Pool Safety First

Getting a swimming pool? Don't forget about the swimming pool fence required to keep the pool and pool area safe - especially for young children who may be drawn to the water to check it out.

You have probably planned the pool and its installation very carefully - putting into place all your thoughts and ideas for creating the perfect pool for you and an attractively landscaped pool area.

Self-Closing Gates

If you are installing the fence yourself, remember that you need to check with the local building inspector in your town to determine what is acceptable for pool fence and all the other requirements - such as self-closing gates. If a child forgets to close the gate when passing through, the gate will automatically close itself.

If you are having the fence installed by a reputable fence company any questions you may have can be answered by them.

A Fence that Protects

For peace of mind and everyone's safety remember to install or have installed the proper fence around your dream pool so that it doesn't become a nightmare. Do as much planning for the fence as you would planning and designing the pool.

There are many different types of swimming pool fences available that will meet code requirements. Which type best fits your design requirements?

American-made vs. cheaper foreign products

In recent years a large amount of "lower cost" welded wire and mesh have come on the market, generally from overseas mills. Since budgets are usually tight for fencing and mesh, why not consider this lower price alternative?

Here are some factors to consider when comparing various types of welded wire and mesh:

Wire Gauge

Although a critical factor in predicting the strength and durability of wire, this is often sacrificed in favor of saving money. Bargain wire often pushes the lower tolerance limits of wire gauge, sometimes not meeting it at all.

Gauge Consistency

An important property of any wire is that the thickness remains consistent from beginning to end and that the wire remains within its specified tolerance. In order to achieve this, a certain level of quality control must be maintained by the wire mill. Again, this standard can be compromised in favor of a low price.

Weld Integrity

In welded wire, proper techniques need to be employed in order to maintain the strength and durability of the weld points. In order to reduce costs, production speed needs to be increased. One way to achieve this is to speed the weld process. This can result in weaker, inconsistent welds that can fail during installation and decrease the life of the product.

Vinyl Coating

Traditional PVC coated welded wire is typically dipped in a liquid polymer after galvanization and allowed to dry. This seals the wire and welds and increases the life of the product. Lower cost welded wire can be sprayed on instead. This can result in a thinner coating that is subject to cracking and can expose the wire to the elements.

Given these factors, are the lower price alternatives worth the potential sacrifice of strength and durability? Be assured that Louis Page stocks the finest grades of wire and mesh and sources locally whenever possible.

Arkansas DOT photo

Turtle Fence: Safety and Protection

Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.

What is a turtle fence?

• A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area.
• Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway.

What is the need for turtle fences?

• To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways.
• To save lives.
• To protect and preserve endangered species.

And what are the specifications of a turtle fence?

• Welded or woven wire fence with a 1/2" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal.
• 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient.
• Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence.
• 24" to 36" height depending on species.

A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snow plows. Do you think the expense is justified?

High Tensile Deer Fence

• Are you thinking about using field fence to enclose your animals and property?
• Agricultural fencing is available in two types of wires: low carbon and high tensile. What's the difference?
• Is there an advantage to using one over the other?

Low carbon - For years, traditional field and farm fence have been made using low carbon wire. Low carbon wire used in fencing is usually made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. It is easy to work with but is prone to stretching and sagging. It requires regular maintenance. It is weaker than high tensile wire.

High tensile - This wire has become very popular due to its advantages. It is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.28%. Higher carbon content makes high tensile wire stronger. It's higher psi rating gives it a higher breaking strength. To get the same strength, you can use a lighter gauge high tensile wire in place of a heavier low carbon wire. You can complete your project at a lower cost.

• Lighter weight also means easier handling and installation. Fewer posts are required so you can increase the spacing between posts. If installed properly, high tensile fences require little maintenance. Re-tensioning is not necessary.
• During installation high tensile fencing requires less tension to make it tight. The wire is stiffer and will not stretch and sag. This characteristic gives it flexibility - it will give and bounce back when animals lean against it.

Enjoying Fall and Being Prepared

Beat the frost? But who wants to think of winter?

Need to finish up certain projects before the cold weather and snow mess up your plans and frost makes digging holes for fencing a lot more difficult?

The cool and pleasant fall days ahead make the work easier and more pleasant to face when you would rather be doing other things. But you need to finish certain tasks before the colder weather arrives. Here are some questions to think over:

Has the yard fence been completed?

Is the dog enclosure secure?

How safe is the play area for the children?

Do you need to protect your trees, shrubs and other plantings from hungry deer?

Has the pool fence had a safety inspection?

Is snow fence required to protect your property from wind-drifted snow?

Many possibilities and choices are readily available for any of these types of projects and any others you may have in mind. Consider using vinyl coated wire for longer life and more attractive appearance. Black vinyl coated wire blends into the background. It tends to "disappear" and not be as noticeable as other types of fencing.

Make your work plans and purchase your posts and fence. Beat the frost and colder weather.

Do you have any fall fence projects you want to finish before winter arrives?