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Small animals, particularly rats and mice, like to burrow inside pool heaters. To keep them out, seal any entry points with caulk or steel wool. Then, place mothballs inside or around your pool heater. As a final measure of protection, you can cover the pool heater in hardware cloth or wood paneling to further block entry points.

Mesh and tempered glass are both very safe pool fencing options because they’re difficult to climb. You might also want to consider installing a pool safety net, and always make sure your pool is maintained properly. You could even consider a swimming pool enclosure that surrounds the pool on all sides.

The safest pool fence depends on what you’re trying to protect against. If you’re concerned about children and pets, a fence with gaps between or under the material isn’t advisable, as they could get through it. Mesh fences tend to reach the height requirements needed for pool fence safety, although they are not the most durable. Solid fence types, such as wood, concrete, or stone have the best chance of protecting the surface area around a pool, so long as they are high enough to discourage anything, or anyone, from climbing over them. 

If you live in an area where pool enclosures are expected, like in Florida, having one won't necessarily increase your home value. However, it's worth noting that in warm climates, a pool can add $11,600 to $95,000 to a home's value. 

On the other hand, if you're in an area where pool enclosures are not common, having one might set your home apart from the crowd. Depending on the appraiser, you may see an additional $25,000 to $27,000 or more for an enclosed, inground pool when it comes time to sell.