A pool fence has one job above all others: keeping young children out of the pool area. That makes the specification more important than for a garden fence. This guide covers the points distributors and contractors should check before ordering aluminum pool fence panels and gates.
Always start with the local code
Pool barrier rules are set locally and differ between countries, states, provinces and even municipalities. Before you confirm a design, check the requirements that apply to the site. The points below are common reference values, not a replacement for the local code.
Barrier height
In the United States, the widely used CPSC safety barrier guidelines call for a barrier at least 48 inches (about 1.2 m) high. Many local codes in Canada and elsewhere use similar or higher values. Our pool panels are available in heights from 48″ to 60″.
Picket spacing and openings
Openings in the barrier should be small enough that a child cannot pass through. A common rule is that a 4-inch (100 mm) sphere must not pass through any opening. Porfence pool panels are designed with openings under 4″.
Make it hard to climb
- Avoid horizontal rails on the outside that act as footholds
- Use a flush top rail, as on our flat top pool fence
- Keep furniture, planters and equipment away from the outside of the fence
Self-closing, self-latching gates
The gate is the weak point of most pool barriers. Pool gates should close and latch on their own, and the latch release is usually mounted high, out of reach of small children. Our pool gate uses self-closing hinges and a magnetic latch with a high-mount option.
Finish for wet environments
Aluminum does not rust, which makes it a natural choice around chlorine and salt water. Ask for proper pretreatment before powder coating so the finish stays intact. A white pool fence is popular for coastal homes and resorts.
Request a pool fence quotation
Send us the run length, number of gates, required height and the local code that applies. We will prepare a coordinated quotation for aluminum pool fence panels, gates and posts. Contact us.