Past limitations only made a metal pool fence an available option.  There were also chain link style fences that had a vinyl coating to them.  There was also a time when swimming pool covers were used more for safety than heating.  In fact, there were some that claimed that they could support the weight of an elephant on them.  There is also a pool safety netting that is stretched across the top that will not allow a baby or small animal through.

The standard metal pool fence rails in black.

Now, it is more common to see the vertical rail styles in various powder coated options.  Most residential pool fences must be a minimum of 5’ tall to meet code, 6’ is the standard for commercial use.  With this metal rail style, the spacing can be no more than 4” apart.  This is to prevent childrens’ heads and other animals getting stuck in the fencing, causing potential life-threatening situations.  The lure of those brightly colored pool floats can just be too much to little inquiring and inquisitive minds.

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The rails in these styles are usually 5/8” thick and often have 1” tube top and bottom members that frame the rails.  Then, there are the posts at the end of each section of fencing.  These are often 2” square tubing.  For a standard pool installation, black powder coated finish and all right angles is the norm.  For a more custom look, you can opt for decorative top and bottom pieces to be detailed with scroll work or other metal patterns.  Panel work and other curved edges can be used for a custom job as well.  You may also like to choose from a variety of powder coating colors and pool gates.

Some people just don’t like the harsh look that this creates against their swimming pool landscaping and other patio features.  a metal If this is the situation you are in, don’t worry, you can still get a very pleasing to the eye looking safety pool fence that can also be taken down with ease for cleaning or repairs or even for temporary outdoor entertaining where adults are the only guests invited.  This type of removable pool fence is the one that we have chosen as our favorite.  It may also be referred to as a pool barrier fence or something along these lines.

Patio Place Pick – The Removable Pool Fence

This is less visually cluttering and allows for easy removal when not needed.

This type of pool fencing is essentially a vinyl-plastic mesh screen type material that is mounted between sturdy posts that are simply stuck into your pool’s decking surface.  It can be installed at any point, during or after construction.  In fact, with the boring tool assembly, the whole job takes less than half a day to complete in most cases, depending on complexity.  It works in a very simple fashion as well.  All you need to do is squeeze the expanding clip through the eyelet at the place where you would like the door to go and the fence is secure.  Opening for access is just as simple.  And, because it provides full coverage, no arms, legs, animals, toys or other objects can make their way through it.  This is really the future of safety pool fencing in residential applications in our opinion.  You might need to check with your local coding regulations to ensure it is an acceptable system in your area.                       Photo credit

A classic looking pool float.

A pool float is really just as simple as it sounds – it is some type of device that we may use to float comfortably in the water and dream that we are slipping through the clouds.  Here at Patio Covers Place, we are all about patio enjoyment and anything that relates to it.  Hammocks, porch swings, rockers/gliders and other pool furniture on dry land and pool chairs and rafts on the water; they are all good to us.  We’re not here to judge which ones have more class or greater comfort, but we can fill you in on some of our picks and revelations.

Having said all of this, you should know that there are certain types of swimming pool floats that we do particularly enjoy.  One of our favorites is the foam pool float.  You can see some of those styles here.  There are also many styles of pool lounge chairs.  For the most part, these refer to those zero gravity and reclining chairs that have the infinite adjusting settings on them.  While these are not made to go in the pool, they are certainly great options for around one.  However, there are models of a floating pool chair that resemble these in function.  The picture you see below is an example of one of these.  The extra thing about this one, you’ll notice, is that it is motorized.  Yes, you read that right.  No more paddling to get your next cold beverage, simply use your joysticks to get back poolside.

Got an extra pool float?

You can still find a typical inflatable raft if that is what you seek also, of course.  Even these have made improvements in their design and functional elements to avoid going flat too soon and materials that stand up better to the harsh summer sun and pool chemicals.  There have been improvements with regard to design as well.

Several styles of floating pool chairs are ergonomically designed for better support.  You’ll find inflatable cushions in the neck and back areas, as well as reclined positions that are better for your body.  Similarly, there have been innovative breakthroughs in some foam pool float designs as well.  One of these is the simple addition of a face slot cut out of the pillow area.  This allows for you to lay face down on the float without having to twist your neck to one side – your chiropractor would be very proud of you!

Other ideas in pool flotation devices are those noodles.  These have popped up everywhere and in many shapes and forms.  Some floating chairs use these noodles as ways to give you greater flotation.  One issue with these noodle pool flotation devices is that they tend to break down with exposure to the pool chemical and outdoor environment.  So, what you will find are many little pieces and chunks of the noodles showing up in your pool skimmers and filters – not the best design.  If you want the best of all worlds, get a floating chair, it definitely is in the top of the “pool floats” category in our book.

Pool float – classic

Pool float – extra