A private swimming pool is a fantastic addition to your home, providing endless hours of fun and relaxation during the warmer seasons. Barbeques, family gatherings, and celebrations are often spent around the pool making lifelong memories. However, having a pool comes with a significant responsibility…to ensure the safety of everyone who uses it, in particular, young children who may be less confident or experienced in the water.
One crucial (and legally required) aspect of pool safety is the installation of your pool fencing to ensure the safety of your family, pets, and children. Throughout this blog we’ll dive into 5 common poolside planning mistakes made during pool fencing installations and discuss how you can avoid them to ensure the safety and security of your swimming pool area.
Mistake 1: Incorrect Fence Height and Spacing
Safety is the ultimate necessity of owning a pool and one of the most common fencing mistakes is not adhering to your local councils pool fence regulations for height and spacing. Most local councils require your pool fence to be at least 1250mm in height (4 feet tall) and have a gap of no more than 100mm between the bottom of the rail and the ground. These measurements are designed to prevent young children from climbing over or crawling under the fence to get to the pool. If you have children…you know they’ll try it if the opportunity arises!
To avoid this mistake, its important you research your local council regulations to ensure your fence design complies with these requirements. When installing your pool fence, double-check your measurements and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you have the correct height and that the gap at the bottom is within the allowed limit.
Mistake 2: Using Inappropriate Materials
Another common mistake is using inappropriate or poor quality materials that are not suitable for pool fencing. For example, using wooden panels opposed to steel or glass fencing, can lead to panels rotting which will eventually cause failures in the fence.
To avoid the possibility of this mistake, you need to choose materials which have been specifically designed and approved for pool fencing which are resistant to water and pool chemicals damage. Powder-coated aluminium, stainless steel, and glass fencing are all excellent durable materials for pool fences, as they are heavy duty, low maintenance, and corrosion-resistant from pool chemicals and salt spray.
Mistake 3: Poor Gate Installation
A pool fence is only as secure as its gate, and a poorly installed gate can render the entire fence ineffective. Common gate installation mistakes include installing the gate to swing outward (away from the pool area) or not using self-closing and self-latching mechanisms.
To avoid these mistakes, ensure that your gate is installed to swing inward (toward the pool area) and equipped with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. These features will ensure that the gate closes and latches automatically, to prevent access to the pool area from those who are intentionally being kept out for safety.
Mistake 4: Insufficient Clearance Around the Pool
If you have a small yard, saving space with your pool surround is not the answer. A smaller sized yard, may simply mean you’re limited to your pool size and its positioning (seek professional advice in this area if need be). You need to have enough space to maneuver around your pool for cleaning and maintenance, as well as to have enough space for your pool fence. If you install a pool fence too close to the pool, you may not be able to walk around the edge of the pool safely which can lead to accidents and injuries during cleaning and maintenance.
To avoid this mistake, you need to ensure there is a minimum clearance of at least 900mm between the pool’s edge and the fence. It will provide ample space for you to walk around the pool safely and for any necessary pool maintenance tasks.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Maintenance and Repairs
Finally, some pool owners may not properly maintain their pool fences, leading to damage, wear, and eventual rail failure. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your pool fence’s ongoing safety and effectiveness.
To avoid this mistake, set a schedule for regular pool fence maintenance and stick to it, even if it means hiring someone else to do the job for you. Inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage or wear, and make any necessary repairs promptly. Doing so can ensure that your pool fence remains a strong and effective barrier, keeping your pool area safe and secure for years to come.
Conclusion
Whilst having a pool allows you to create wonderful memories or even escape from Perth’s summer heat, it’s vital to not cut corners as there are serious risks involved regarding safety of you and your loved ones. Whilst the aesthetic appeal may be important, the safety standards of your swimming pool must be your first priority, before your pool is even installed.
If you want a sleek and modern solution to your pool fencing needs, look no further than Clear Choice Pool Fencing. Our team is dedicated to providing homes throughout the Perth metropolitan region with the highest quality glass pool fencing which is both functional and beautiful. With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and expert installation services. Reach out to our friendly team for professional advice or guidance on which fence suits your space (and your new pool) and to discuss what style of pool barrier you’d like to suit your backyard design.