Maintenance may seem like the most important thing for swimming pool owners. However, the safety of its users, especially children and individuals with disabilities, should always be of the highest priority.
This is why protective measures are essential parts of any pool area, from safety nets and covers to pool alarms and even security cameras for monitoring. One of the most overlooked safety features for any swimming area.
If you are planning to build a pool or you are yet to install barriers while on a budget, you will be glad to know that there are ways to do so without breaking the bank. Check out his guide to installing a pool fence the cheapest way.
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What is the Cheapest Way to Put a Pool Fence?
The thing about picking the right pool fence for your budget is that there are just so many fencing system options to choose from. You can pick from different materials like glass, mesh, wood, chain link, resin, and steel. These can also come in varying heights, designs, and other features.
Among these choices, you should go for one that offers not only affordability and versatility. Mesh is one of the most flexible pool fence options because it is easy to customize and it comes with different grid sizes.
Aside from all these, you should also be mindful of regulations within your state or locality, if any of these apply. Remember, some states and municipalities have laws regarding pool fences, and it is only wise to check if you have such rules.
The best way to save money while installing a quality pool fence complete with everything you need is to go the do-it-yourself route.
This gives you more control over your project, so you can choose the type of material, size, style, and even installation. Ultimately, this is much more cost-efficient compared to the pre-built fence that requires professional assistance to install.
Why Go the DIY Route
Aside from being the cheapest option, doing it yourself offers other advantages that can make your project more worthwhile. Not sure why DIY is the best way to save money and get a functional pool fence? Here’s what you need to know.
Tailor-Fit to Your Needs
One of the most notable things about DIY is that you can do things your way. You are not limited to a fixed set of materials. Instead, you can take advantage of all the options you have. You can choose which material you prefer and its features.
What you need to remember is that if you live in states or municipalities that have pool fence laws, you need to comply with standards no matter what. This is where the flexibility offered by DIY projects comes in handy.
You can get fences as tall as you need, complete with features that work for you while still abiding by regulations.
Personalized
Personalization is one of the strongest suits of DIY projects. You get to decide not only the material and its specifications, but also more particular features such as the style, color, and other visual aspects of the fence while still being functional.
Removable and Transportable
The best thing about a DIY pool fence is that you install it yourself, which means that you know how to remove it, as well. Some DIY mesh fences, for example, are made to be easily removable, so you do not have to worry about any hassle.
Because you can remove them, you can easily transport your fences and install them in another place. This is useful if you are moving houses and planning to install your existing fences to your new pool. Maintenance, repairs, and replacements will also be a breeze because of this feature.
Things to Consider When Installing DIY Pool Fences
The thing about installing DIY pool fences is that there are some factors you need to keep in mind during the process, especially if your state or municipality has a law regarding these installations. To help you ensure you complete your project successfully, here’s a list of important things you should consider.
Material
The material is a huge factor that can influence the cost and effectiveness of your fence. Mesh pool fences can be the best choice when it comes to affordability, functionality, and flexibility.
It is not as expensive as steel or glass fence systems but offers the same features that help you comply with legal standards. Of course, it helps children, pets, and people with disabilities away from the swimming area when you are not there to supervise them.
Climb-Resistance
Say, you have fences, but they are not tall enough to prevent vulnerable individuals and animals from entering the pool area. Moreover, it may be tall but have protrusions and other features that can serve as handholds or footholds, allowing kids to climb over it.
If this is the case, then your fencing system is not compliant with legal standards. Remember, the general rule is that no child or animal should be able to climb over, crawl under, or go through the fence.
Height
Usually, states and municipalities require fences to be at least four feet tall without any features that could enable climbing over them. A taller height is preferred to completely ensure the effectiveness of the fence.
Gap and Opening Sizes
Another thing to remember is that kids and animals should not be able to crawl under or pass through the fence. This is why regulations say that the bottom should not be more than two inches from the ground and openings should not have a diameter of more than four inches.
Gates
Lastly, the opening of your fence should be secured with a self-closing and self-latching gate. This way, you avoid leaving it open and unlocked.
The Bottom Line
Installing a pool fence should not be too expensive. With a DIY mesh fence option, you can secure your swimming area with a functional and flexible, yet affordable option, so you can rest assured that your kids, pets, and family members with disabilities are safe.
