When installing a pool, safety should be foremost in any owner's mind. Nearly all municipalities have laws dictating what kind of protective barriers are needed around a pool to keep people from swimming unsupervised, limiting the risk of drowning in Portola Valley, California. Most building codes require a six-foot fence that isn't easy for children to climb. Gates should have a lock, as should any door from the house that leads to the pool area. You also can install an alarm on the door that goes off when it's opened unexpectedly. A pool also should have a strong cover to keep children out. Floating pool alarms and self-closing gates make the pool area safer as well. Check your local regulations regarding pools.