May is Check Your Pool Gate Month, the perfect time to ensure that your backyard swimming pool isn’t just fun and safe, but also secure. Pool gates are the first defense in preventing accidents, especially for children. But even the best gates and fences need routine checks to remain effective. Neglecting these checks could lead to a tragic accident, legal liabilities, and costly repairs.
Whether you're a homeowner, fence contractor, or property manager, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your pool gate safe and functional all year round.
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children aged 1–4 in the United States, and many of these incidents occur in home pools. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 70% of preschoolers who drown in a pool were not expected to be in or near the pool at the time of the incident.
A secure pool gate with self-closing and self-latching hardware can be the difference between a safe summer and a preventable tragedy. The consequences of a gate not meeting safety standards can be severe, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Start with the basics:
Pro Tip: Run your hand along the gate and fence to check for signs of wear, such as rust, corrosion, cracks, or warping. Wooden fences should also be checked for splinters or termite damage.
A gate that doesn’t close on its own is a serious safety hazard. Here’s how to test it:
Pro Tip: If your gate sags or doesn’t close fully on its own, you may need to adjust the hinges or replace worn components.
Self-latching means the latch engages automatically when the gate closes, no extra steps needed. To test:
Pro Tip: If the latch can be bypassed or doesn’t engage consistently, it’s time for an upgrade.
According to the CDC’s Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pools latches should be at least 54 inches (1.35 meters) from the bottom of the gate. This height requirement is to keep the latch out of reach of small children while remaining accessible to adults, ensuring that the gate can only be opened by someone tall enough to understand the risks and responsibilities.
The MagnaLatch® safety gate latch, for example, is a magnetic latch specifically designed to be child-resistant while remaining easy for adults to operate. It installs at the recommended height and uses a powerful magnetic mechanism that resists jiggling or shaking.
Your pool gate hardware should withstand rain, UV rays, salt, and chlorine. Look for:
Poor-quality hardware can deteriorate quickly, leading to failure when you least expect it.
6. Replace Outdated or Failing Hardware
If your gate has been around for a while, it's worth considering a modern replacement. Newer gate latches and hinges, like our MagnaLatch® line of safety latches with improved child resistance and a powerful magnetic latching mechanism and our TruClose® line of self-closing hinges with adjustable tension are both easy to install and maintain, and both are popular choices for safety-conscious homeowners and contractors.
While Check Your Pool Gate Month is a great reminder, safety checks should be part of your monthly home maintenance routine, especially during pool season. Regular maintenance is a responsible and proactive way to ensure your pool gate is always safe and secure. Take 15 minutes to inspect and test your gate. Safe gates help save lives.
Stay safe. Stay secure. And enjoy your pool — the smart way.
👉 Click here to learn more about our pool safety hardware solutions.
