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When designing your dream pool, it's important to leave enough room for safe walkways, patios, and extras such as outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Your local building codes may specify the minimum space between your pool and your house, utility lines, and property line. In most cases, the area of the patio around the pool should be equal to or greater than the surface area of the pool.

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. 

Each state has its own regulations about pool fences, and laws to protect both swimmers and pool owners. Before installing a pool, you’ll need to research what the pool laws in your state, city, and county are to ensure that you’re adhering to the legal regulations. Inground pools typically need to have a fence around the entirety of them, but the rules regarding above-ground pools are less stringent. A good rule of thumb is to always have a fence around your pool to ensure safety for all. 

The best way to heat a swimming pool depends on your pool and location. Those living in sunny environments may find that a solar-powered heater works just fine, but you may need something more reliable, like a gas or electric heater if it’s often cloudy where you live. When in doubt, try a few lower-cost options first to see if they meet your needs before going all in on a more expensive heater.