Pool fencing safety regulations are designed to keep kids out of pools when they aren't under supervision; however, these child-resistant measures may not be enough to deter kids that climb for fun. If your toddler already has a fearless ability to scale just about anything that would put Tim Macartney-Snape to shame, then you need to think about more than the height of your fence. Are glass fences the answer?

Glass as a Climbing Surface

It's far harder to climb up a panel of glass than it is to climb on other fencing materials. Woods and metals, for example, often have rougher surfaces that allow intrepid climbers to get a grip or foothold that can start off a successful climb. It's far harder to do this on smooth surfaces like glass where sliding down during a climb is far is more normal than going up.

Framed or Frameless?

Your glass pool fencing can be set into frames or it can be frameless. Framed glass pool fences generally have panels of glass set into metal frames; frameless fences are made up from panels of glass set very close together. If you have a toddler climber, then frameless panels may be the best way to go. Intrepid climbers can use frames to help them climb – take these parts of a fence out of the equation and your toddler is only left with glass as a climbing surface.

Tip: Some frameless glass pool panels are held together by base plates. Depending on their size and location, and the abilities of your climber, these plates may be used to stand on. Your fencing installer will be able to give you advice on how to deal with this. For example, you may be able to use plates set on the inside of the glass rather than the outside; spacing plates far apart also prevents them being used as stepping stones.

Don't forget that you also need to follow regulations on creating a non-climbable zone around your fencing. Clearing the immediate area of trees, bushes, toys and chairs is another way to prevent your toddler from climbing. Even the youngest climbers work out quickly that climbing is easier if they have stuff to stand on.

For more advice on how to use pool fencing to keep your toddler out of your pool when you aren't around, then talk to your fencing contractor. They can help you fully understand your legal requirements and may be a useful source of additional child-proofing tips.