How to install pool fencing with glass panels above garden beds?

[fabien]

Hi Community

i have a question please about fencing around my pool  - i used to have an aluminium fence which i took out and i m now planning to replace with glass panels -  there are 2 sections where the aluminium fence was going over 2 garden beds (as per photos 1 and 2) to completely block the access and down to the ground  .

on one section one can see it was being held by one aluminium post to the left near the neighbour fence which was simply screwed to the neighbour fence   and on the other side it was held by another alumimium post which was sitting on the pool tile and i have now taken out (as i m also re-tiling) . 

on the other section the fence was being held on a post on the pool side which was screwed to the side of the pool on one side and again to the neighbour fence on the other 

In both cases the aluminium post to not have a concrete base and are simply screwed no each side which was probably ok to support a light aluminium fence . Now i m wondering what would be the best way to replace these 2 sections with 2 glass panels knowing that these are quite heavy and may not be the best idea to simply hold them on the sides with friction clamps . I m assuming spigots underneath would be a must but i m unsure how this can work out with current terrain and i wasn't planning on concreting this section either

any idea/suggestion most welcome!!

photo 1photo 2

[JacobZ]

Hi @fabien,

Thank you for your question.

My first question is how high above the ground below is this section here?

I would be surprised if having an exposed edge here fits within the regulations. I would be checking this before I make any concrete plans.

In simple situations, glass pool fencing can be installed DIY; however, in your situation, it is probably best to at least consult with a professional for their guidance. Due to the complexity of these two sections, it would be considerably more complicated than a standard installation.

Please note that any installation of pool fencing needs to comply with the relevant standards both nationally and within your state. For this reason, I would suggest you confirm any installation plans with a licensed pool safety inspector to ensure everything is up to code. 

Having a look at the Protector Aluminium and Glass Product Technical Statement, which refers to their semi-frameless pool glass fencing. On pages 8 & 9, it mentions the requirement for installation of the spigots into different materials.

If you could install a timber, concrete or steel structure that spans these gaps and fits within the requirements, this might be an option, but you would need to check this with a suitably licensed professional to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade to see if they have any experience or insights that they can offer.

Jacob

[fabien]

Thank you jacob. The edge you are pointing out is at a height if 50cms from ground howvever i should have added that there was an aluminium fence there before that we took out as we are re tiling the pool and take that opportunity to add a glass fence instead. Pool was fully conpliant and certified before we would just replace the aluminium section around the pool with glass panels but we were unsure on best way to proceed with the 2 highlighted sections and how best to support glass panels there.....or is it best to stick with aluminium fence as it is today and not to touch it as it s much lighter than glass...

Thanks again for your advice

[JacobZ]

Hi @fabien,

Glass, as you would have seen in the technical statement I linked to, due to its weight, requires a much more substantial base than an aluminium fence.

It appears possible that you could use glass in these sections, but you would need to find a way to meet the anchoring requirements shown in the technical statement, which in my honest opinion, is more hassle than it is worth.

It is probably best to leave those sections as an aluminium fence, purely because of how much easier it is to fix in place.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @fabien

I am in agreement with @JacobZ 's recomendations, especially that diagonal part of the fence/gate below.

With your photo1 I would be actually installing a concrete footing for the posts and coping along the area under the fence to a resonable depth so it cant be dug out.

The pool was compliant with what was there before, replacing/changing it means that any new addition to rules will have to be accomodated for. So something that was ok before may not be ok in that same configuration. Your local council will ahve the specifications on their website (just in case you dont know)

Dave

[fabien]

Thank  you @JacobZ  and @Dave-1 

it would be simpler to stick with aluminium frames where they are today indeed - what i don't understand is why anchoring requirements would apply for a glass panel as if you look at a glass panel door it's simply holding via the hinges on another glass panel side - unles it's because the door is thiner and therefore lighter than a standard panel is my guess

[JacobZ]

Hi @fabien,

The gate is still anchored; it is just that it is anchored to the adjoining panel, which is then anchored to the ground. The glass for a pool gate is not thinner; the hinges would just be much stronger than a typical hinge.

When the gate is closed, it would also be anchored to the panel with the closer on it.

The testing will have been done to ensure they meet the requirements when the gate is closed. These systems would not be certified if they did not meet the requirements.

Ultimately, it would still be simpler to either keep the aluminium sections in place or fully enclose the perimeter with glass, so there is no need for them.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob