WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MESH POOL FENCE
It’s tough to distinguish between mesh pool fences – they all look so similar – so, what do I look for?
Strong support posts: Mesh pool fence support posts are only 1” diameter and stand 4’-5’ tall out of a 4" deep base in the patio. Strength of these thin 1" support posts is critical in preventing your child from knocking the fence down and falling into the pool. The posts must be sufficiently reinforced to prevent a child or adult from leaning against the fence and having the fence posts snap off letting them fall into the pool. Remember, your baby may just be learning to crawl. But he/ she will soon grow and be able to exert a great deal of pressure on the fence as they play on the patio. The additon of a brother or sister can add to the pressure. Don’t think that just any fence posts on any mesh pool fence will do. Fence post strength and fence strengths are radically different. Protect-A-Child Pool Fence post strength is 2x-3x many competitors posts. Click on our VIDEO GALLERY and view our POST STRENGTH VIDEO and you'll be convinced.
Strong weatherproof mesh: Fence mesh can be found in generally three types.
1. The 1000 denier PVC coated polyester mesh offered by PAC (and others).
2. An 800 denier "look a like" mesh that is significantly weaker and less durable than its stronger 1000 denier cousin.
3. Several versions of what is sometimes called an "interlock" or basket weave type mesh that may offers a slightly more open weave yet contain thicker cords.
The weaker 800 denier PVC coated mesh is often found on cheaper fences coming from China and sold through on-line retailers and less reputable fence dealers. It can generally be found on the least expensive fences and is a "get what you pay for" fence. The interlock weave meshes are generally weaker than the 1000 denier PVC coated mesh and depending upon which one is likely to rot out quickly in the sun. We end up replacing many of these fences. These unfortunate pool owner get to buy their fences twice. Truth is the 1000 denier PVC coated polyester mesh is the top quality product and has been in the field successfully for over 26 years. It does not rip, rot, stretch or fade and is fully proven. You can be assured the mesh from Protect-A-Child will be the higher quality, strongest variety and it really doesn't cost much more so compare actual price differences before you buy.
Secure section latch: The first thing a child goes to on a mesh pool fence is the latch. Make sure your child can’t open it without you. And again, remember they are growing and getting smarter every day. Our patented point lock secure latch is the one you can be confident they won't have the strength or dexterity to open. It is the safest section latch available and is adjustable, and lockable. And don't forget about baby sitters. Our latch deters even older teens and adults who do not posses the knowledge of how to work it.
The ability to lock the fence into the patio: Most mesh pool fences are held in place only by sitting in the holes and being pulled tight. Protect-A-Child Pool Fence Company is the only company to offer our patented lock in deck feature that enables our fence posts to twist lock into the patio preventing removal by anyone unfamiliar with the application. This enables you to control the access to your pool by preventing anyone from lifting the fence posts out.
All stainless steel or aluminum components: You don’t want any rust or maintenance. Beware of the numerous competitors who offer steel gate components, steel screw, and steel latches (often referred to as "zinc plated").
Screw spacing: There should be at least 2 screws at the top and bottom of every post and no more than 5” between screws in the field: When screw spacing gets beyond this the mesh can slide under the molding making unsightly wrinkles. Protect-A-Child Pool Fencing incorporates 3 screws at top and bottom and a spacing of no more than 4.5" between screws in the field. The most of any manufacturer.
Consistent screw placement: Quality pool fences have consistent drilling patterns on every post. This consistency contributes to a quality appearance.
UV resistant thread: While the border on the mesh is mostly cosmetic you don’t want the thread used to sew it to rot out. Protect-A-Child uses only the highest quality marine rated UV resistant thread. It has been proven over 26 years with zero failures.
A quality installation: Believe it or not this is one of the most important features of your fence. An experienced installer who installs your fence tight and straight will make your fence safer and more attractive. Conversely, a poorly installed mesh pool fence can ruin the look of your entire swimming pool and backyard. Mesh fences can be tricky to install so don’t assume just anyone can install them correctly. Drilling holes in your patio is not something you can repair easily. If done incorrectly you either live with a loose, crooked pool fence that ruins the look of your pool or deal with major repairs. Protect-A-Child distributors have the benefit of our 26 years experience installing mesh pool fences and training by the most experienced people in the business.
There are many more aspects to a quality pool fence. As you read about our fences you will learn about the inside techniques and product experience wisdom used to produce our fence so it will provide years of service. Many of them, like the denier strength of the mesh, you just won’t be able to determine just by looking at one. Generally speaking (but not always), the cheaper the fence, the weaker the posts and the mesh and lower the quality. So consider the actual difference in cost before deciding to go “cheap”.
You can be assured that with a Protect-A-Child Pool Fence you will receive the strongest pool fence posts and UV proof fence mesh, all top quality components proven for over 26 years, and a knowledgeable, trained installer:
When deciding on your pool fence look for:
- The strongest 1000 denier weather proof mesh proven over 26 years.
- Strongest fence posts in both aluminum and fiberglass.
- The safest, patented section latch.
- Patented Lock-in-Deck feature.
- Exacting assembly.
- All stainless steel or aluminum metals for no rust.
- Top quality thread and borders.
- The most experienced installers.
