Quick Pool Fence Guide

Here in the USA over the last twenty years or so, removable mesh pool fencing has become the norm. It wasn't always the case. Prior to the introduction of removable fencing the logical choice was wrought iron. Expensive, prone to rusting and permanent, it is now largely obsolete in pool safety. Many times we are called to a home where wrought iron has been removed as the kids grew, leaving ugly rusted plates inbedded in the deck. Now that the kids have their own kids, its time for the grandparents to protect the pool again. One thing is almost guaranteed, no more wrought iron!

Todays protection of choice is still fencing, but this time removable. Quickly and painlessly installed (if done professionally), removable mesh pool fencing provides proven safety, but with the ability to remove it when no longer needed. The fence poles are placed in vinyl sleeves in holes that are core drilled in the deck area every 3 feet or so. Colored caps cover the holes when the fence is removed. The core holes are drilled with modern water lubricated diamond drill bits and motors, and are typically around 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep. If done correctly, there is generally no damage to decking materials such as chipping or scratching. An average size fence of 60 to 120 feet in length can be installed in 4 to 8 hours by a competent installer. The finished fence can be removed in 10 minutes and re-installed in ten minutes by the homeowner as needed.

Generally speaking, all pools should be fenced whether children live at the premises or not. It is also advisable to leave the fence up all the time, since the possibility always exists for children to be in the pool area. We do sometimes however intall our fences for grandparents who only have visiting nieces and nephews once a month or so, and at other times do not have other young visitors. If it wasn't for the once a month visit, they would choose not to fence their pools. In these circumstances, the fence is down more than it is up. For these customers, we suggest a very simple routing, often from property perimeter wall to perimeter wall, so that the task of installation and removal is quick and easy. This may be completely across the property in a straight or curved line, effectively cutting the pool area in two, or from side wall to back wall in a L or C shape. In addition we do not recommend self closing gates in this situation, because of the difficulties in removal and re-installation. See "Gates" below.

Fence Height:

In the early evolution of mesh fencing 3 1/2 ft and 4 ft fence were the typical heights used. Today most fences are either 4ft or 5ft. In most level deck pool fence installations 4ft fence is entirely suitable. Aesthetically 4 ft pool fence is more pleasing than 5ft, since in general we do not look through the mesh when standing on the deck (unlike 5ft). Properly installed it provides great peace of mind, and is very difficult to scale if no chairs, tricycles or miscellaneous items are at hand to step on. However, while 4ft fence still meets most local and state codes, the use of 5ft fence has become increasingly widespread. In the case of day care facilities, other commercial establisments, communal pools, adoptions and custody issues, 5ft high fence is needed. In addition, some communities also require 5ft fence. The rules pertaining to fence height are somewht confusing. Please let us know your location, and we will determine the minimal height and other safeguards that may be required to legally protect your pool. We are also happy to show you both sizes at your poolside. Please click here to arrange a demonstration and safety analysis.

Pole and Mesh Strength

Our premium Protect-A-Child fence uses "textilene" super strong mesh that is a polyester thread impregnated with a vinyl covering that is UV and bacteria resistent. This is the best mesh available today. Our fiberglass composite poles are also the strongest available and will not break if bent. On the other hand, we see some competitors aluminum poles that can break at under 50lbs tension. This is not the way to peace of mind! For detailed descriptions of the strength and longevity of this fencing please click here.

Gates and Openings

Both self closing framed gates and manual openings have their part to play in pool safety. When we offer competitive pricing on a fence system we are often told by customers that the sales person from the "other" company automatically included a self closing gate in the estimate, and that somehow this makes the fence safer. In fact we would argue that the reverse may be true. Pool owners need to be aware of the danger of reliance on the self closing mechanism, for as good as they are, they are still prone to failure either due to corrosion, misuse, wind or incorrect adjustment when removed and re-installed. In addition, a self closing gate may work correctly, but the locations around the pool where the sections join also need to be secure. We have seen examples of competitor fence installations where a self closing gate is locked, but the fence sections are connected together and secured by a simple hook latch with no locking mechanism. In this case, if the fence is not tight, anyone could undo the latch, lift the pole and walk through. Manual openings with secure fasteners used correctly however have advantages. Lower cost, easier to remove and install the fence, ability to open up a double panel to make a 5 ft or 6ft opening for access to wide pool steps. etc. Depending on the specific usage, location and individual preference, there are choices to be made. To deternine the best type and number of gates for your individual need, please visit the "On-Line Design " page here or contact us for a free analysis in your home.

Colors

We currently offer a number of choices in color of mesh, poles and borders, including black, brown, tan and white. Black is still the most popular color by far, since it is the most transparent. To illustrate this, try looking through a black insect screen on a window or door to see how transparent it is. Generally the lighter the color, the more we see the mesh. It is a great safety advantage to be able to see clearly to the pool, and is also more pleasing to the eye.

Further information is also available from the national site at www.protectachild.com.