How to Make PVC Goldfish Pond Railings

Prevent accidents and accidental drowning in your goldfish pond with a handrail.

Adding a railing to the perimeter of your outdoor goldfish pond allows you and your family to observe the beauty of the fish while protecting you from an unplanned dip in the pond, much as zoo railings keep you from getting too close to exotic animals. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a professional to make a custom handrail, create your own in little time using PVC. PVC is inexpensive, easy to assemble and won’t rust like metal railings.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• PVC pipes, 2-inch diameter
• Rubber mallet
• PVC glue
• Paintbrush
• Sponge (optional)
• 3-way PVC connectors
• Hacksaw (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the perimeter of the goldfish pond. You can place the railing immediately next to the pond or place it back a foot or so to put more distance between the viewer and the water. Record the measurement. Purchase one 40-inch and one 26-inch PVC pipe for every 24 inches of the diameter.

2. Place the 40-inch PVC pipes into the ground around the perimeter of the pond. Use a rubber mallet to hammer the pipes into the ground, spacing them every 24 inches. Drive the pipes into the ground 6 inches deep, leaving 34 inches above the ground.

3. Apply PVC glue to the top of the PVC pipes using a paintbrush or sponge. Place a three-way PVC connector joint on the top of each pipe. Choose between T-joints, 90-degree angle joints and 45-degree angle joints depending on the shape of the pond. You want the railing to follow the general shape of the pond.

4. Apply PVC glue to the ends of the 26-inch PVC pipes. Insert the pipes into the three-way joints to create the railings for the pond.

Tips & Warnings

• For an alternative construction, cut a piece of nylon rope or plastic garden chain the same length as the pond's perimeter plus 6 inches. Feed the rope through each of the three-way joints. Tie the loose ends together to secure them.

• You can cut the pipes yourself or ask the hardware store to do it for you.

• Instead of following the general shape of the pond, opt to create a square or rectangle around the pond.

• The height of the railings in this plan meet the requirements set forth by OSHA.

References

• United States Access Board: Chapter 5: General Site and Building Elements
• United States Department of Labor: Top Rail and Handrail Requirements
• How to Make All Kinds of Stuff with PVC Pipes: PVC Pipe Fittings