The Wisest Choice for the Safety of All
Each year, thousands of drownings and near-drowning events occur in the U.S. - swimming pool tragedies that are preventable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has studied this problem extensively. Their conclusion about the best way to reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents:
Pool owners must install and maintain effective barriers to prevent young children from entering the pool area.
Now is the time to install a pool fence and/or upgrade your existing fence. The question is, do you choose fence panels or cut the welded wire fence roll yourself? What other details do you need to know?
#1 The Panel or Cut It Myself (Do-It-Yourself) Decision
Fence panels are the easiest and fastest way for pool owners to increase safety around an outdoor pool. Why? Panels are flattened and sheared to size. They might cost a little more; however, the time savings is priceless. The panels are sold in many different gauges, mesh configurations, and finishes. Panels are sold as flat unframed sheets. You can create the frame while your wire panels are in transit.
If you are up to the challenge of cutting a welded wire fence roll, you can save a little money and order a roll to make your own fence panels. Keep in mind that there are two cuts per panel except for the first panel. For each additional cut, you must cut the exposed wires left from the previous cut. Cutting wire takes hand strength and patience. The heavier the gauge the harder it is to cut through the wire. Pre-cut panels save you a ton of time and won't tire your hand!
TIP for DIYers: To minimize the welded wire "memory", reverse roll the cut panel, tie it and leave it in the sun to heat for the day.
#2 Gauges and Mesh: What You Need to Know
Both panels and rolls have the same finish, wire gauge and mesh opening options. If you want to know more about finish, wire gauge, and mesh opening, read our post on the keys to choosing the right fence for you. The same opening sizes are offered in the following finish options, Plain Steel, Galvanized, Vinyl Coated, and Stainless Steel. Panels are flattened and sheared (cut) to size from standard size roll widths (18”, 24”, 36”, 48”, 60, & 72”), but may be available in an alternate length. Just call us with questions, 800-225-0508.
Important Details to Consider
YOU SHOULD MEET AND EXCEED YOUR LOCAL CODES AND GUIDELINES
In general, swimming pool barriers should meet the following requirements:
- at least 48" high
- free of footholds
- self-closing gates
- free of hand holds
- self-latching gates
- made with small openings:
- horizontal - no wider than 1-3/4"
- vertical - no higher than 4"
- locking devices on all gates
- less than 4" clearance from ground to bottom of barrier
Before installing any swimming pool barrier, it is very important to check your local codes, whether solid, with horizontal and vertical members or made using welded or woven wire mesh fence. Local codes may vary.
We believe pool fences are essential to everyone's safety. Contact us at sales@louispage.com or 800-225-0508. We can answer your questions and help you choose the product that is right for you and even calculate the right amount of panels if you choose the panel option.
#3 An Idea to Compliment Your Pool Area
In addition to welded wire panels and rolls for pool fences, we have a product line of beautiful landscape fencing for play areas and gardens around the house. The Prism 3D Fence System is seen all around Europe instead of chain link fence. Learn more about the Prism 3D System here. Although we highly recommend the Prism 3D System, it's not suitable as a pool barrier, but it might be the perfect compliment to a safe and secure pool.
