The Fence Post

Safety--the Foundation for Enjoying Your Pool

Getting a swimming pool? Don't forget about the swimming pool fence required to keep the pool and pool area safe - especially for young children who may be drawn to the water to check it out. You have probably planned the pool and its installation very carefully - putting into place all your thoughts and ideas for creating the perfect pool for you and an attractively landscaped pool area.

Of Extreme Importance - Self-Closing Gates

If you are installing the fence yourself, remember that you need to check with the local building inspector in your town to determine what is acceptable for a pool fence and all the other requirements - such as self-closing gates. If a child forgets to close the gate when passing through, the gate will automatically close itself.

If you are having the fence installed by a reputable fence company any questions you may have can be answered by them. However, Louis Page is ready to talk to you at any time about materials and the type of fence required.  

Your Plan

Again, for peace of mind and everyone's safety remember to install or have installed the proper fence around your dream pool so that it doesn't become a nightmare.

Do as much planning for the fence as you would planning and designing the pool.

There are many different types of swimming pool fences available that will meet code requirements. Which type best fits your design requirements?

Helping the Turtles Migrate                                                           Arkansas DOT photo                                                    

Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.

What is it?

• A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area
• Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway

It's important because...?

• To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways
• To save lives
• To protect and preserve endangered species

The Details

• Welded or woven wire fence with a ½" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal
• 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient
• Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence
• 24" to 36" height depending on species

A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?

Excellent Advice

This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence, and horse fence. Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence, and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are also presented.

An Investment in Safety--with Invaluable Returns

Wire mesh can be used as an effective railing safety barrier on stairs, decks, and walkways. Attached to a framework, the small openings of the mesh can prevent children from falling and restrain objects from falling on people below.

• Both woven and welded wire mesh can be used

There are mesh and wire gauges available to meet a wide variety of safety requirements. And there are many different ways to put together an effective barrier.

Some examples:

• Strong 12.5 gauge woven wire field fence used as safety mesh along a river walk. The fence is turned upside down and the top edge is bent over for added strength. The fence is stapled to wood posts. 

  • Welded wire 2" x 4" fencing used as safety mesh along a pathway to keep people from falling down the river bank--a simple solution. The top 4" of the fence is doubled over. This strengthens the mesh and allows the top of the fencing to be stapled to the top of the post for extra strength.  

• This picture shows 14 gauge 1" x 2" mesh secured to wood posts.

• Here we have 1" x 1" mesh that's mounted in a metal frame. The frame is then attached to a finished railing assembly.

The Birmingham Zoo used vinyl coated welded wire mesh as safety panels along walkways and in deck railings. There are many other ways of using wire meshes to provide a safety mesh where required. The application and installation can be both simple and complex depending on what is required.