Safety is of foremost importance when it comes to hot tubs, especially if you have children at home. The US CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has done extensive research on water safety at home and ‘have concluded that one of the best ways for pool owners to reduce child drownings in residential pools is to construct and maintain barriers that will help prevent young children from gaining access to pools and spas.’
‘Fencing is often required around hot tubs, but not always,’ says Dani Alexander, Principal at Studio AKA. ‘Spa covers may meet the safety requirements, but it does depend on local codes. At any rate, prioritizing safety will let you enjoy your hot tub without worry.’
Pool fences should be located to prevent children from using permanent structures, equipment, or similar objects to climb the barriers. A barrier that completely surrounds the pool is better than a fence that encloses the pool on three sides with the house serving as the fourth side of the barrier. Fences should be a minimum of 4ft high. However, fences 5ft or higher are preferable.