Some other disturbing statistics that only reinforce the need for fencing around pools show the quickness in which a child can drown and how important it is to watch kids, even if a fence is in place. In 77 percent of child drownings, the child was out of sight for five minutes or less. Out of approximately 350 children under 6-years-old that drown per year, the majority were under the supervision of one or both parents. Also, statistics show that it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown. Statistics provided by Realtytimes.com show that 75 percent of pool drownings are caused by a combination of poor or no supervision and the absence of a pool barrier.

Obviously, keeping a fleet footed youngster away from the pool isn't as easy as it sounds. But, having a fence put up around a swimming pool can make the job a little easier.

A pool owner doesn't want just any fence going up on their property, so finding the right fence is a major decision. Local pool codes may differ, but somewhere around five feet is the recommended height of a safety fence.

The most widely used material for pool area fencing is ornamental aluminum fencing and galvanized steel mesh fencing. These types of fence not only look good but they can add value to property, and they have the ability to fit the landscape that they are becoming a part of.

Hamden, Connecticut-based Specrail makes ornamental aluminum fencing in nine styles, four grades and five colors. One style that Specrail makes that meets pool codes is The Storrs. It is a simple design with a smooth top rail that has been modified so that pickets do not extend through the bottom rail and is available in 54" heights.

The Saybrook model also has a smooth rail top but the pickets protrude through the bottom bar. For larger water areas like a pond or small lake, the Newport model is ideal. Specrail says that this design was "inspired by the life of the ocean." It is a scallop design with traditional spear points at the top. Another fence that is good for large areas especially where boats are docked is the Falcon. Every other picket thrusts a spear point above the top rail and it has 1 1/2" picket spacing, providing tight security, while still allowing for a look at the landscape.

Ameristar, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma also carries ornamental steel fencing in Classic, Majestic, Genesis, and Warrior styles for residential and commercial needs. Many of their fences are designed with Aegis steel, which the company says is three times stronger than ultra-light aluminum fencing that is offered elsewhere.

With 75 percent of pool drownings occurring in areas with no pool barrier, a fence like the one above provide a good look at the pool while keeping youngsters out of danger.

The Classic features extended spear pointed pickets in either a two or three rail design. The Majestic also comes in a two or three rail design but it comes with a smooth top (no extended spear points).

The Genesis comes in the same design as the Classic but it is different in that it has flat, rather than spear-shaped picket tops, it is best suited for larger perimeter fencing and is available in both two or three rail styles.

The Warrior is a traditional ornamental fence that is enhanced by alternating picket heights that compliments landscaping, giving property an elegant look.

An alternative to ornamental aluminum fencing is galvanized welded steel mesh fencing, made by Omega Fence Systems of Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Fitting the contour of the land, the prefabricated fence comes in 8-foot sections in heights of 4,5,6, and 8 feet. The panels are made of heavy duty 6-gauge steel wire with a tensile strength of 75,000 psi welded into mesh. The breaking load is 2,172 pounds-per-individual wire and can be stacked for heights up to 20 feet. The mesh sections are reversible and can be installed with either flat or pointed ends up.

The fence can be manipulated into various designs, such as logos inserted into the mesh or angles made in the fence to prevent climbing. The higher the fence, the more folds are required for durability. A 4-5 foot high fence needs only two folds, while a 6-foot high fence requires three, and an 8-foot high fence needs four folds.

Implementing stone or brick into your fencing scheme can make the iron bars look a little more attractive. Superior Concrete Products in Arlington, Texas can do just that. Their systems are easily integrated with precast concrete lattice panels, balustrades, cast stone trim caps and wrought iron fences. They also provide a wide variety of gates to compliment the look of the wall. With the textured look of wood, brick and stone the Superior-Stone, Superior-Brick and Superior-Wood wall and rail systems are maintenance free and are manufactured with glass fiber and steel reinforced panels, posts and trim caps.

Master-Halco, located in La Habra, California also has ornamental fencing in several designs. Their Monumental Iron fences are modular systems made up of many component parts, which are designed to support each other. Because there is no welding, red rust problems will not develop or detract from the look of the fence. The fence comes with a 15-year Limited Warranty. This model can be customized with arched or ornate finials, scrolls, rings or a choice of three picket tops.

Their Classic Premier fences are steel-component systems that have a traditional ornamental iron look. This model is made from galvanized steel with a polyester powder-coat finish for exceptional corrosion resistance. The 'forerunner' rail system holds the pickets in place and provides exceptional strength. An internal retaining rod allows simple picket attachment without welds or screws, while permitting panels to follow the slope and contours of the property.

Fences can come in various designs such as smooth rail tops and bottoms with anywhere from 1-3 rails. The two rail design above with portruding pickets is a common barrier around pools and various water features.

Master-Halco's Colonial Aluminum ornamental fences are designed using larger pickets, rails and posts to achieve an 8-foot post spacing. The panels are attached to posts using a bracket that has been bolted through the post for added strength and security. The Colonial comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that states the Colonial is warrented to be free from defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the fence.

The right style that compliments the landscape and adds value to property is important, but the value of the life that a pool fence saves is even more important. LASN