Pool safety fences are an essential part of any pool. They provide a safe, secure way to keep children and pets out of danger, as well as protect your property from damage. The mesh in most safety fences is strong enough that it won’t tear or break easily, even if someone climbs over it.
But it’s not always easy to install a mesh pool safety fence on your own, especially if you have limited experience with home repair work. So, If you’re considering DIY installing a safety mesh pool fence in your backyard, you’ll want to know how to install it properly. This article will briefly describe the pool fence installation process and will provide a few tips that may make your installation smoother. When you’re ready to get started, it’s time to make a plan.
You can do this by drawing a layout on paper—it’s an awesome idea not only for visualization but also for review on installation day.
DIY Pool Fence Installation Overview
You’re almost there!
- Now we just have to install the fence posts, and you’ll be set. Start by snapping a chalk line along the fence line, then measure out how much pool fence you need.
- Lay down the template included with this kit to mark the first 4 holes that will be drilled.
- Drill those holes at the proper angle—they should be no more than 1/4 inch off of perpendicular. After they’re drilled, clean out everything to make sure everything is nice and smooth before you pound in post sleeves into them.
- Then it’s time to post sleeves—pound them into place! Install fence sections as you go along until your pool is finished.
Drilling Guide Material
It’s time to get your pool fence in place! First, make sure you have all the materials you need:
- Chalk line
- Pool fence template
- Measuring tape
- Hammer & Drill bit
- Post sleeves (for each section of fence)
Step 1: Measurement or Layout
You’ll want to measure the concrete around your pool to determine how far apart each fence section should be. Then, using the template, mark out holes along the fence line. You have two options: either use measuring ruler or measuring tape to make sure they’re spaced evenly and at right angles to each other.
Step 2: Drill Holes
Once you’ve marked all four holes, drill them out with your drill bit and hammer—you might want to wear protective goggles while doing this so that you can avoid any damage. It is better to drill 1 ⅛ for concrete areas. Afterward, pound those post sleeves into place with a rubber mallet or wooden block until they are firmly secured. Once you have done with the drill, don’t forget to title the posts outward to get perfect tension.
The drills should be set at an angle of 2-3° away from the pool for a straight run of fence.
Outside curves: For outside curves, use a 2-3° outward lean away from the pool. For inside curves, use a 2-3° inward lean toward the pool.
Step 3: Insert Sleeves
Once you have drilled the required holes, now these holes should be filled with sleeves.
Step 4: Install Fence
Assemble the fence section by section, making sure everything fits together correctly. Once each section is complete, repeat the assembly process with the next section until you’ve completed all four corners.
- Assemble the top and bottom sections of the fence.
- Place the left side of the fence at the back of your lawn, then place the right side against it.
- Align and connect all four sides of the fence together using screws, nails, or other fasteners that will hold it securely in place.
Step 5: Latches
Place the safety latches to join the sections using the hole left by the second screw at the top.
Place the two sections together and align one of the holes on both pieces with each other.
Insert two screws into each hole and tighten down until snug.
Repeat this step for all four pieces.
Step 6: Adjust Tension
Before you can adjust the tension of your fence, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a process that requires patience and careful attention.
First, remove the screws holding the metal plate from the post and remove it. Next, cut off the remaining part of the mesh, fold the end and screw the metal plate back on.
If necessary, adjust the tension of the fence by correcting the length of the mesh in each section:
If there are sections with uneven spacing between them (for example, if you have two gates that are set further apart than others), this will require adjusting both posts equally for even spacing.
Step 7: Access Area
A safety gate is a simple and easy way to allow people to enter your pool. When you’re ready to install your safety gate, use the provided hardware kit to connect two posts together and open the safety latch. The result is a fully functional door that will allow you to enter through it or exit through it.
DIY Pool Gate Installation Procedure
Step 1: Plan
You’re about to install a gate for your pool, which is going to make it a lot easier for you and your family to get in and out of the water.
We recommend that for best results, you should not install the gate on a corner or angle.
Step 2: Double Posts
The gate will require four holes to be drilled into the frame. The double-post structure on both sides of the gate ensures better safety, which means that a total of four holes will need to be drilled in each post.
Step 3: Layout
This is a simple, classic fence. The gate swings open and closes with ease, and no matter how many times you pass through it, it always looks the same.
And for this, the space between the last fence post and the first gate post should be 6 cm. The space between each double fence post should be 8.5 cm. And a space of 83 cm is required between the internal posts of the gate.
Step 4: Drill
To make sure your fence is sturdy and resists wind, you’ll want to use a hollow rod. Start by hammering a hollow rod into the ground for each post. Make sure you go deep enough that it reaches the strongest part of the ground (use a 20 mm diameter drill for 16 mm fences and 35 mm for 30 mm fences). Then fill each rod with resin or chemical anchor, insert the sleeves and let them dry.
Step 5: Assembly
Connecting the two posts and placing the hinges is a fairly straightforward process. Follow the instructions that came with your gate, but know that as long as you connect them correctly and place your hinges correctly, you should be good to go.
So, make sure the hinges are facing inwards.
Then, using a hammer and nails, attach them to the gate panel.
Next, assemble the double posts and place them on top of the inner post (following the instructions that come with it).
Step 6: Lock Process
This safety lock is easy to install. Here’s how:
- Turn the safety lock toward the door.
- Place a screwdriver into the hole and turn it clockwise until you feel it click into place. (This will be a little bit tight, but that’s normal.)
- Now, turn the safety lock back toward the door, and you’ll see that there’s another hole for a screwdriver in this side of the lock (the side with the tiny hole). Use your screwdriver to tighten this second hole as well.
Step 7: Latches
Place the safety latches to join the end of the fence section to the outer post of each double post using the hole left by the second screw at the top.
Use two screws to attach these safety latches and secure them in place.
Step 8: Final Adjustment
Your safety gate is ready!
First, adjust the safety catch to the required height. Then, test your safety gate by pushing it from each side. If it opens smoothly and easily, your safety gate is ready. Hopefully, you have done it too!
