monitors: Some tools let you detect water imbalances, helping you correct these before it’s too late. However, heat can damage the sensors.

Combined with a Pool Defence barrier, these technologies give you several layers of protection.

Creating a Pool Safety Culture

No pool safety guide stops at just having the right tech. You’ll also need to take safety seriously. This means your kids must only swim with adult supervision; you should also get in the habit of netting your pool after use.

It’s also vital that you teach your children how to swim and make sure everyone (of all ages) knows what to do in an emergency. Pool Defence’s barriers are great for pool safety, but only work alongside thorough education.

Seasonal Safety Considerations

Pool Defence’s equipment works in all seasons, but you should still stay cautious year-round. Here’s how the changing seasons can affect your pool safety strategy:

• Spring: This is the best time to conduct maintenance before peak use in summer.
• Summer: Heat can degrade pool equipment. Frequent gatherings can also cause you to forget pool coverings.
• Fall: Harsh Santa Ana winds could leave your pool full of leaves or storm debris.
• Winter: Sudden cold snaps can freeze any of the pool’s vital components.

Pool Safety During Natural Disasters

Unfortunately, Southern California’s no stranger to earthquakes and wildfires, both of which can affect your pool.

For example, an earthquake can crack your glass fencing or jar your safety alarms and equipment out of position. A wildfire’s smoke and ash can also jam sensors or warp plastic, and any power outage could leave automatic covers stuck.

Luckily, Pool Defence only uses non-electrical solutions. Once everything’s back to normal, arrange a full pool safety inspection before using it, just to be safe.

Choosing the Right Pool Safety Partner in Southern California

Pool Defence doesn’t just provide the best pool fencing in Southern California; we also know what SoCal pools need to stay safe year-round. Contact Pool Defence today to schedule a safety assessment and make your property safer than ever.