Due to various safety regulations and codes, enclosing your pool with a fence is often a must. And — given the many benefits aluminum fences provide – aluminum pool fencing is among the best options when you’re considering installing a pool fence.
That being said, there are still several other factors to consider when choosing the right aluminum fence for your swimming pool.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Fence for Your Pool
Choosing an aluminum fence for your swimming pool is not as tasking as installing a typical yard fence, but it still requires careful forethought and planning to ensure you choose something that adequately fits your needs.
Quality
There are different grades and varieties of aluminum fences. A suitable option for a swimming pool should be a high-quality aluminum fence whose coating does not easily wash due to water splashes or general outdoor wear and tear.
Also, many aluminum fences do not require extensive maintenance, which means you don’t have to worry about constant upkeep in order to maintain the safety of your pool.
Style
You’ll also have to consider the general style when picking a pool fence, like whether you want any ornamentation or accessories.
Color
Aluminum fences come in an array of neutral colors. The most common of these are white, black, or bronze. When picking out a color for your fence, you should consider the color of your home’s exterior, your pool, your natural surroundings, and any other developments you have on your land (existing fencing, sheds, etc.).
Also, some colors can be more intrusive than the others. For example, black typically blends in more in outdoor areas, while white fences are more likely to call attention to themselves.
Things to Consider When Installing an Aluminum Fence for Your Pool
When installing an aluminum fence for your swimming pool, you must consider your state’s codes for swimming pools, among other things. Please visit our pool fence installation guide for detailed instructions about the installation process before you start erecting panels.
For general guidelines regarding pool fence specifications, you can refer to the International Code Council’s pool safety standards. To get a better idea of the requirements of your state or locality, speak to a fencing professional who can make up-to-code recommendations, like us here at Aluminum Fences Direct.
The Top of the Fence Barrier
I.C.C. code gives some recommendations regarding a pool fence’s height. They recommend that the top of the fence barrier should be no less than 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the fence that faces away from the pool. Again, some local regulations may have this number higher, so make sure to check your local ordinances.
The Barrier Type and Spacing
There are different regulations for fences with vertical and horizontal members, so you should take note of the particular measurements. First, for fences with the horizontal members, the members should be on the swimming side of the fence. The space between the horizontal members’ tops should be no less than 45 inches.
For fences with vertical members, the vertical sides can be on the fence side not facing the pool. And the space should between the vertical bars should not be more than 1.75 inches if horizontal spaced rails are less than 45 inches.
Also, other openings in the barriers should not have more than a 4-inch diameter sphere passage.
Space Between Fence and Ground
Your aluminum fence should not be more than 2 inches away from the ground on the side of the fence facing away from the swimming pool.
Land Features
The slope and topography of the land will determine a lot about the size and shape of your fencing installation. This especially matters when the swimming pool is surrounded by less-developed land with no concrete on the ground.
Self-Latching Gate
You should set your self-latching device at 54 inches above the ground. And if it is not so, the release mechanism has to be on the pool side of the gate and must not be less than 3 inches below the gate’s top.
And the opening between the barrier and the gate must not be more than 0.5 inches, and it should be within 18 inches of the release or opening mechanism.
Earthing
To align with electrical safety standards, you should earth any fencing around your swimming pool. However, the aluminum pool fence needs to be earthed in one place. Contact an electrician to help you with this.
Styles of Aluminum Pool Fencing
- Flat top: It is as its name implies. And it is suitable if you do not fear pests or pets climbing over the fence no matter the height.
- Spear top: This type of aluminum pool fence is suitable for maximum security and does not leave space for pests to climb over.
- Loop top: The loop top fence is between the flat and spear top. You can go for it if you like its design. And it also prevents animals from jumping over the fence.
- Picket Top: This is like a spear top fence without the spearhead quality. The vertical bars divide the wall evenly, and if painted white, you could easily confuse it with a wooden picket fence.
- Alternating picket top: This is similar to the spear top, but with alternating tips.
Conclusion
As we’ve shown, aluminum fences also make for perfect swimming pool fences. And you can easily install them to fit the state’s regulations for swimming pool fencing. Consider the all factors above, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution to your pool fencing needs.
For any questions or advice regarding choosing the right pool fence for you, feel free to reach out to us here at Aluminum Fences Direct.
