Measuring for a pool fence sounds straightforward until you’re standing in your backyard with a tape measure and no idea where to start. Get it right before you order and the installation goes smoothly. Get it wrong and you’re either short on panels or cutting things down on site. Here is how to do it properly.
What you are measuring for
Before you start, understand that you are not just measuring the perimeter of your pool. You are measuring the fence line - the path the fence will actually take around the pool barrier zone, which includes gates, corners, posts and any fixed objects the fence needs to work around.
Step one - walk the fence line
Walk the path your fence will take and identify the following:
Where the fence starts and ends. What surfaces it will be installed on - concrete, pavers, decking or grass. Where your gate or gates will go. Any corners, steps or changes in level. Any fixed objects like garden beds, walls or structures the fence needs to connect to.
Step two - measure the total run
Using a tape measure, measure each straight section of fence from end to end. Write down each section separately rather than adding them up as you go - this makes it easier to check your work and identify any sections you may have missed.
For corners, measure to the centre point of where the post will sit rather than to the inside or outside edge. This gives you a more accurate panel count.
Step three - account for gates
Mark on your plan where each gate will go and measure the opening width you need. A standard pool gate opening is typically 900-1000mm clear. Gates are supplied as a set width so measure the opening you need first and then select the closest gate size - not the other way around.
If you are installing a self-closing gate, allow enough clearance on both sides for the hinge and latch hardware.
Step four - identify your post positions
Posts typically sit at each end of a panel run, at every corner and on both sides of a gate. The spacing between posts is determined by your panel width. Most standard panels are 1200mm wide - so a 6000mm run would require 5 panels and 6 posts as a starting point.
Sketch out your post positions on paper before you order. It does not need to be to scale - just a rough layout showing panel count, post positions and gate location.
Step five - check your heights
Pool fencing in Australia must meet a minimum height of 1200mm from finished ground level to the top of the fence. Measure from the surface the fence is being installed on - not from the pool water level. If your ground is uneven, measure from the highest point along each section to ensure compliance across the full run.
A few things people commonly miss
Allow for the gate - it is easy to measure the fence run and forget to deduct the gate opening width from your total panel count.
Check for raked sections - if your fence needs to follow a slope, standard panels may not suit and a raked panel option should be considered.
Measure twice - panel and post orders are not always easy to return, particularly for custom or made to order items. Take your time and double check every measurement before you place an order.
Building over a boundary or near a structure - if your fence connects to a wall, existing structure or boundary, measure the connection point carefully. A small gap between fence and wall can be enough to fail a compliance inspection.
Not sure your measurements are right before you order? Send us a message with your sketch or measurements and we will check them over before anything goes in the cart.