Can you install a Pool Fence in Dirt?
We are often asked if you can install a Pool Fence in dirt… the answer is YES! You can install a Pool Fence in Dirt.
Things to Consider
When considering where to install your pool fence, the ideal surface will always be the most solid surface (ex: Concrete, Pavers, Natural Stone, Brick, etc.) because mesh pool fencing is tensioned based. We know that some pool owners would prefer to not drill holes into their deck, so they inquire about installing into dirt. Keep in mind that when installing in dirt there will be layout restrictions and added costs.
Installing in dirt does require that every pole & post in the dirt is installed in a concrete footing. This typically adds time and costs to your overall job cost. In some cases, it can be a single pole that has to go into dirt and for others, they may have the entire fence running in dirt.
There are special considerations given to certain installation circumstances. Below are a few examples to consider if you are thinking of having your pool fence installed in dirt.
Fence Line
You will want to avoid a curvy layout and keep your fence lines as straight as possible. Any portion of your fence line that runs in dirt will need one concrete footing for every pole & post that lands in the dirt. This concrete footing is poured during your installation, by your installation team. You cannot pre-determine where to pour footings until the crew is on-site with the material. Your estimator can provide you an approximation, but again, you will not know final location until the actual footings are being laid out.
Self-Closing Gate
If you are going to install a Self-Closing Gate on your pool fence, the gate cannot be installed in concrete footings. You will need to have a concrete gate pad poured (download our Gate Pad spec sheet here) prior to installation or have your reseller pour the concrete pad for you during your installation (additional costs are involved for this request). The required pad dimensions will provide the required surface strength to ensure that your Self-Closing Gate is safe & secure.
Turns
When it comes to turns in dirt, turns can be made one of two ways. A ”natural’ radius soft turn can be made and may or may not require additional poles or posts (each requiring a concrete footing) or a ‘hard’ turn (greater than 45 degrees) can be made. Hard turns are made with Round Terminating Posts and come with additional costs.
Planters & Slopes
If your pool fence line includes planters or slopes that have dirt, the same concept applies. Concrete footings will need to be installed for every pole that is installed in the dirt. In some cases, additional parts are needed to accommodate planters and slope installations.
Landscaping Consideration
Consider your yard maintenance when installing your Pool Fence in dirt. In some cases pool owners later install grass or other landscaping that requires lawnmowers or weed whackers and these tools will cause damage to your pool fence if they come in contact with it. You may need to take your fence down every time you maintain your yard if there is a possibility for damage.
