Phil Aynsley
Got a pool? Then you gotta have a fence. But keeping your oasis a safe zone doesn’t mean you have to lock it up in an ugly cage.
A stylish glass fence is now an affordable option thanks to a DIY system. Pick the right-sized panels to suit your pool and you’re away! Complete the makeover with attractive plants.
Here’s what you can make…
Pool Fence
Gather your supplies
- Retaining wall posts and sleepers 200 x 75 x 2400mm H4 treated pine
- Everton Fully Frameless Mini Post glass panel pool fencing system, to suit
You’ll also need
Tape measure; set-out paint; pencil; post-hole digger; power saw; blue metal; concrete; spirit level; stringline; drill; 150mm batten screws; plastic packers; exterior acrylic paint in black; angle grinder; allen key.
Notes
- Check local regulations for pool fences and ensure your new fence complies.
- Don’t leave pool unfenced if the changeover is longer than a day. Hire temporary fencing, if required.
- When using power tools, wear all safety gear required. For more information, refer to your equipment pack instructions.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Mark positions of posts with set-out paint. Place a post at each end of wall. Measure 1.2m from outside of 1 end post to find centre of next 1. Continue spacing posts 1.2m between centres to suit sleeper length. Use post-hole digger to dig 600mm-deep holes for each post.
STEP 2 Cut posts to length. Make top of posts 75mm below level of pool surround to ensure finished pool fence height of 1.2m. Pour 100mm of blue metal into bottom of hole for drainage. Place posts in holes, make plumb then concrete in place.
STEP 3 Run a stringline between end posts and make taut. Use temporary screws to hold stringline along top corner of posts. Concrete remaining posts in position so their top corner meets stringline and are plumb. Leave concrete to set.
STEP 4 Mark posts for position of sleepers. Measure down post and mark a multiple of 200mm closest to ground level, here 400mm. If required, excavate trench along line of posts so this mark will be the top of a sleeper. Repeat for all posts.
STEP 5 Place first row of sleepers against posts so top meets marks on posts. Predrill and screw through posts into sleepers using 150mm batten screws. Lay following rows of sleepers, staggering joins between them from the row below.
STEP 6 Place capping sleeper centrally on retaining wall. It’s essential the capping is level so glass fence will be plumb. Level capping and pack between it and retaining wall with plastic packers. Screw capping to wall and cut off overhanging packers beneath.
STEP 7 Paint wall with 2 coats exterior acrylic, allowing to dry after each coat.
Tip
Go for something dark! It won’t stand out as much and makes foliage in front look great.
STEP 8 Referring to manufacturer’s instructions, set out positions of mini-posts to suit your glass panel layout. Posts are set 150mm from each end of glass panel (50mm for small panels). Screw in end miniposts first using 100mm batten screws and set stringline for line of posts between. Screw all posts in position, ensuring they are in line.
STEP 9 Demolish existing fence.
Tip
If using an angle grinder, put old pots on top of mini-posts to avoid damaging stainless steel.
STEP 10 Insert glass panels into mini-posts, using soapy water as lubricant. Ensure gap between each panel is equal and under 100mm.
Tip
Tape corner covers in position while installing to avoid damage.
STEP 11 Check line and level of each panel and pack under glass as required. Tighten grub screws on mini-posts with an allen key.
STEP 12 Install gate as instructed. After installation, check gate self-closes at all times.
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