Pool vs pond

[Orleander]

If I have a pool do I have to have it fenced in? Why? If I have a pond do I have to have it fenced in too? :confused:

[Coastie 585]

Probably depends on your state laws. You have a pond?!? :D

[ogdogg16]

That depends on state and local laws. I'm guessing though that indoor pool = 6 foot fence around it, pond = no fence, but must have inlet and outlet. Thats how it is by me anyways.

[Group9]

I would do it if there are small children around whether the law requires it or not. One of the saddest things in Florida is how many children drown in pools and canals. If I could afford to fence it in, I would.

[oscarmitre]

If I have a pool do I have to have it fenced in? Why? If I have a pond do I have to have it fenced in too? :confused:

LOL - Orleander once again identifies the inconsistencies. If I have a swimming pool in my back yard then in my state I have to fence it. But if I keep ducks for a hobby and they swim around in a shallow pond then I don't have to fence it. But a child can drown in my duck pond just as well as the pool. So why don't I have to fence the pool if it's as dangerous as the pool.

I think the answer lies in political risk management. There is more risk of a child drowning in my pool than my duck pond. Local politicians know that they will have a bit of a fight (but not a big one) if they legislate to have swimming pools fenced because our common sense tell us it's a good idea. But if they legislated to have me fence my duck pond - well how dare they! What a stupid idea!

See the point? Greater risk as against lesser risk.

[md123]

Well, pools are installed. It would not be practical to require that a naturally existing pond (as most are) to be fenced in because that would require people to start fencing in every puddle on their property in an erxtreme situation. I see a logical difference between the two, but agree that one could easily drown in a pond as they would in a pool.

[80's hair]

If I have a pool do I have to have it fenced in? Why? If I have a pond do I have to have it fenced in too? :confused:

I am a pool owner. I have to maintain a 52 inch barrier from the water. Supervision is a must at all times. A friend of mine has a pretty large pond and she does not have to have a barrier. But, it has to be so many feet away from the play area. These are actually daycare rules. Because she and I are licensed by the state. Other than that the rules for the average person may be different. That I do not know. Better to err on the safe side in any situation. You could always check with the city in which you reside for actual rules.

What I do know is a child can drown in a small amount of water even a puddle. Like the one at the end of my driveway right now. My son had a friend drown in a decorative pond (very Shallow) at his grandmothers house several years ago. Many adults were present, and it still happened. There does need to be a designated water watcher at all times for any body of water when children are present. Someone who is trained in CPR and First Aid. Especially on young children. That is a special class not just your regular one. You have to specify at the Red cross. That is purely my opinion and not law by any means.

The boys were less than 2 years old at the time and loved to play together. My son still remembers this incident and has become cautious of water. He is an excellent swimmer but, that is no defense against hitting your head on the bottom rocks and being knocked unconcious in a small pond. So everyone has to beware of these possible consequences in whatever situation you are in. I would certainly hate to see anymore children lose their lives to a drowning. Parents, grandparents, Aunts Uncles, Friends, etc should not have to burry their loved ones because of a mistake that could have been prevented.

Sorry.... I am just passionate about children. I hope you understand that this isn't meant to disrespect in anyway.

[Samuel]

In most Pools (man-made) the transition from "dry" to "in over your head" can take place like that *snap*. In most Ponds (natural), it is much more gradual, which makes it easier to get back to "dry".

[darrell]

If I have a pool do I have to have it fenced in? Why? If I have a pond do I have to have it fenced in too? :confused:

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Thats a township or city ordiance. Check with them, in my township yes they have to be fecned in by a fence of 6-8' high.

[99TAC]

My municipality does not permit above ground pools, only in-ground. Whereas, all neighboring communities allow above ground pools. All depends on local ordinances.

[Seand442]

A child can also drown in a mop bucket or a bathtub. i don't see any laws that say you need a fence around your bathtub. The fact of the matter is that to prevent drownings, you need constant supervision. The adult or guardian must have both eyes on the child as long as they are in the general ballpark as any amount of water that a child could drown in. IMHO, all of these fence laws that have been passed are good but they are a way for municipalities to make the parents responsible if a child drowns. Too many frivolous lawsuits against them for not having a law to have a fence. Not to mind the fact that Mommy was upstairs talking on the phone for an hour while little Johnny got in the pool. The fence can prevent it but the supervision will stop it.

[Jynkxxie]

Is this for both above and under ground pools?

[oscarmitre]

Fair point Seand442 parental supervision is absolutely important. But what if someone has a pool and no children of their own and an inquiring child from next door sneaks into the back yard and into the pool area? Yes a parent should be supervising but what if the parent is momentarily distracted? We know how quickly kids can make themselves invisible. I think that's where a fenced pool reduces that risk.

[darrell]

Yes

[mcsap]

Ask your homeowners ins agent how much risk you are taking, they will know the laws/ordinances in your state /area.