Home Garden

How to Self-Install a Pool Fence

Homeowners with pools should be aware of the safety risks. Over-shocking a pool or using the wrong chemicals can make the water unsafe for swimming. The pool itself also posses a safety hazard for children unable to swim. It only takes moments for a preventable tragedy to unfold. To keep your pool secure, you can install a pool safety fence yourself in a day.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Marker
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Drill and masonry bit
  • Plastic anchors
  • Rubber mallet
  • Screw gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the space around your pool and purchase the right amount of fencing. Typically, fencing is sold in panels. Once you've gotten the appropriate amount, installation can begin.

    • 2

      Stage the fence around the pool by laying it 3 to 5 feet from the edges of the pool to get a visual guide for installation. Remember to leave a gap for the gate to be installed.

    • 3

      Erect the safety fence panels one at a time and mark the cleats, or feet, that fasten to the pool deck, using the marker for drilling reference points. There will be at least two cleats or feet for each fence panel, with three to four holes for retaining screws.

    • 4

      Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Insert a masonry bit into a drill and drill pilot holes into the marked areas where the cleats will fasten into the pool's concrete deck. Drop plastic anchors into each pilot hole thereafter; you may need to hammer in the anchors with the rubber mallet.

    • 5

      Put the fence panels into place, aligning the cleats over the pilot holes. Fasten retaining screws into the cleats with the screw gun. Once all panels are secured to the pool deck, hang the fence gate according to the manufacturer's assembly instructions.