Pool Fence Installation Instructions
Pools are a great addition to any home and garden, but they are also a safety hazard if you have small children or pets around. There are different kinds of pool fences with differing materials and heights. A real safety pool fence is always much higher than a simple decorative fence. However, safety fences can also be decorative and visually appealing if you chose the right kind and install it properly. If you want to fully enjoy your pool and garden and not worry about safety issues and potential dangers, you may want to learn how to install a pool fence. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wooden sticks
- Spray paint
- Power auger
- Rapid set concrete
- Level
- Line of string
- Brackets
- Power drill
- Screws
Instructions
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Measure the the area that your fence will occupy and decide how much material you need. Then, choose the right material---steel, aluminum or a similar metal---and purchase the needed quantity plus an additional 15%. At this point, you also need to design your pool fence completely and have a precise sketch with posts and gate locations. Note that the measurements are the most important thing after the firmness and sturdiness of the structure. The recommended height of a pool fence is 42 to 60 inches. Every manufacturer has a different design of panels and rails but they all follow similar safety guidelines.
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2
Mark the places for the pool fence posts around your pool, using wooden sticks or spray paint. It is best, and certainly most practical, to install the fence at least 4 to 5 feet from the pool edge. That way, the pool area will look bigger and be more practical to use.
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3
Dig the holes for the fence posts with a power auger. Make the holes suitable for the exact kind and dimension of the posts you chose.
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Place the posts in the ground starting with the two hinge posts for the gate. Set them in a perfectly vertical position, supporting them with brackets if needed, and pour rapid setting concrete to fill the rest of the post hole. Use a level to ensure that the hinge and the latch posts are totally level. Repeat with all the post around your pool. Always check that all the post heights are the same with a string line attached at their tops.
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Mount the pool fence panels in between the posts. These panels are usually constructed of a number of closely set vertical rails. Check if the panel is level and then screw it in the pre-drilled holes at the sides of the posts.
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Attach the gate for your pool fence between the two gate posts. Hang it on the hinges and the latch, following the instructions from the manufacturer's manual. Make sure that the gate has a secure and safe way of opening and closing for optimum safety. It is best to have a key so you can lock the gate if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider installing a special kind of pool fencing where the posts are positioned in plastic sleeves and easy to take down if needed.
Research new kinds of popular pool fencing that replace vertical rail panels with a strong, thick mesh.
Be extremely careful when drilling with power tools and always wear protective eye-wear and gloves.
Remember that you are installing this pool fence in order to keep children and pets out of the pool area so be very careful while working and be sure to use the best and strongest materials.
It is recommended that the minimum height of the pool fence is 48 inches.
References
- Photo Credit Pool image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
