How Pool Fences Help Prevent Drownings in Arizona

/ / Published in Pool Fences, Pool Safety
prevent drownings with a pool fence

Arizona’s all-year sunshine and culture of outdoor pools make for a wonderful way of life, but they also pose a real threat. In Arizona, dozens of kids drown every year in accidents that could have been avoided. Pool fences and other safety barriers can prevent drownings in Arizona. Many of them happen in backyard pools. For kids ages 1 to 4, drowning is the most common way they die by accident, and the rates in Arizona are especially scary.

These terrible things don’t happen because parents aren’t watching. Some people drown while they are briefly distracted, like when they run inside to get a towel, answer the phone, or check on another child. In those seconds, a child who isn’t being watched could quietly fall into the water.

At Arizona Pool Fence, we design and build pool safety systems that meet or exceed state requirements. Our goal is to help every family in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tucson, and the surrounding cities protect what is most important to them. We can do this by installing safe fences, locked gates, safety nets, and alarms.

Why Pool Drownings Happen So Often in Arizona

Arizona has the most pools and one of the highest rates of child drownings in the U.S. Most of the time, we could have avoided these incidents, but they continue to occur in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tucson, and other locations. The first step toward protection is to understand why.

Warm Weather Means Year-Round Pool Access

Pools are only used for a few months a year in many parts of the country. In Arizona, you can use your outdoor pool for almost the whole year. This increases the chance of a child entering the water unsupervised, even in the cooler months when parents may not expect their kids to use the pool.

Pools Are Common in Residential Backyards

Many homes in Arizona have pools or are located in areas where pools are common. This makes the water consistently dangerous, particularly for toddlers who are naturally curious and can often reach it before anyone notices.

Drownings Happen Quickly and Silently

It’s not as dramatic in real life to die as it is in movies. People often don’t notice it, even when adults are close, because it’s quick and quiet. In less than 30 seconds, a child can fall into a pool and be underwater.

Lack of Physical Barriers

Often, houses with pools lacked the necessary fencing, self-latching gates, or alarms. Without barriers, even a short break in control can be fatal.

Arizona statistics highlight the urgency:

  • The Arizona Department of Health Services reports dozens of pediatric drowning incidents each year.
  • In Maricopa and Pima Counties, drowning is consistently a leading cause of injury-related death for young children.
  • Most drownings happen in the child’s own backyard or at a home they frequently visit.

Parents aren’t careless when these things happen; they happen because kids move quickly, water is quiet, and accidents can happen in seconds without the right safety measures.

How Pool Fences Save Lives

A correctly installed pool fence is the best way to prevent children under five from accessing the pool without supervision. An actual wall can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy when every second counts.

A Physical Barrier That Buys Time

A pool fence isn’t just there to keep kids out; it’s also there to give adults time to step in and intervene. A kid can’t fall into a pool they can’t get to. When put up correctly, a pool fence:

  • Blocks all direct access to the water
  • Forces children to use gates that require adult-level dexterity
  • Reduces the risk of accidental falls into the pool area

Key Safety Features That Make a Difference

At Arizona Pool Fence, we design fences to meet or exceed Arizona safety laws and industry best practices. Our fences feature:

  • Minimum 5-foot height to prevent climbing
  • No footholds or handholds for children to use to scale the fence
  • Tight spacing between vertical bars or mesh to eliminate gaps
  • Self-closing, self-latching gates with childproof hardware
  • Secure anchors that withstand Arizona’s harsh climate

We also offer upgrades like:

  • Lockable gate latches
  • Key-entry systems
  • Removable mesh panels for flexibility when entertaining

Arizona Pool Barrier Laws You Should Know

Arizona law requires homeowners with pools and children under six to install the proper pool barriers. Different cities may have different rules, but most of them, like Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tucson, require:

  • A minimum 5-foot-high fence
  • No openings greater than 4 inches wide
  • Gates that open outward and self-close/self-latch
  • Latch mechanisms are placed at least 54 inches above ground

Arizona Pool Fence ensures that every installation complies with the rules in each city to protect your family and property properly.

Types of Pool Fencing We Install

We offer various fencing options to fit your budget, aesthetic, and safety needs:

  • Mesh pool fencing – Climb-resistant, see-through, and removable
  • Wrought iron fencing – Durable and stylish with modern safety features
  • Tempered glass panels – Clean look, strong barrier, minimal visual obstruction

No matter your choice, all fences are custom-fitted to your yard and pool layout.

Additional Layers of Protection Beyond Pool Fences

brown mesh pool fence in phoenix

A pool fence is the best way to keep kids and pets safe, but it should be part of a multi-layered system. At Arizona Pool Fence, we also sell and suggest other safety features that work together to make it less likely that someone will get in without being watched.

Self-Closing, Self-Latching Gates

  • One of the most important upgrades to your pool fence.
  • Automatically shuts and locks behind anyone who passes through.
  • Prevents the gate from accidentally being left open.
  • Latches are installed 54 inches or higher, out of reach for young children.
  • Most city codes across Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, require this.

High-Latch Door Handles and Interior Locks

  • Many pool incidents occur when children access the pool through patio or back doors.
  • High-mounted door latches prevent young kids from opening doors unsupervised.
  • When combined with interior deadbolts or locks, this adds a strong secondary barrier for homes with direct access to the pool area.

Pool Alarms and Door Alarms

  • Detect when a door opens or when someone enters the water.
  • Door alarms alert you immediately if a child exits the house without supervision.
  • Pool surface alarms can detect ripples or movement in the water.
  • Some wearable child alarms are available as an added layer of notification.

These systems work great in homes where a pool fence isn’t feasible around the entire yard, such as properties with limited space or odd layouts.

Pool Safety Nets and Covers

  • Mesh safety nets are custom-fit to your pool’s shape and tensioned to prevent falls into the water.
  • Lightweight but strong enough to support the weight of a child or small pet.
  • Pool covers are another barrier but must be rigid or properly secured to offer real protection (not just for leaves or debris).
  • We offer both safety nets and pool cover installations designed to meet safety standards for pools in Arizona.

Motion-Activated Cameras and Lighting

  • While not a physical barrier, motion lights or security cameras can alert you to unexpected activity near your pool, especially at night or when the pool is not in use.

Supervision Still Matters

Even with the best pool fence, safety features, and other precautions, you must supervise the kids. A small break in attention is all it takes for most drownings to happen in just a few seconds. That’s why it’s essential to remember that safety gadgets are not a substitute for constant supervision of your child.

Why Constant Supervision Is Critical

  • Drowning is silent. Children don’t splash or yell for help like in the movies.
  • Most accidents happen during non-swim times, when no one is expecting pool activity.
  • Toddlers are naturally curious and can slip through open doors or gates in a matter of seconds.

The “Water Watcher” Strategy

When children are near the pool, designate a responsible adult as a “water watcher.” They should only look at the water, not use their phones or do anything else. When more than one adult is present, use a badge or timer to assign tasks.

Swimming Lessons Help, but Aren’t Enough

  • Enroll children in age-appropriate swim classes as early as possible.
  • Teach them water safety rules and reinforce boundaries.
  • But never rely on swimming ability alone, even experienced swimmers can drown.

Arizona Pool Fence: Your Partner in Pool Safety

mesh safety fence for pool

Protecting your family is more than just following the law for Arizona Pool Fence. It’s about providing you with a sense of peace. For over a decade, we have helped individuals in Arizona ensure the safety, security, and compliance of their pools, all while maintaining aesthetics and functionality.

Why Choose Arizona Pool Fence?

  • Locally owned and operated with deep knowledge of Arizona’s pool barrier laws
  • Installations that meet or exceed all city and state requirements for pool safety
  • Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
  • Experienced team with thousands of completed installations across:
    • Phoenix
    • Scottsdale
    • Mesa
    • Chandler
    • Glendale
    • Tucson
    • And the surrounding communities

Our Pool Safety Products Include:

Customized Solutions for Every Home

Every home and pool layout is unique, which is why we offer:

  • Free in-home safety consultations
  • Custom measurements and fence designs
  • Product recommendations based on your yard, children’s ages, and risk level

Final Tips for Creating a Safe Pool Area

To make a pool area safe, you can’t just rely on one feature; you need to add many layers of defense that all work together. The goal is always the same: keep kids and pets out of the water when you’re not around.

Conduct a Pool Safety Walkthrough

Take 10–15 minutes to walk around your pool area and check for:

  • Gaps or openings in fencing or gates
  • Furniture or landscaping that could be used to climb over fences
  • Doors and windows that open directly to the pool area
  • Unsecured toys or flotation devices that could tempt a child to reach for them

Combine Multiple Layers of Protection

The most secure pools include:

  • A fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate
  • High door latches or deadbolts on exterior access points
  • Alarms on doors, windows, and the pool surface
  • A pool safety net or rigid safety cover
  • Supervision from designated adults during any water activity

Keep Safety Equipment Nearby

  • Have rescue hooks or flotation rings easily accessible
  • Keep a fully charged phone nearby in case of emergency
  • Post CPR instructions or emergency numbers in view

Educate Everyone in the Home

  • Teach children to never go near the pool without an adult
  • Review safety rules with babysitters, grandparents, and frequent visitors
  • Encourage swim lessons, but remind children that swimming ability does not replace supervision or safety barriers

With the proper planning and support, you can enjoy your pool with greater confidence. In the final section, we’ll show you how to take the next step toward securing your home and how Arizona Pool Fence can help.

Call to Action: Secure Your Pool Today

Every year, people drown in pools and die, but they could have been saved. People in Arizona often have outdoor pools, so protecting your pool is not just a choice. Installing a pool fence is the first and most important safety measure, but adding smart features like alarms, safety nets, and gates that lock automatically makes it a comprehensive safety system.

At Arizona Pool Fence, we’ve helped thousands of families throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tucson, and beyond protect their loved ones with code-compliant, affordable, and attractive pool barriers.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

  • Book a free in-home estimate with our experienced team
  • Get expert advice on custom fencing options and safety upgrades
  • Ensure your pool area meets Arizona legal requirements
  • Choose from mesh, iron, and glass fencing, plus nets, gates, and alarms

Let’s make your pool area safer starting today.

Contact Arizona Pool Fence now to schedule your consultation and take the next step in protecting your home and your family.

FAQs About Pool Fencing and Drowning Prevention

Do I need a pool fence if I don’t have young children?

Yes. Arizona law often requires pool barriers even if there are no children living in the home. Kids from neighboring homes, visiting grandchildren, or pets can still be at risk. A fence protects everyone.

What are the legal requirements for pool fencing in Arizona?

Most Arizona cities require:

  • A fence at least 5 feet tall
  • No gaps larger than 4 inches
  • Self-closing and self-latching gates
  • Latches positioned at least 54 inches from the ground

Check local codes in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tucson, etc., or ask our team for guidance.

Is mesh pool fencing safe and durable?

Yes. High-quality mesh fencing is:

  • Climb-resistant
  • UV and weather resistant
  • Removable (if needed for events)
  • Strong enough to withstand Arizona heat and daily use

Can I install the fence myself, or should I hire a professional?

While DIY kits exist, we highly recommend professional installation to:

  • Ensure compliance with local laws
  • Eliminate gaps or weaknesses in coverage
  • Guarantee the fence is anchored securely

Arizona Pool Fence offers expert installation with precise measurements and code compliance.

How do pool safety nets compare to pool covers?

  • Safety nets are tensioned to prevent a child from falling in, are easier to remove, and don’t collect water or debris.
  • Pool covers can be helpful for debris, but must be rigid or properly secured to provide any drowning prevention benefit.

We offer both options and can recommend the best fit for your pool.

What’s the best way to fully childproof a pool area?

Use multiple layers of protection:

  • A compliant pool fence with a self-closing gate
  • Door alarms and pool motion sensors
  • Pool safety nets or covers
  • High-latch locks on all access points
  • Always supervise children near water