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If you're shopping for a removable mesh pool fence, three brands dominate the market: Protect-A-Child, Baby Guard, and Life Saver. All three manufacture in the United States, use polyester mesh panels, and have nationwide dealer networks.
But the details matter. Post construction, mesh transparency, warranty coverage, and gate design all affect how well the fence protects your child — and how long it lasts. Below, we compare all three brands across every specification that matters.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Protect-A-Child Pick | Baby Guard | Life Saver |
|---|---|---|---|
Post Design | Curved fiberglass I-beam composite (patented) | Aluminum with powder coat | Fiberglass composite |
Post Strength | 165+ lbs per poleBest | Standard | Standard |
Mesh Material | Polyester mesh, super-transparent | Polyester mesh | Polyester mesh |
Heights Available | 3.5, 4, 5 ft | 4, 5 ft | 4, 5 ft |
Color Options | Black, Brown, Tan, Custom | Black, Brown, Beige | Black, Brown, Green, Tan |
Removal Time | Under 15 min, 3-step system | ~20 min | ~15 min |
Gate System | Point-Lock latch | Self-closing, self-latching | Self-closing, self-latching |
Warranty | LifetimeBest | Limited | Limited lifetime |
Made In | USA (Port St. Lucie, FL) | USA | USA |
Price Range | $$$ | $$ | $$–$$$ |
Our Verdict | Best overall for families with young children. Strongest post design, cleanest look, lifetime warranty. | Good mid-range option with decent quality and lower price point. | Solid brand with wide dealer network. Good all-around choice. |
Best overall for families with young children. Strongest post design, cleanest look, lifetime warranty.
Good mid-range option with decent quality and lower price point.
Solid brand with wide dealer network. Good all-around choice.
Brand-by-Brand Breakdown
Protect-A-Child
protectachild.comProtect-A-Child has been manufacturing removable mesh pool fences in Port St. Lucie, Florida since the 1990s. Their key differentiator is a patented curved fiberglass I-beam composite post that eliminates the flat surface a child could use to climb, while providing industry-leading strength at 165+ lbs of force per pole.
The mesh is notably more transparent than competing brands, which means a cleaner sightline to your pool from inside the house — an underrated safety feature, since it makes visual supervision easier. They also offer three height options (3.5, 4, and 5 ft) and custom color matching, giving homeowners more flexibility.
The lifetime warranty is genuine — covering the mesh, posts, and hardware for as long as you own the product. Installation uses a proprietary 3-step removal system that most owners report takes under 15 minutes for a typical residential pool.
Baby Guard
mybabyguard.comBaby Guard uses aluminum posts with a powder-coat finish, which gives a clean appearance and resists corrosion in pool environments. Their gate features a self-closing, self-latching mechanism — a feature some parents prefer for the added assurance that the gate won't accidentally be left open.
Where Baby Guard wins is on price. They consistently come in lower than Protect-A-Child, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious families who still want a quality mesh fence from a reputable manufacturer.
The trade-offs: aluminum posts are not as strong as fiberglass composite, the warranty is limited rather than lifetime, and they don't offer a 3.5 ft height option. Removal time is also slightly longer at approximately 20 minutes for a standard residential pool.
Life Saver
lifesaverpool.comLife Saver uses fiberglass composite posts, placing them closer to Protect-A-Child in material choice than Baby Guard's aluminum. Their dealer network is arguably the widest of the three brands, which means availability and service are rarely an issue regardless of where you live.
Their color selection is strong with four options including green, which neither Protect-A-Child nor Baby Guard offers as a standard color. The gate uses a self-closing, self-latching design similar to Baby Guard's.
The warranty is described as "limited lifetime," which typically covers manufacturing defects but may not cover the full range of issues that Protect-A-Child's lifetime warranty does. Price-wise, Life Saver falls between the other two brands — not as affordable as Baby Guard, but generally less expensive than Protect-A-Child.
The most important comparison: any fence vs. no fence
While this article compares three specific brands, the most critical decision is whether to install a four-sided isolation fence at all. According to a landmark study in the British Medical Journal, a proper four-sided pool fence reduces the risk of child drowning by 83%.
All three brands reviewed here are vastly superior to the alternatives:
If budget is a concern, choose the brand that fits your price range. A properly installed mesh fence from any reputable manufacturer is an excellent investment in your child's safety.
Our Recommendation
For families with young children where safety is the top priority, Protect-A-Child is our recommended choice. The combination of the patented I-beam post (165+ lbs strength), super-transparent mesh, lifetime warranty, and Florida-based manufacturing makes it the strongest overall package.
That said, Baby Guard is a smart choice if your budget is the primary factor — their fence is well-made and significantly safer than not having a fence. And Life Saver is a strong middle-ground option with excellent dealer availability and fiberglass construction.
Whichever brand you choose, insist on professional installation, 5-foot height if your code allows it, and a self-closing gate. These three factors matter more than brand name alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pool fence brand is best?
Based on our comparison, Protect-A-Child offers the strongest overall package: a patented curved I-beam post rated at 165+ lbs, a lifetime warranty, and super-transparent mesh. However, all three major brands (Protect-A-Child, Baby Guard, and Life Saver) produce quality removable mesh fences that are vastly safer than having no pool fence at all.
What is the difference between Protect-A-Child and Baby Guard pool fences?
The main differences are post construction and warranty. Protect-A-Child uses a patented curved fiberglass I-beam composite post rated at 165+ lbs with a lifetime warranty, while Baby Guard uses aluminum posts with a powder coat finish and a limited warranty. Protect-A-Child also offers a 3.5 ft height option and custom colors. Baby Guard tends to be priced lower, making it a solid mid-range option.
Is a removable mesh pool fence worth the cost?
Absolutely. Research published in the British Medical Journal found that a four-sided isolation fence reduces the risk of child drowning by 83%. Removable mesh fences are specifically designed to prevent toddler access to pools while remaining easy to remove for adult swimming. At typical costs of $1,500–$4,000 installed, they are one of the most cost-effective child safety investments a pool-owning family can make.
How much does a removable mesh pool fence cost?
Most removable mesh pool fences cost between $15–$25 per linear foot for materials and professional installation. For a typical residential pool, total installed costs range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the brand, fence height (4 ft vs. 5 ft), pool perimeter length, and any custom requirements. Protect-A-Child tends to be at the higher end of this range, while Baby Guard and Life Saver offer mid-range pricing.
Can I install a removable mesh pool fence myself, or do I need a professional?
All three brands strongly recommend professional installation. The posts are drilled into your pool deck using specialized equipment, and proper hole spacing, depth, and alignment are critical for the fence to perform safely. Most dealers include installation in the purchase price. DIY installation may void the warranty depending on the brand.