As the busiest swimming months end in Charleston, Carolina Fence Company is reminding pool owners that a closed pool can still be reached through a gate that fails to latch. A June 2026 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report again stresses layers of protection around residential pools, giving owners a reason to check barriers after summer use even when no one expects to swim that day.
The CPSC report says an average of 376 children under 15 died each year in pool- or spa-related incidents from 2021 through 2023. Most of those children were under five. The report also says fatal incidents were most common in June, July, and August. That summer pattern does not mean a pool becomes safe to leave unsecured in fall.
Carolina Fence Company installs pool fences in the Charleston area. A pool barrier has to work as a whole, from the fence line to the access gate. The end of the swimming season is a useful time for an owner to walk that route and note anything that no longer closes, latches, or blocks access as intended. A problem found in October should not wait for next summer.
A useful first look is whether each gate closes and latches without being pushed or held. An owner can check it from the normal access side, keeping children away during the check. The latch should hold after the gate swings shut; a gate that stays ajar or opens with a light push needs prompt attention. A prop used during a party or yard project should not be left in place after the work ends.
The barrier is more than the gate. Owners can look for loose panels, damaged hinges, shifted posts, or objects placed beside the fence that make it easier to climb. The path between the house and the water deserves attention too. A sliding door or side entrance may be part of the access route even when the fence at the street still looks sound.
The federal Pool Safely guidance recommends a fence around all sides of a pool, a gate that closes and latches by itself, and other layers such as alarms and covers. These recommendations should not be presented as a substitute for the specific rules that apply to a property. The local permit office and the authority with jurisdiction should be consulted about any new or replacement pool enclosure, especially when access from the house is involved.
Owners should also check for normal use, not just appearance. A latch may work once while the gate is held at a particular angle, then miss when released from its usual position. Hardware that rubs, a hinge that no longer lets the gate swing freely, or an opening left by a removed section can defeat the intended barrier. A professional assessment is appropriate when the gate or fence no longer works as designed.
No fence, cover, or alarm replaces adult attention near water. The CPSC advises a designated adult to watch children without distractions whenever they are in or near a pool. The fact that the season has changed does not eliminate the need for that supervision when the water is accessible. Children should not be asked to test a latch or enter the pool area to help with an inspection.
Carolina Fence Company installs new pool barriers designed to help restrict access to residential pools. If an inspection reveals a faulty latch or an unobstructed path to the water, children should be kept away from the pool until a qualified professional addresses the issue. When a new enclosure or full fence replacement is needed, the plan should account for the pool's layout, access points from the house, and applicable local requirements. The goal is a reliable barrier that helps protect against unauthorized access throughout the year, not just at the start of swimming season.
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For more information about Carolina Fence Company, contact the company here:
Carolina Fence Company - Charleston
Alex Buckman
+18439669390
alex@carolinafencecompany.com
557 B King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
