The goal of this petition is to drive visibility to a dated Brighton Township ordinance. Today Brighton Township requires a fence around a pool no matter what. I am petitioning the township to get more familiar with current technology and remove the fence requirement when a automatic pool safety cover is in place. Also, it is worth noting that there are pools in the township that have been installed with an automatic pool safety cover and a fence was not required for approval. Why is the requirement different for me or anyone else in the township?

Both the state of Michigan (in addition to 38 other states) and Livingston County do not require a fence based on international building codes put into place in 2016. The majority of municipalities recognize International Building Code as the de facto standard when it comes to building and safety. An example of this is today you can live in downtown Brighton or Milford, have a pool with an automatic pool safety cover and a fence is not required .Also, most insurance companies do not require a fence if an automatic pool safety cover is in place. In-fact, in many cases, they state that an automatic pool safety cover is more suitable barrier than a fence because the pool is under lock and key and can't be accessed whatsoever unless specially authorized.

"As of February 8th 2016, the State of Michigan has changed the Barrier requirements for Swimming Pools and Spas to allow a powered automatic pool or spa cover to be used in lieu of a fence to fulfill the safety barrier requirements. The power cover must meet the ASTM F1346 standard to be approved."

My kids are my world and a fence was insufficient to keep them safe. Based on speaking with others we know with automatic pool safety covers a fence wouldn't cut it for them either and has actually failed to keep their children away from the pool. Luckily they had the automatic safety cover to keep their kids safe.

https://www.automaticpoolcovers.com/

Petition: Removing the Requirement for a Fence Around Pools with Automatic Safety Covers

We, the undersigned, hereby petition for the reconsideration and removal of the mandatory requirement for installing a fence around swimming pools equipped with automatic safety covers. We believe that the presence of a high-quality automatic safety cover renders the need for an additional fence redundant, while still ensuring the safety of children and pets. We kindly request that the relevant authorities and organizations take into account the following reasons for our proposal:

1. Comprehensive Safety Measures: Automatic safety covers are designed with advanced technology to provide a secure barrier over the pool, preventing unauthorized access. These covers are engineered to withstand substantial weight and prevent accidental drowning incidents effectively. The combination of an automatic safety cover and a fence adds an unnecessary layer of redundancy without significantly enhancing pool safety.

2. Financial Considerations: Installing both an automatic safety cover and a fence increases the financial burden on pool owners. By removing the requirement for a fence in conjunction with an automatic safety cover, homeowners can save a substantial amount of money, making pool ownership more affordable.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: Fences around pools can obstruct the visual appeal of outdoor spaces and disrupt the harmony of landscaping and architecture. Automatic safety covers provide an unobtrusive safety solution that doesn't compromise the aesthetic quality of the pool area.

4. Ease of Use: One of the primary benefits of automatic safety covers is their ease of use. Automatic covers can be operated with the push of a button. This convenience encourages consistent usage, ensuring that the pool remains protected at all times when not in use.

5. Local Climate Considerations: In regions with harsh weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, automatic safety covers offer an advantage over fences. Covers can be closed during inclement weather, preventing damage and reducing maintenance costs. It has been proven the automatic safety covers dramatically reduce the need of harsh pool chemical, the use of natural resources for heating. Fences, on the other hand, might require additional maintenance and could even become hazardous in extreme weather.

6. Encouraging Responsible Pool Ownership: By allowing pool owners to utilize automatic safety covers as the primary safety measure, we promote responsible ownership by encouraging adherence to pool safety guidelines. This approach empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about the safety measures that best suit their individual circumstances.

In conclusion, we firmly believe that the presence of an automatic safety cover provides a comprehensive and efficient safety solution that eliminates the need for an additional fence around pools. We urge authorities and relevant organizations to consider the points outlined in this petition and revise regulations accordingly. This change would not only enhance the financial feasibility of owning a pool but also contribute to maintaining the visual integrity of outdoor spaces while ensuring the safety of our friends and loved ones.

Without the help of the community, I do not feel the Township is willing to be proactive in this matter. The Township will claim that there have not been enough requests to take action at this time but will that excuse ever change and why not now? 

We sincerely hope for your support in reevaluating and updating the existing pool safety regulations.

Sincerely,

Kyle D.