Common Pool Fencing Mistakes

Common Pool Fencing Mistakes

Monday, 03 April 2023 09:49

Owning a pool is a lot of fun. However, along with all of that fun, there is quite a bit of responsibility. One such responsibility of pool owners is how to keep others safe. Enter pool fences. 

Not just any fence will do, as ensuring that you can control access to your pool is vital. Pools can be dangerous, with 23% of child drownings occurring during a family gathering near a pool.

There are plenty of things that you should consider before installing a pool fence, whether it be the different fence materials, local requirements, HOA requirements, and additional ways to reduce liability. There are also plenty of mistakes that can be made when planning and installing a new pool fence. 

In this blog, we have put together some of the most common poolside fence mistakes so that you can be armed with the facts when it comes time to install a pool fence. 

4 Common Mistakes in Pool Fences

1. Compromising Quality for Price

Cutting corners very rarely works out for anyone during a construction project. This is no different when choosing pool fencing. Just because you can cut costs by purchasing a low-quality fence doesn't mean that you should. By purchasing low-cost fence materials, you can be sure that it will not last. 

When building your pool fence, be sure to hire a quality installer who knows the ends and outs of pool fencing materials. There are a variety of materials and fence providers on the market, and not all of them are good. A quality pool installation company will be able to pick the correct product for you. 

2. The Right Material for the Job 

With so many materials and styles on the market, it can be hard to pick the right fence material for the job. The wrong type of pool fence can be an eyesore, depending on your location and aesthetic. Putting a brick pool fence up when your home is primarily wood or glass may be a bit awkward as a design choice.

Some great options for pool fencing include:

  • Glass: While this is one of the more expensive styles of pool fences, many homeowners use this as their go-to option. Aesthetically speaking, glass fencing is top-notch, allowing you to showcase your beautiful pool and the landscape around it. Glass fencing is durable and climb resistant, making it extremely safe. 
  • Mesh: If you are looking for affordable fence material, mesh pool fencing is a great option. For one, it is easy to install and tear down and is very safe. Mesh fencing is climb resistant and allows for a clear view of your pool area.
  • Metal Frame: Metal fencing is a popular choice because of its durability and low maintenance. However, it is not nearly as climb resistant as mesh or glass fencing. 
  • Vinyl: Vinyl fencing is extremely weather and insect resistant, low maintenance, and can look very nice as a pool fence. 

3. Too Small a Footprint

One of the most frequent issues with pool fencing is when it is placed too close to the edge of a pool. Not only does it make your pool area feel cramped, but it can also make it hard to safely move around the pool. Also, once you install a fence, it is hard to change its placement. 

When planning a fence build, be sure to be aware of the space needed for your friends and family to move about freely without worrying about obstructions. Make sure that your pool furniture and accessories fit inside the pool area. 

A rule of thumb that we suggest is that the paved or decked area around the perimeter of your pool should be approximately 50% of the pool's surface area. This will give you plenty of space to navigate around the pool safely.

3. Not Taking Care of Your Fence

All fencing is susceptible to wear and tear and should be maintained. Not only will the aesthetics of your pool fencing degrade over time, the safety of your will as well. 

For example, if you have a wooden pool fence and do not take care of it, eventually, the finish will wear off, and it will begin to rot. In that case, it will not only look bad but also create an access point for children and animals to break through. 

Regardless of what material you use, it is important to keep it maintained based on the installer's recommendations. While it may cost a bit more, higher quality materials are easier to maintain and typically come with some sort of warranty in case the material is damaged. 

4. DIYing Your Pool Fence

While it may be the cheapest option up front, sourcing and installing a pool fence on your own can lead to a lifetime of headaches. Working with a professional pool fence installer will erase nearly all of the issues that you may run into when installing a fence. Not only that but with a professional installer, you can rest easy knowing that your pool will be well-secured. 

Choosing the correct fencing and avoiding the many mistakes that can be made when planning to build a pool fence is vital to keeping your family, friends, and animals safe. Working with a professional fence will give you peace of mind knowing that it is installed correctly and up to local regulations. 

If you require a pool fence in the Asheville or Hendersonville area, you can count on Asheville Fence for the best fencing products and top-notch installation. Contact us today for more to schedule a consultation!