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A retaining wall can only function as a fence if it’s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn’t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall.  

The regulations for pool fence heights vary by state, so be sure to research what the legal, minimum height is in your area before purchasing or installing a fence. Though every region is different, generally a pool fence must be at least 4 and ½ feet high. If you’re unsure whether you need a fence around your pool, and how high that fence should be, contact a local pool enclosure expert to help you successfully, and safely, move forward.

Depending on your budget, wants, and needs, a pool enclosure can be a worthwhile investment. It all comes down to how much you use your pool, and what it would mean to you to have year-round access to it.

If you know that you'll swim in your pool a lot, then having an enclosure means you don't have to worry about the weather. It's also a lot easier to maintain the water, because you don't have to deal with leaves falling into the pool, and the water's chemical levels tend to be more stable.

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.