Pool safety and views, too

As adoring grandparents, Pat and Ron Jones were thrilled to take care of their baby grandson while the child’s parents headed off on a vacation getaway.

There was one problem: there was no security fence around their pool, which was built before barriers were required.

“They were really nervous about the pool, and told us they would feel more comfortable if there was a fence,” Pat Jones said of the parents of grandson Mason, now 4.

While safety was their top concern, Pat worried a fence might obstruct the view of Pusch Ridge and shrink the open space. After doing research, she and her husband opted for a mesh pool fence over a more traditional wrought iron fence. It required fewer poles, fewer holes drilled in the flagstone and less interference with the views.

The fence provides an added level of security for the watchful grandparents, especially now that granddaughter Piper, 1, has joined the family fun. The fence keeps their two dogs safe, as well.

“I’m really glad we did it,” Pat Jones said. “You almost don’t notice it’s there.”

Said Ron, “We couldn’t do with out it.”

A secure barrier, along with constant adult supervision and education, are crucial elements in drowning prevention. Nothing can take the place of adult supervision.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children ages 1 to 4, with most drownings occurring in swimming pools.

The Joneses’ mesh fence was installed by Pool Guard of Tucson, owned locally by Matt Baranowski and his wife, Carol.

Matt Baranowski said some homeowners are opting for mesh over wrought iron for a number of reasons. The mesh fence is tension-based and can be installed on any surface, Baranowski said. Holes a little larger than an inch in diameter are drilled to install reinforced aluminum poles.