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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.  

Your pool enclosure’s lifespan will depend on the type and materials, but on average, you can expect it to last 10 to 15 years. The climate and level of maintenance will also affect how long your pool enclosure lasts. 

If you’re unsure of how your pool is doing in general, you can always get a pool inspection to make sure everything’s running smoothly.

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.

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.