How to Install a Swimming Pool Fence
A swimming pool fence doesn't just add beauty to the backyard--it also adds safety. Every summer, we hear of tragic drowning deaths that could have been prevented. Fortunately, pool fences are relatively easy to install. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Twine or garden hose for measuring
- 42-inch piece of cardboard
- Waterproof marker
- Protective eyewear
- Drill with cement-capable drill bits
- Fencing components
Instructions
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Create Your Plan
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1
Use a spool of thick twine or a garden hose, and arrange it on your deck where you would eventually like to build your pool fence. Make sure it is at least 2 feet from the edge of your swimming pool.
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2
Map out where you want the gate on your pool fence to be. Most gates are about 3- to 6-feet wide. The entryway usually opens onto the pool stairs.
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3
Draw the twine or garden hose taut. Measure its length. This is approximately how much fencing you will need to purchase.
Install the Fence
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4
Find a big piece of thick cardboard which is at least 42 inches long. Cut out two small holes 36 inches apart. The distance between holes signifies the distance between fence poles.
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Cut out another hole only 2 1/2 inches from one of the 36-inch holes. This is to signify the distance between fence sections. You now have your drilling template.
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Lay your drilling template down, placing the first hole on first drill site. Use your waterproof marker to color through the hole and identify where you will drill. Holding the template steady, mark through the hole of the second 36-inch hole and then the 2 1/2 inches for the fence section. Repeat the process around the pool.
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Measure your drill bit against the length of the plastic sleeves you will install into the cement.
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Put a piece of tape around the drill bit at the point where it meets the sleeve. This will alert you to stop drilling. Once you see the tape, you will know you have drilled to the size of the plastic sleeve, and you won't drill the hole too big or too small.
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Put on protective eyewear before you begin to drill the cement, and wear heavy-duty work gloves.
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Lock the drill in hammer mode. Do not bear down on the drill, but do grasp it tightly.
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Brush away any loose cement.
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Push plastic sleeves into the freshly drilled holes. You will insert the swimming pool fence poles into these sleeves. The plastic sleeves must be inserted firmly, all the way to the bottom of the hole.
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13
Lay out the poles and mesh that will form your swimming pool fence.
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Begin at the gate-end of the pool and insert the fence poles along the perimeter, pulling the mesh fence taught behind you.
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Locate the openings in the upper-most part of the first and last poles. Attach the spring-loaded hook into the eye for the gate between these final two poles.
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Tips & Warnings
Most pool fences are installed with the fence poles placed into plastic sleeves, so that they can be put up and taken down easily. This allows for extra space when you have a party or pool event.
Take your fencing specifications to a local home and garden store, such as Home Depot or order online (see Resources below).
Resources
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Comments
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You should only drill 4" deep to prevent hitting any water or gas pipes.
