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Evaporation causes up to 70% of outdoor pools’ energy losses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. While you can’t completely prevent evaporation, different types of pool covers can help a lot. Pool enclosures, however, don’t do much to stop evaporation—and the cost to build a pool enclosure likely won’t tempt you to try.

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.  

A pool enclosure could be a great decision if you’re considering dedicating funds toward pool remodeling costs. Pool enclosures offer benefits like enhanced security and keeping out dirt, debris, dust, and insects—which helps reduce the maintenance and cleaning needed—and uninvited animals and trespassers. Your enclosure can also provide extra shade and UV protection to make your pool time more enjoyable. In some cases, your pool enclosure may increase your home’s value.

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.