DIY Pool Fences – How to Make Your Own Pool Fence
DIY pool fences are becoming quite popular today. As you know, Australian state regulations state that any home-owner who has a swimming pool in his property is also required to install a swimming pool fence. Swimming pool fences are essential in order to promote security in the pool area and prevent accidents such as drowning. A pool fence is merely one aspect of swimming pool safety regulations. Other requirements include the installation of motion detectors in the pool, safety covers, etc.
If you have some experience building things around the house and you wish to save money on pool fences then you might want to opt for DIY pool fences. Here are some guidelines to teach you how to make your own pool fence.
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The first thing you need to do before making your own pool fence is familiarise yourself with the pool fence regulations in your area. In Australia, the usual height requirement for a pool fence is 1.2 metres high. If you live in Western Australia, your pool fence is not allowed to have gaps below or in the fence that are wider than 10mm. You will also need to make sure that the pool fence is free from handholds, footholds or other features that children may be able to climb. Not complying with these specifications can result to large fines so make sure you study your state’s laws before proceeding to your pool fence installation.
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Research different pool fence materials. Today’s pool fences now come in different materials so make sure you do your research about each of these materials in order to determine which is the best. The different types of pool fences today include aluminum, glass, timber and brick among others. Each type has its own characteristics so make sure you know what those characteristics are.
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Proceed to measuring your pool area where the fence will be erected. Ideally, the pool fence should stand about three to five feet away from the edge of the pool. Set the panels around the pool and use a marker to indicate on the ground where the post cleats will go. Wearing ear and eye protection gear, use a drill to drill shallow holes in the marks.
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Once the cleat marks have shallow drill holes, remove the panels first. This is the only time that you will drill holes that are equally deep as the plastic sleeves. Once the holes are ready, use a rubber mallet to hammer the plastic sleeves down.
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Begin installing each fence panel by fastening screws into the floor slab using a screw gun.
DIY pool fences can certainly save you plenty of money. However, keep in mind that your safety and the safety of your family greatly depends on the stability of your swimming pool fence. Therefore, it’s essential that you do everything you can to ensure that you install your pool fence correctly and securely.
To learn more about swimming pool fences, be sure to browse the articles on this site. We have also put together swimming pool fence suppliers around Australia for your convenience. You may find this information in our business listings.
