As more people find themselves at home during these unprecedented times, many have turned to transforming their lackluster backyard spaces into tranquil outdoor oases. As a result, structures such as swimming pools have seen a spike in demand, with some pool builders already booked solid into 2021.
When thinking through the components that will surround their pool-to-be, homeowners largely covet safety-enhancing products. Ornamental steel fencing is one such solution that can reduce the likelihood of drowning or injury. This material can deliver form alongside function, affording a wide array of customization options.
Protecting the most precious
Local and state jurisdictions have long recognized poolside fencing as a safety requirement for a variety of residential aquatic applications. Standards from the International Code Council are adopted in many states and seek to help restrict unsupervised pool access by children. Section 305, Barrier Requirements, of the ICC Code stipulates the requirements of pool fence applications:
• Pool fencing should be at least 48 inches high.
• It block anything more than 4 inches in diameter from passing through.
You can find ornamental steel fencing that easily clears these height requirements, with some manufacturers offering two-rail panels up to 58 inches tall and three-rail panels scaling as high as 70 inches. Taller fencing makes it that much harder for kids to climb up and over.
Other steel products adhere to the ICC with flat top/flat bottom styles and code-compliant spacing between the rails. Steel fencing comes with air spaces as narrow as 3 inches, helping to keep little ones and pets from squeezing past.
It’s also important to select self-closing hinges for pool gates and to incorporate a pool latch at the very top, to prevent young children from reaching up and opening the gate. All of these components work together as a critical line of defense against accidental drowning.
Aligning with homeowners’ desire for customization
Even as a steel fence line can provide peace of mind for pool-owning parents, homeowners haven’t always been able to customize it to match their own unique aesthetic. In fact, earlier products were often perceived as cold and unwelcoming. Modern steel ornamental fencing, however, turns this notion on its head.
Options for personalization: Pool owners can mix and match a number of options and accessories for a truly one-of-a-kind design.
For those interested in a shiny look that dazzles in the sunlight, ornamental steel fencing is available in a high-gloss finish. It also can come in a matte black sand color, should homeowners wish to go in a more pared-back, understated direction.
The picket reveal or finish of a panel can also reflect various style preferences. Decorative rings can be added as an enhancement, providing elegance to the product. Ornate finials can be added on the picket as a topper, as can square, embellishing knuckles. And posts can be updated with rounded ball caps for a classic flourish.
Selecting a rackable system: For homeowners who have an eye for design but also contend with an aggressive landscape, consider ornamental steel fencing with rackable, pin-hinge technology. Since few backyards are completely flat, the pin-hinge design enables the fencing to follow the grade so that it contours with the landscape. The end result is a sweeping, continuous line rather than jagged, stair-stepped panels on hills and slopes that disrupt the flow of the outdoor space.
When adjusting to match terrain, the pin-hinge avoids metal-on-metal contact, reducing the risk of damaging the steel or powder coat during installation, thereby preventing rust. It also reduces fatigue on the overall structure.
Additional fencing factors to bear in mind
Alongside aesthetics, performance and maintenance heavily factor into selecting the right fence.
Performance: The structural integrity of ornamental steel keeps the panels from collapsing under the weight of vandals or sagging over time. Steel is hearty and difficult to destroy, as it isn’t subject to rotting, warping, deterioration or insect damage.
Maintenance: Ornamental steel fencing requires minimal upkeep. No staining or painting is required, and many manufacturers have introduced G60 galvanized steel with nano ceramic pretreatment, E-coating and architectural-grade powder coating so fencing can better weather the elements. Limited manufacturer warranties are available for up to 20 years.