Drowning is a leading accidental killer of kids aged between 1 and 4 years. The majority of these drownings occur in backyard swimming pools and they are 100% preventable. All you need to do is invest in pool fence installation.
Do it yourself pool fences are extremely effective. However, for you to protect your pool with a DIY pool fence, you have to know how to build a pool fence. In this guide, we will show you how to install a pool fence.
Step by Step Guide on How to Perform Pool Fence Installation
1. Check the Installation Location
When planning does it yourself pool fences, the first thing you need to do is check the installation location. Ensure that your chosen location does not have any underground utilities like electricity lines, water pipes, and gas lines. This will help you avoid hitting underground cables and pipes during the pool fence installation.
2. Get the Necessary Tools
If you are learning how to build a pool fence for the first time, chances are, you do not have all the necessary installation tools. If you are not on a budget, you can purchase the necessary tools. Alternatively, you can rent most of the gear.
The tools you will need include:
- Electric drill
- Gloves – These should be safety gloves, not swimming gloves
- Concrete mix
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- String
- Pencil/chalk
- Screwdriver
- Pegs
- Posts and fence panels
3. Install a String Line
Knock pegs approximately 300 mm past where you want your pool fence to begin and end. Run a string line between the pegs and pull it tight to make sure that it won’t bend in the breeze.
As you build the fence, the posts will be leveled vertically against the string line. As you go, you will need to ensure that the posts are kept approximately 1mm off your string line. If you allow the posts to touch your string line, the fence won’t remain straight and you will end up with a bent fence line.
4. Configure the String Line for Fence Leveling
If the site you intend to install the DIY pool fence is level, you will use the string line to keep the fence level. Set the string line up about 70 mm above the ground and ensure it is level and not sagging.
Put a mark 1200 mm down the top of the posts to show where the fence’s bottom will be. This mark should line up with the level string line.
5. Decide Where to Start
If your goal is to understand how to build a pool fence on sloping ground, you will need to start at the highest point and work your way down. For do it yourself pool fences that join onto a building, starting at the building and then working away is ideal. If, however, the swimming pool fence will join the building but the ground is sloping towards the building, starting at the highest point may be a good idea.
6. Dig the Holes
Use a tape measure or space stick to determine the distance between your posts. The distance should be the same as the panel width – you can hold the panel in place as your gauge, to help figure out the distance.
If this is not the first time you are learning how to install a pool fence, you probably know that most posts are 50 mm wide. For this reason, the center of the post hole should be 25 mm past the end of the panel and 25 mm off the string line.
Using your folding shovel, dig a hole featuring a 100 mm radius. This will give a hole featuring a 200 mm diameter. The post should be centered in the hole, giving an even amount of concrete all around. Dig holes approximately 550 mm deep.
7. Prepare the DIY Pool Fence Panel
The first panel you will install to initiate your pool fence will need to have a post attached to each end. The easiest way to do this is to first screw the bracket for connecting the top rail to each post. Position this such that the top of the post lines through with the panel’s top.
With your panel lying on the ground, slide a connecting bracket with the attached post over the fence’s top rail. Once you do this, it should be easy for you to attach the bottom connecting brackets to the post.
Secure the posts to the panel by drilling a screw up through the posts, connecting the bracket into the fence’s top rail, and down through the fence connecting bracket, all the way to the bottom rail. You will repeat the process for the remaining panels, except for the last panel that will need one post attached before you stand it.
8. Prepare Concrete
When installing a fence around your Intex pool, you will need concrete. You can either purchase pre-mixed concrete or mix the concrete yourself.
If you would like to mix concrete for your recently opened pool, you will need to mix 6 shovels of sand, six shovels of gravel and 3 shovels of cement. Be sure to mix the sand a distance from the pool to avoid having to remove sand from the pool. Keep the concrete only moist so that you can ram it tight around your post.
9. Stand Your First Panel
Put some concrete at the bottom of the holes and then place the panel with the 2 posts attached into your holes. Level your panel horizontally making sure to have the correct gap under the fence – the ideal gap will be 70 mm. The minimum gap guarantees pool safety for pets and kids.
With your post resting on the concrete at the bottom of the hole, fill the hole by ramming concrete around the post. Once you install the first panel, you will need to repeat the process until you come to the gate.
10. Installing the Gate
For maximum pool safety for your kids, you will need to install a gate. The gate will complete the pool fence installation.
Simply fix the hinges of the gate to the fence post in a way that ensures the gate will open outwards and away from the swimming pool. Once you ensure that the gate’s configuration is ideal, fasten it to the fence post and then attach a gate lock.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Put A Fence Around A Pool?
The pool fence installation cost ranges from $1,500 to $10,000+, depending on the material you choose and the size of your pool. In terms of pool size, you will spend between $15 and $25 per foot. In terms of material, mesh and chain-link run $1,000 to $5,000 while aluminum, wood, or vinyl cost $2,000 to $12,000.
Q: How Do You Install A Fence Around A Pool?
When installing a fence around your pool, you will need to follow 3 main steps:
- Dig holes for the posts.
- Use concrete to fix the posts and fence panels in the holes.
- Install a gate and a lock.
Our DIY pool fence installation guide has detailed explanations for all the steps you need to follow.
Q: Can You Install Your Own Pool Fence?
Whether you own an in-ground or above-ground pool, it is possible to install do it yourself pool fences. All you have to know is how to install a pool fence and have the necessary materials. This guide has the steps you need to know how to build a pool fence.
Globo Surf Overview
Installing a pool fence is one of the most effective ways to improve pool safety. In some states, a pool fence is considered a legal requirement for pool owners.
Sometimes, installing a fence around a pool can be stressful. There are numerous things that one needs to consider. The steps outlined above should help you install the pool fence the right way.