Before taking on a DIY pool fencing project, it is exceptionally important to research any local laws or regulations regarding the erection of fencing around a pool area. It may be necessary to follow certain protocols to install the fencing properly. It will also be important to find out where property boundaries lie to ensure the DIY pool fencing is built within the property lines. If building permits are necessary for erecting fences, these should be acquired before the project begins to ensure the fencing installation is being done legally.
Once all documentation is gathered and properly approved, the DIY pool fencing project can continue by determining what type of fencing is most appropriate for the space. Various fencing materials exist, and some are better suited to pool areas than others. The budget for the project will be one of the biggest determining factors as to which material and design is best, though other considerations, such as the purpose of the fence, will come into play as well. If the fence is being erected to keep people and animals out of the pool area, a tall fence made from sturdy materials such as wood or steel will be best. If the fence is purely decorative, a low vinyl fence may be the best option.
Careful measurements must be taken before the DIY pool fencing materials are purchased. This is especially true if installing a vinyl fence. Vinyl must be pre-cut to specific tolerances in order to be built properly, and once the vinyl panels are on site, it is very difficult to cut or otherwise manipulate the panels. Careful measurements will prevent any issues with installation and ensure the panels can be installed properly to prevent cracking, warping, or loosening of the panels or posts as time passes. Wood is easy to manipulate on site, which means installation of wood fencing is a fair amount easier. DIY pool fencing made from metal can also sometimes be manipulated onsite, but it can be difficult to do so.
Most fences will require that vertical posts be sunk into concrete to act as stabilizers for the fence structure. If this is the case, the builder will need to allot an appropriate amount of time to the digging of post holes, the pouring of concrete, and the setting of that concrete. The concrete may take several days to harden sufficiently, so the builder should account for this time in the building plans.