How To: Repair or Replace Pool Gate Mesh
If your pool fence gate mesh has been damaged—whether by pets, weather, or wear and tear—you can replace it yourself with just a few tools and some patience. Follow the instructions below to remove and replace the gate mesh safely and correctly.
Tools Required:
- Cordless drill
- #2 Square drive bit
- #2 Phillips drive bit
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Replacement gate mesh
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Remove the Striker Body
- TriLatch: Unscrew the striker body from the mounting bracket, then remove the mounting bracket from the gate frame.
- MagnaLatch:
- Locate the adjustment screw inside the striker body.
- Turn it clockwise until the first two screw holes are visible.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently push the mounting tabs and remove the cover plate.
- Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to reveal the mounting screws.
- Remove all four screws to detach the striker body.
2. Remove the Hinge Cover Plate
- Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the top of the cover and lift it off.
3. Detach the Gate from the Hinges
- Start by removing the inside hinge screws, then the bottom hinge screws.
- Leave the top hinge screws for last to keep the gate stable until you’re ready to remove it.
Pro Tip: Lay down cardboard or a tarp before setting the gate down to protect the finish.
4. Remove the Molding
- Unscrew and remove the top molding first.
- Mark both the inside of each molding and the corresponding area on the gate frame to ensure correct reinstallation.
- Repeat this process for the remaining three moldings.
5. Install the New Mesh
- Lay the new mesh over the gate frame.
- Start with the top molding:
- Screw through the mesh into the molding. The screw should go between the middle of the four stitches.
- The outer stitch should be visible just beyond the molding edge.
- Begin with one top corner. Insert your foot between the mesh and gate frame to create a slight arch and apply tension as you screw in the opposite corner.
- Bottom Molding:
- Insert screws at a slight downward angle.
- Pull the mesh taut as you screw it in to ensure a smooth, tight fit.
6. Reattach the Side Moldings
- Only insert screws into the holes at each end of the molding initially.
- Then, stretch the mesh in the center:
- Use a putty knife to push the mesh outward until the outer stitch is visible past the molding edge.
- Insert a screw through the molding into the gate frame.
- Follow a crisscross pattern when installing the remaining screws:
- Top middle → bottom middle → right middle → left middle, and repeat outward toward the corners.
Avoid placing screws in the striker body or hinge mounting holes.
7. Reinstall the Gate
- Reattach the gate frame to the hinges, starting with the top outside hinge screw.
- Then insert the remaining outside screws, followed by the inside ones.
8. Reinstall the Striker Body
- Screw the mounting bracket back onto the gate frame.
- If you have a MagnaLatch, reinstall the cover plate.
- Adjust the striker body as needed to ensure the gate latches and closes smoothly.
9. Final Check
- Make sure the gate opens, closes, and latches correctly without obstruction.
- Periodically check your gate to ensure it continues to function properly.
If you need replacement mesh or additional hardware, please visit All-Safe’s replacement parts section.
