Install a Pool Fence in 6 Steps

Lead Image for Install a Pool Fence in 6 Steps
  • 24-40 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 1,000-3,500
What You'll Need
Garden hose or rope
Measuring tape
Chalk
Tape
Stick, 4 feet long
Waterproof marker
Safety glasses
Gloves
Drilling machine and cement drill bits
Pool fencing and plastic sleeves
Pool gate with spring latch
What You'll Need
Garden hose or rope
Measuring tape
Chalk
Tape
Stick, 4 feet long
Waterproof marker
Safety glasses
Gloves
Drilling machine and cement drill bits
Pool fencing and plastic sleeves
Pool gate with spring latch

Installing a swimming pool fence is a wise move, especially if you have children, pets or elderly around. It provides safety and adds charm to your swimming pool and deck.

Follow these 6 steps to successfully install pool fencing that will not only keep you busy over the weekend but also save you money on hiring labor.

Step 1 – Measure Area and Purchase Appropriate Fencing

Arrange a garden hose or rope at least 2 to 3 feet from the edge of the pool to determine where you will install the safety fence. Also mark the opening for the gate with chalk, which usually opens on to the pool stairs.

Draw the hose or rope tight and measure it to give you an idea of how much fencing you need to purchase.

Purchase the type of fencing that will complement the architectural design of your house along with providing you peace of mind and the assured safety. There are many types available in home improvement or hardware stores such as aluminum, steel, wrought iron and treated wood that are generally five or six feet high.

Step 2 – Cut Sticks

Take your 4-foot long stick and measure and cut a piece 3 feet long. This will be used to measure the distance between the fence sections. Measure and cut another stick 2 ½ inches long from the remaining piece, to measure the distance between each panel.

Step 3 – Mark Drilling Holes

Use a waterproof marker to mark the areas, using the 3-foot and 2 ½-inch sticks to provide appropriate spacing. Do this all around the pool. Make sure you measure and mark the area accurately because you will be drilling holes over them.

Step 4 - Prepare Drilling Machine

Make sure your drilling machine has a cement bit to drill holes into your deck. Measure the plastic sleeves that came with your fence material and measure, cut and install a piece of tape the same length on the drill bit where it meets the sleeve. This will allow you to drill the size of the sleeve, without going too deep.

Step 5 – Drill the Marked Area

Make sure you wear your protective eyewear and gloves and begin drilling the holes on the marked spots. Clean away loose cement and insert the plastic sleeves into the holes, pushing them all the way down. These will hold the fencing poles, so make sure they are tightly fit in the hole.

Step 6 – Install Pool Fencing and Gate

Begin at the gate and insert poles into the sleeves. Pull the fencing material, which is usually steel mesh tight between them. Work your way around the pool to install the fencing.

Locate the openings in the top parts of the poles where you want to install your pool gate, and insert a spring latch, followed by the gate. This latch is a building requirement to ensure the gate closes by itself immediately after it is opened.