How to Shop and Order Aluminum Pool Fence A swimming pool is a wonderful addition to your home and you want to ensure the safety of those you love by installing an aluminum pool fence around it. Most pool codes or BOCA codes require that pool fence should be at least 48 inches tall, have a bottom horizontal rail that is no more than three inches from the ground. Most Aluminum Pool Fence codes want 45 inches between the two innermost rails so a child can’t get a foothold and pull themselves over. Picket spacing is 3 13/16 to make the less than 4 inch spacing required by pool code. The following information is what you should look for in buying an aluminum pool fence. Check your Local Pool Code Check your local city hall for what requirements are needed to make pool code in your area. You will need to comply with your local building codes, BOCA codes, or your homeowner organization pool fence codes. Generally the higher the aluminum pool fence (54,57,60,or72), the more secure it is. All pool code gates need to have self-closing hinges with a magnetic closing latch, so the gate can not be easily left open. The handle to unlatch the gate needs to be at least 54 inches from the ground to prevent children from opening it. All FenceTown gates come with spring adjustable self closing hinges. Jerith pool code gates come with a magnetic latch. Magnetic latches for pool fence styles are sold separately by the other brands. Choose a Fence Height Most local pool codes require a fence panel have at least 45 inches between the two innermost horizontal rails. The most basic fence style that will make pool code is a two rail fence panel. Two rail fence panels that make pool code should be 48 inches tall. The next fence panel height that should make pool code is 54 inches tall. 54 inch tall fence panels have two top rails with a space between them, and a dropped bottom rail. The bottom rail is lowered so no pickets extend past it and provides the 45 inch space between the two innermost rails for pool code. Fence panels with pressed spear top pickets should be at least 57 inches tall. Most fence styles 60 inches tall and higher will make local pool codes. Choose a Fence Style Aluminum Fence suppliers carry several different styles or designs of fence panels. The two rail style is the most basic and usually the least expensive. There are three horizontal rails on fence styles at 54, 57, and 60 inches tall. Some fence styles have pressed spears that provide a decorative look to the fence panels. Pressed spear tops also provide a level of security to your yard and pool. The 54 and 57 inch fence panels have a dropped bottom rail, while the taller fence panels have pickets extending past the bottom horizontal rail. Fence styles at 72 inches tall will make most pool codes and have four horizontal rails to strengthen the fence. Choose a Fence Color The standard colors for aluminum fence panels are black, bronze, and white. Aluminum fence is powder coated. Powder coating will prevent peeling and cracking, and is a high quality alternative to standard paint. Powder coating will keep your fence looking great for many years unlike having to paint an iron or steel fence every so often. BlackAluminum Fence Black aluminum fence is the most popular selling color. All of the aluminum fence brands carry black aluminum fence panels. Black aluminum fence usually has shorter production times compared to other colors due to it’s popularity and the manufacturers keeping some fence styles in stock. Bronze Aluminum Fence Bronze aluminum fence panels are the second most popular colors available from most fence manufacturers. The shade of bronze colors vary slightly by fence manufacturer and can range from a shade of brown to a darker brown. Some brands use bronze coating that has a rougher finish that is not as smooth. Bronze color fence blends in with desert environments. White Aluminum Fence White aluminum fence panels are often used around swimming pools or to match lighter colored buildings. Almost all fence brands carry white aluminum fence panels. White aluminum fence is a great way to accent a swimming pool and the powder coating makes the fence maintenance free. Choose a Fence Brand There are many aluminum pool fence brands available today. Each fence brand has it’s own unique features. Some brands have plain horizontal rails, and some have beveled or decorative edges. Most brands have fence panels that will rack at an angle to follow the slope of your yard. The amount a fence panel will rack varies by the manufacturer or brand. Some brands have fence panels without any visible screws showing for a cleaner look. Determining the brand that is right for you depends on several factors. Try to find a fence company that carries several brands to give you more options. Get a Fence Quote You will want to get a quote for your fencing project from the company or brand you chose. Make a basic line drawing showing all fence runs, locations of gates, walls, structures, or anything else the fence might run up or next to. Measure your fence runs in feet, and mark the measurements on your line drawing. Make sure to note the width of the gates you would like. Most aluminum fence gates come in 36,48,60, and 72 inches wide. If you can have your gate in those sizes, it will avoid any custom fees or costs. Mark areas that are going over a hard surface like cement, as you might need base mounts to secure the posts. Most fence suppliers will provide a free quote if you provide the basic line drawing. You can also hire a local professional to come to your home and take measurements. Purchase Your Aluminum Pool Fence After you receive your quote, you might want to check around to make sure you are getting a fair price. Some fence suppliers just sell the materials, while others will sell the materials and offer installation. Check to make sure the fence company has been around for several years and they examples of other fences they have sold or installed. Purchasing your fence with a credit card is the safest way and give you a little more time to pay for the fence. Using a well established and trusted fence supplier will provide piece of mind and ensure you get your fence at a fair price and delivered in the agreed upon time frame. Warnings * Check your local building codes for the requirements to make pool code in your area before looking to purchase an aluminum pool fence.
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