Lock It Up
If you need to secure your pool, a lockable aluminum fence will do the job, but make sure to follow your town’s fencing rules to keep everyone safe.
Securing your pool to ensure your yard is a safe place is a top concern for pool owners. This may be especially true for those who have small children or pets, but it should also be true for anyone who lives in a neighborhood where children play. Even if you believe nobody could just wander onto your property, you still need to ensure your pool is fenced off for safety and liability purposes.
Perhaps your pool is new or you have just moved into a house that came with a stunning pool. It is now your responsibility to work out the best way to secure the area. Doing a DIY pool fence is a popular option because it really is easier than you think to erect an aluminum fence. Something that you absolutely must put some extra thought into when putting up your own pool fence is what type of lock you will use on the pool fence gate.
Rules and Regulations
Your town, city or municipality will most likely have specific rules and regulations regarding how to enclose your pool area. These types of laws are in place to help protect people in the neighborhood—including your family—from accidents around pools. These laws often specify the height of the fence, the spacing between the panels, and what type of lock to use to secure the gate.
Securing the gate with a lock can be accomplished in a few different ways, with different types of safety levels. There are self-latching locks that help stop people from accidentally leaving an unattended pool area unlocked. There are locks with extra safety measures, including types where you have to push a button and then lift a knob simultaneously. This is reminiscent of those childproof pill bottles that prevent young children’s hands from accessing something that could be dangerous to them.
Do your part in the upkeep
Once you have chosen a lock that is appropriate for your town’s regulations on pool enclosures, you will want to double and triple check that you have installed it correctly. Test it out several times with other adults to ensure it is easily opened and not faulty in any way. Try opening it from both sides of the pool—inside and outside of the fenced area—to ensure safety from both sides.
Next you’ll want to be sure to keep up-to-date on checking that the lock’s mechanisms are working properly each pool season. If any part of it begins to rust or the coatings on it seem to be wearing off, fix it right away. Remember, gates and locks are put under more pressure and much more use than the rest of your fence, so they need a bit more TLC. If the lock is often splashed by chlorinated water, rinse it with regular water and a little soap from time to time.
When creating a DIY pool fence enclosure, it might be enticing to save money with a cheaper, less intricate lock. Keep in mind that safety is the number one priority for this purchase, so skimping just to save a few bucks may come with dire consequences if your lock is not up to code. Getting a good quality lock to match your excellent quality aluminum fence right from the start will help ensure your pool is safe for everyone around.