Having a pool in your backyard can be exciting. It can also be nerve-racking as an open pool is dangerous to children and pets. It is the responsibility of homeowners with pools to install pool gate latches on every entryway into the backyard. The entryway is typically a gate around the perimeter of your property or a square fence around the pool.
This article will highlight the importance of pool gate latches and why safety and compliance are important.
What Is a Pool Gate Latch?
A gate can be a great tool and is particularly helpful when you need to gain access to a potentially fenced-off area. That being said, the main purpose of a pool gate is lost when it is left open for animals or people to saunter in unsupervised. You can avoid this by using a pool gate latch.
The gate lock ensures you maintain pool safety by keeping the gates locked and latched until needed. Crafted in a sturdy spring shape, the pool gate latch comes with an arm that comes out from the top.
It sits flush along the fence to keep the pool gate closed. A pool gate latch is typically constructed from powder-coated steel, robust enough to handle the element yet continue to function optimally.
Unlike new innovative locking technologies, the pool gate latch doesn’t require electricity or batteries that have to be changed. The only power you truly need is the power of the gate swing.
The gate latch can be a great tool for safety around backyards, ranches, farms, pools, and just about anywhere else you want to control access to. A gate latch can provide peace of mind, ensuring your gates are completely closed.
Why Is the Pool Gate Latch Important?
Pool gate latches are important as they help prevent unauthorized access to the pool area. A simple pool fence latch is an important pool safety measure that helps keep pets and children safe. Furthermore, it can also help protect the pool area from theft and vandalism. In certain states, it is a legal requirement to have a pool gate latch.
What to Look for When Getting the Best Pool Gate Latch
When considering purchasing a pool gate latch, you will need to consider the following variables:
Childproofing
If you have a high enough pool fence, you will need to ensure your pool gate latch is out of reach for small kids. This can mean constructing a vertically positioned lock at the top with the opening level also placed at the top. This way, if you have a 5 or 6-foot pool fence, it can only be unlocked by an adult.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is an extremely vital attribute of your pool gate latch. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, rain, or snow.
The last thing you want is your pool gate lock to rust out or malfunction in poor weather. When purchasing pool gate latches, always look out for weather-resistance properties.
Quality
The quality of the materials used to create the pool gate latch and the product reviews can play an important part in selecting the best gate latch. The reviews are especially important as buying every pool gate latch to test the materials is impossible.
Rather, you are better of relying on reviews from past customers. You can also assume the quality of the lock by considering where the gate latch was manufactured. For one, you are better off purchasing a pool gate latch manufactured in the US than one made outside the country.
Protect your property with an outdoor magnetic lock such as the ASE Outdoor Magnetic Lock.
Is a Pool Gate Latch Legally Required?
As a homeowner, you may wonder if you are legally mandated to get a pool gate lock. The simple fact is that it actually depends on where you live. In most states, you are legally required to construct a pool fence around your pool. Moreover, in some other areas, you must have a pool gate.
Conclusion
When installing a pool gate latch, there are a couple of things you need to do.
First, ensure your gate latch meets your city’s safety requirements and local building codes. For optimal security, you should also select a pool fence latch constructed from high-quality materials such as brass or stainless steel. You can also choose ones constructed from stainless steel and polymer components.
Next, ensure that your pool gate latch is keyed differently from every other lock on your property. This can help prevent unauthorized access. For increased security, consider a combination lock for your pool gate latch.
While this can be frustrating for your guests, it is much safer. Before purchasing a pool gate latch, you need to check the warranty on your lock to ensure it is completely covered just in case something goes wrong. Fortunately, certain pool gate latches come with a limited lifetime warranty.
When installing the swimming pool gate latch, ensure the instructions are clear, and you follow them to the tee. Take the time to test the gate lock after installing it. Doing this ensures that it functions properly. Ensure that the swimming pool gate latch is properly aligned and securely fastened.
You might also want to consider installing a pool alarm alongside the gate lock for increased security and safety.
When it comes to securing your swimming pool, pool gate latches are one of the first things you need to consider. There are various ways you can enhance your pool safety; however, a pool gate latch is one of the most secure ways to ensure child safety around the pool.
While pool gate latches aren’t always legally required, it is important to get one as it not only keeps your pets and children safe but also helps to deter thieves.
Pool Gate Latches
The importance of pool gate latches cannot be understated and they should be installed on any entryway into the backyard or around the perimeter of the pool. It’s essential that these measures are taken to keep everyone out of harm's way while you enjoy time with friends and family. Should you have any further questions about pool gate locks or other safety matters, we invite you to contact us any time for more information.
