If you install an aluminum fence around your pool while it’s cold outside, you’ll be ready to enjoy your pool in safety when the weather turns warm.
Winter is a great time to build an aluminum pool fence. When warm weather finally arrives, your pool and its users will be safe and secure. It’s easy to install an aluminum fence. The materials are light, strong and easy to maneuver.
A pool fence gives you two levels of security. It provides security for your pool and its users, and it also prevents children and pets from entering the area and possibly drowning.
Restrictions and Regulations
Many communities have specific requirements for pool fences. Be sure to consult with your local building codes before planning your project. You should also check with your homeowners’ association if you have one to ensure that you comply with all regulations.
Pool fences are subject to the Building Officials Code Administrators International (BOCA) code. An aluminum fence and gate must be at least 48” high. Horizontal rails are required to be 45” apart. Picket spacing should be less than 4”. The bottom rail must be less than 4” from the ground, while gate latches must be 54” or higher off of the ground. Gates should be self-closing and self-locking, and they must open away from the pool.
Benefits of Aluminum Fence Panels
Aluminum is a wonderful material for a pool fence. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver during installation. This means it is easy to install yourself, which can save you a lot of money. Aluminum is a strong and highly durable material that is impervious to corrosion. It doesn’t become brittle and breakable when the weather turns cold, yet it manages to remain sturdy at hotter temperatures.
Safety Features
When mounting an aluminum pool fence, you can add features that provide extra protection for small children. A Magna Latch gate lock is a self-latching device that extends past the top of the fence where kids can’t reach. You can lock it with a key if desired, and there is no way to force it open. A self-closing gate hinge is spring-loaded to automatically close both single and double gates. It’s a snap to install and adjust. This hinge will not rust, nor will it stain or sag.
Fence Styles for Swimming Pools
You can choose from several styles for your pool fence. These panels all have pickets spaced at 3-13/16”.
Style 3 has a smooth top. It has three rails with the bottom flush to the ground. The pickets have alternating heights for a staggered effect. You can add a puppy pickets to this design, which adds a rail and has pickets spaced tighter to keep dogs out of the pool area. You should order this style with a height of 54” or higher. This fence is rackable for hills and stairs.
Style 9 has a smooth top with uniform picket heights that run flush to the top of the fence. The bottom rail is flush to the ground. You can add a puppy pickets to this fence. Ornamental rings that are placed at the top of the fence are also available. This fence is rackable for hills and stairs.
Style 10 has a smooth top and a bottom flush to the surface. It is heavy rackable for sharply sloped areas.
Puppy Pickets Option not allowed
The puppy pickets / puppy pickets which is an optional decorative item should not be added to your panels or gates enclosing a swimming pool because it does not comply with BOCA. The added short pickets would essentially allow a child to use the panel or gate as a ladder and get into the pool area unaccompanied by an adult.
