The installation of a pool fence requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and compliance. Several systems are available, including those designed for DIY installation. This article details the process based on available documentation, covering job requirements, necessary tools, and step-by-step instructions for installing a pool fence, with a focus on systems utilizing a tension-based design and diamond core drilling.
Estimating Job Requirements and Planning
Before commencing installation, accurately estimating the required fence footage is crucial. The process begins with selecting a starting point, such as the pool steps. Utilizing a rolling measure, maintain a minimum distance of two feet from the waterline, walking the roller around the pool perimeter back to the starting point. This clearance allows for easy access for pool maintenance and recreation. While a two-foot distance is recommended, adjustments may be necessary based on the specific pool area layout. When working with concrete pool decks, ensure drilling occurs no closer than two inches from the outer edge.
Fencing is typically ordered in sections based on pole spacing, commonly 36 inches or 30 inches, depending on the model. Maintaining consistency with full 15-foot sections is generally recommended. Total footage should be divided by the section length, rounding up to the nearest whole section to guarantee sufficient materials.
Tools and Materials
Successful pool fence installation requires a specific set of tools. These include:
- 48-inch steel ruler for precise measurements between holes.
- A bullseye template (3.5” x 4.0” Lexan with a 1 1/8” center hole) for marking hole locations.
- A marking pencil (Magic Marker or grease pencil).
- A straight edge (8 ft. 2”x4”) to maintain straight lines during template sliding.
- A full section template (optional, but recommended for distributors) to mark an entire fence section.
- A core drill (water-cooled, capable of accepting a 1 1/8” diamond core drill bit). Core drills are typically available for rental.
- A 1 1/8” diamond core drill bit.
- A garden hose for drill cooling and deck rinsing.
- An extension cord to power the drill.
- Needle-nose pliers to remove cores from drilled holes.
- Rotary Hammer Drill
- 5/8” Masonry Bit (14”+)
- Scissors
- #2 Square Head Screw Tip
- 1/8” Metal Drill Bit
- Cordless Screw Gun
- Household Stapler
Layout and Marking
The initial layout of hole locations is the most critical step. All measurements and references should be made from the perspective of facing the pool from the outside of the fence. When measuring, particularly around curves (bullseyes), exercise extreme caution to avoid errors that could result in an improper fit. Using the provided template, mark the first hole on either side of a starting point. Subsequent holes are marked by placing the template over the previous hole and repeating the process. A template can be slid ¼” to ensure proper alignment.
For installations including a self-closing gate, the layout process differs and requires referencing the instructions included with the gate kit. The fence should be positioned a minimum of two feet from the pool edge. A 36-inch stance is recommended for manual opening sections.
Drilling Procedures
Pool safety fence installation in concrete decks necessitates the use of a diamond core drill setup with leveling adjustments and a bubble level. Hammer drills or hand drills are not suitable for this application. The drill should be set up on the deck with attached water hoses and sufficient electrical cord.
Taping the drill bit at 4 inches with electrical tape provides a useful measurement for drilling depth. The leveling of the drill is paramount, though a slight lean is acceptable in a tension-based system. The direction of the lean is more important than the amount.
The drilling process involves standing on a marked hole along a straight section of the fence and repeating the marking procedures for subsequent holes. After marking approximately half way around the pool, it is necessary to return to the second hole marked for the gate section and repeat the marking process. The final hole marked may not measure 30 inches from the last hole, which will be addressed later in the installation process.
Extra holes, referred to as layback holes, must be marked for the gate section poles to fit into when the fence is opened.
Fence Installation and Latching
The provided documentation includes video resources demonstrating the basic steps of installation, from marking the job to completing the installation. These videos cover marking out the job, drilling, making custom cuts, and putting up and latching the fence. Custom cuts are often necessary due to variations in pool shapes, but the modular nature of the safety system simplifies this process.
Additional Considerations
The documentation references additional pool fence videos and a Sentry Safety Installation Manual. LifeFence provides a toll-free number for support during installation (1-888-4life-01, Monday-Friday 9am-7pm ET, Saturday 9am-5pm ET).
Conclusion
Installing a pool fence requires careful attention to detail, accurate measurements, and the correct tools. The process involves estimating footage, laying out hole locations, drilling with a diamond core drill, and securing the fence sections. Following the provided instructions and utilizing available resources, such as installation videos and support lines, will contribute to a safe and professionally installed pool fence. The tension-based system requires a specific drilling technique, emphasizing the direction of the drill lean over the amount. Proper planning and execution are essential for ensuring the safety of those around the pool.