Swimming Pool Fencing

Purchasing swimming pool fencing thru eBay or any other mail order venue might be one of the most important decisions you'll make. This type of product is used primarily to keep small children and/or pets away from your backyard swimming pool, spa, or other similar water hazard. There are vast differences in specifications, types of fencing used, and installation requirements. Learn the differences before 'plunging into' the safeguarding of YOUR swimming pool.

Pool fencing is used primarily for INGROUND pools and in THAT application I will focus my attention. Don't let the following statement deter you from safeguarding your ABOVEGROUND pool:  STATISTICALLY, small children drown in inground pools. The sides of aboveground pools generally lend a natural barrier (if all steps are removed) in keeping toddlers from dropping into the water.

• FENCING TYPES:  In deciding what TYPE of fencing to use to safeguard your swimming pool, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. Some fencing can only be installed on a hard-type surface (ie: brick, concrete, & heavy wood decking) and ideally you'll want to utilize a type of material that is 'non-climbable' in nature and easily 'seen through' to the swimming pool (that's the big problem with wood fencing - you can't see the pool!).  The three most popular types of fencing used are permanent wrought-iron, hard vinyl, and vinyl mesh fencing. There are advantages and diadvantages with them all. The First type: Wrought iron fences rust, though they usually will last thru the dangerous 'toddler period' of a child's life. They are generally permanent, gates that are not ALWAYS self-closing and latching tend to be the weak-link of the system. Another area of concern is the gap between the verticle pickets. Most steel fencing manufactured nowadays is made with all vertical structures having less than a 4-inch gap. The advantage is that children can't squeeze thru the pickets. The disadvantage is that the gaps allows kids to climb more readily. The 2nd type is the HARD VINYL fence. It has the same concerns and characteristics as the wrought-iron except it doesn't rust and tends to last a bit longer. The 3rd type of fencing used, and probably the most popular is the Vinyl Mesh Fencing. It is sometimes called 'removable fencing' because it can be removed. It is easily seen through, and as far as climbability - it can't be beat! It is the most attractive of most pool fencing due to its inherent semi-transparency. There are no footholds (places for kids to place their feet to climb) and even if purchased without a self-closing & latching 'gate' is easily viewed from the house to be safe. (There is no "I wonder if the gate is latched" questions - it's either open or closed.)
• MESH FENCING SPECIFICATIONS:   This, the most popular type of pool fencing, is manufactured by about a dozen manufacturers throughout the US. Most are located in Florida where this type of fencing was first introduced. This type of pool fencing is a "tension-based fence system". It needs to be attached to a solid surface at ground level AND needs to be attached to itself (as encircling the pool) or some type of hard standard at each end of the fence run (such as a post or side of the house, etc.). It is sold in SECTIONS or "per linear foot". Most manufacturers have heights available from 42" high to 60". The U.S.  C.P.S.C. (Consumer Product Safety Commission) recommends a height NO SHORTER than 48". If you consider the average growth rate of a toddler thru the danger ages (1-4 years of life) then they will reach the top of a 42" high fence but NOT the top of a 60" fence thru the dangerous years. What makes up the differences in the different manufacturers? When evaluating fencing manufacturers of THIS type of fencing, make yourself a checklist. 1. How long have THEY been in business. If you have a problem with the materials will the MANUFACTURER (not distributor) replace it?  2. How long is each section? (uniformly sized sections make installation a lot easier - AND safer)  3. What is the pole spacing? (Usually, the closer the poles are together - the stronger the fence. Generally, the pole spacing differences are 30", 36", 40", or  48" apart.)  4. Mesh Material? Generally, a vinyl based mesh material lasts longer than a dacron based material in the sun-belt states.  Samples will be sent by manufacturer.  5. Pole characteristics? Diameter of pole, whether it is fiberglass or aluminum (check T-rating) and pole re-enforcing you should compare. Manufacturers will send you samples of each.  6. Locking/Hooking Devices? Have makers also send you a sample of the hook/latching devices used between sections.  7. Length of Warranty? Read this very carefully when making your decision. If you have problems with your fencing 2-7 years down the road, don't rely on the Distributor still being in business - make sure the product is backed up by the manufacturer.
• HOMEOWNER INSTALLATION:  Keep in mind that the WORST made fence system installed WELL is better than the BEST made fence system installed POORLY. If you are planning on installing this type of mesh fencing system yourself, you WILL have many questions during install. Make certain that the Company you deal with will be just a phone call away - AND - an experienced installer is at the other end answering the installation  questions. Some of the basic tools you will need are: WATER-COOLED CORE DRILL RIG. I put that into Caps for a reason. There are some mesh fence systems available (A MAJOR Home Improvement Chain used to sell one) that advertised that it could be installed with a Hammer Drill and normal bits. Every system I've seen that was installed in that manner was, in my humble opinion, marginal at best and potentially  QUITE Dangerous. With the size of the holes that need to be drilled in the concrete every 30-48" apart (7/8"-1.25" in diameter),  the sheer number of holes, the angle of the holes to the ground, the DEPTH of the holes (usually 4" deep) drilled, exact placement of those holes is paramount. You can't very easily delete a hole you've already put into the concrete. Keep in mind that this fencing is "TENSION-BASED". If the poles aren't in the correct place, the fencing could be sloppy and dangerous. A list of other required tools as needed will  be supplied by the supplier of the fencing. Some of the tools needed that make the installation job a whole lot easier are a cordless drill or two, heavy hammer, 'sleeve' tool, 60" steel ruler, the CORRECT SIZED Drill Bit (you can sometimes get a used bit from the manufacturer - make sure it fits the core drill you are renting). Don't rely on the rental yard having the correct size. And make certain that you USE ONLY the correct sized bit. Don't buy the "if you need an inch and an eighth bit you can use an inch and a quarter" routine. It won't work without turning a weekend job into a total nightmare.

When deciding where to install your pool fence, you normally want to stay 2' minimum from the edge of the pool if room exists.  Try NOT to go thru planters or grassy areas, and try to set the fence up so that the ONLY reason you need to go thru the fence is to go swimming or to clean the swimming pool. You never want to set it up in a way that the fence needs to be accessed while taking out the trash, watering the yard, feeding the pets or going thru the fence for any other purpose.

When installing pool gates: Make sure the latching device is of the HIGHEST quality, make certain the latch handle is a minimum of 60" from the ground, make sure the gate opens (swings) AWAY from the pool when used, and make certain the gate is SELF-CLOSING & SELF-LATCHING.

With the correct installation your pool fence will give you the extra minutes you need when the toddlers disappear from your sight. Remember, most small children if given enough time can climb ANYTHING. This type of item is to SUPPLEMENT visual adult supervision only. There is no such thing as ANYTHING being "child-proof". The best governmental contact I've found specifically regarding this and all swimming pool safety issues is:  Marcia Kerr @ the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: 1-949-829-8249

Have a fun -filled and safe swimming season.