A pool without handrails feels like a sandwich without cheese. Isn’t it true? Railings add beauty to the pool. They are also of great utility. They are cherries on the cake. Some people might not prefer it, but handrails are essential in pools.
Installation of the handrails pool may be a simple or complicated process depending upon the type of handrail you prefer and the pool. We will be discussing railings and their installation in this article.
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Pool Handrails
Handrails are metallic or wooden railings that provide support and safe entry and exit. They can be installed at the pools to bear the human body’s weight while entering and exiting the pool. It also adds beauty and gives a modern look to the pool. It is significant for swimming pools. The pools for décor purpose does not require handrails.
Benefits of Pool Handrails
The pool handrails are not just for décor purposes but also a great utility. They have been helpful for many purposes like:
- It acts as a supporting element while entering and exiting to pool. It would not be easy to make an entry and exit into the pool without any supporting object.
- Beneficial for children who are learning swimming. Children are taught to swim near the deck to grip the handrails if they feel like drowning.
- Provides other benefits like therapy treatments, rehabilitation, and treatment of different disabilities.
- The handrails give a sense of security to beginners and hence help in learning swimming. While learning to swim, people swim near the railings to prevent themselves from drowning.
- Very important in deep swimming pools for quick entry and exit.
- These handrails also impart a modern look to the pool.
Installation of Pool Handrail
If your swimming pool does not have a handrail, don’t worry because it can also be attached later. And if railings are already present, then maintain them properly. Handrail installation can be a complicated task. There are different ways to install handrails even after the pool has been constructed.
- Cut the Deck: The first and topmost idea is to cut the deck. Please do not destroy the deck in cutting because you need to join it again. Cut the small portion of the deck where you want to install the handrail or where ladders are installed. After cutting out the deck portion, keep the handrail anchors into the cut region and connect the railings to the bonding wires. Then finally, rejoin the cut-out deck portion using cement or other material. It may be cumbersome because it involves cutting and joining the deck.
- Drill the Deck: If you want to avoid cutting and damaging the deck, you may drill only specific locations on the deck. First of all, mark the spots where your handrails will be based. Drill those regions properly to avoid excess damage to the deck. Then place the railings into the holes, and you can pour cement, PVC, or gravel into the hole supporting the handrails. It would be best to be careful while putting the cement and PVC because excess or deficit of these may not keep the railings.
- On-Deck Mounted Anchors: This is the easiest way of putting the handrails. These mounted anchors come with small holes in them. The exact locations of railings are marked on the deck, and the region is drilled where the holes of anchors coincide. Then join the anchors on the deck and enter the handrails to these anchors. Mounted anchors are always provided with the necessary tools and objects for mounting the railings on the deck. All you need is to be careful while marking the position of anchors on the deck. These mounted anchors do not require deep drilling; hence, the chances of damaging the deck are meager.
- Use Flanges: Flanges are metallic rims that attach railings and other objects to the ground. These flanges have an anchoring structure: a broad circular base with a narrow, gradually rising neck. To secure the handrails, mark the position of the railings on the deck and then drill the points that coincide with holes on the flanges. First, join the flanges on the deck, and then enter the handrails. For better support, you can seal the flanges with cement or silicon.
These are some of the methods which can be used to install handrails near the pools. One must be careful while installing these handrails because wrong drilling and cutting out deck portions in an incorrect manner will destroy the pool. Even faulty installation of these handrails can cause severe damage while entering and exiting the pool. Handrails will be of no use if they cannot support the weight. So be alert!
Different Types of Swimming Pool Handrails
There is a wide variety of handrails available for the pool. Customers can choose the railings depending upon the pool type and the railings’ purpose. Some of the handrails for pools are:
- Circular Handrails: These are circular near the base for easy exit from the pools. They are the most common handrails. They have the ability to support huge weight and provide a safe exit. They are easy to be installed.
- Handrails and Ladder: This is a 2-in-1 product. They are ladders for pools with attached railings. They are best for deep swimming pools. They must be installed carefully as they need attachment points on the deck and inside the pool. So, ensure that they are correctly installed.
- Straight Handrails: They are the most conventional ones. These are just consecutive rods for supporting the weight. They are straightforward to install because they require drilling on the pool walls.
- Non-ornamental Handrails: These handrails are installed on the pool walls and are not visible. They are just for utility and not for décor purposes. So, if you don’t want to show the handrails or think they might destroy the look of the pool, this is the best option.
The handrails for pools are essential if the pool is for swimming. So, if your pool does not already have existing handrails, don’t think much because you can install them later. Along with installing handrails, you also need to ensure their maintenance. It should be clean and if it is loose, tighten its grip on the ground to avoid any serious accident.
