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Pool gate problem!

Narelle Greenhalgh

8 years ago

Needing to install a pool gate that opens uphill that complies with pool laws. The slope of the hill is the issue as it seems to prevent any gate from opening as it would hit the ground. Needs to be less than 100mm from the ground to comply. Currently the gate opens downhill but needs to swing the opposite way. Any ideas?

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telperien

8 years ago

Could you make a step, instead of a slope?

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Comments (12)

Brandi Nash Hicks
8 years ago
How about making it like a barn door type where it elides alert or right, this would solve the problem
jmm1837
8 years ago
@Brandi - problem is that, in Australia, the state rules generally require that pool doors be self-closing and self-latching, and I know that in NSW, gates also have to open and close outward from the pool.

I know there is such a thing as an uphill swing gate hinge, because you see them sometimes on driveways. I don't know if they'd be compliant with pool laws. The only other thing I can think of would be to bring the fence down further and have the gate opening into the grassy area by the pool (ie perpendicular to its current direction).
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Where are you located?
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ctwalker1967
8 years ago
I was going to suggest step and then your gate height and climbing zone above would commence from there. Pain having a step I know, or alternatively the other side of the gate sloping upwards would need to be dug out????
ctwalker1967
8 years ago
do you need to have such a wide gate as well. part of the area could be fixed with a smaller gate - that way the swing wouldn't be as large.
User
8 years ago
Can the position of the gate be shifted to near the tap, if you build out a pool fence to meet it, if necessary.
KK1000
8 years ago
No one needs a gate that large, make it half fixed permanently or temporary with a lock in the pavement then other half won't hit the elevation .
Jacinta O'Brien
8 years ago
Adding a step might be the simplest option.
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Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What's on the other side of the gate? Adding a step will require resurfacing for a distance back from the gate.

Will this heavy gate self close? It may actually be easier and more effective to have a fixed panel and a smaller gate. Also consider that you will be able to have a gap of up to 100mm below the gate. This will allow it to swing up the slope.

If you decide on the step, consider that the horizontal on your current gate may still render it illegal if it's less than 900mm off the ground and the gaps between the vertical timbers are greater than 10mm. If it's more than 900 off the ground it will be OK.
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matthews mcdonald architects
8 years ago
You need to regrade your paving slabs (or are they bricks?) to create a flat landing zone on the uphill side so the gate can swing across - as Arthur says. This is a relatively cost effective solution from what I can see in the pic.
mareephillips6
8 years ago
move the gate up to the front of the house - if your slope levels out there. will make that area look larger & more inviting
wuff
8 years ago
A wide gateway very useful if the only access to back for moving things in and out, step with a bit of a landing seems a very good suggestion

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