The Ultimate Buying Guide to Pool Handrails
What’s that one crucial component that you cannot do away with when it comes to pool safety? Well, yes, it is pool handrails. Swimming pool rails are extremely essential when it comes to ensuring your pool area is safe and accessible to kids and adults alike. Besides, it also equally contributes to the aesthetics of your pool. Therefore, whether you are having a new pool built or upgrading one in your backyard or in a commercial space, it is imperative that you have pool handrails installed.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take through all that you need to know about pool handrails, why they are necessary to be installed, what are the types available, what materials and sizes are available, how to choose a pool handrail, and more.
Table of Contents
- Why is it Essential to Install Pool Handrails?
- Types of Pool Handrails
- Sizes of Pool Handrails
- Materials Commonly Used in Pool Handrails
- How to Choose the Right Pool Handrail for Your Pool: Factors to Consider?
- Installation of Pool Handrails
- Installation Methods
- DIY vs. Professional Installation
- Installation Tips
Why is it Essential to Install Pool Handrails?
Let’s understand why swimming pool handrails should be installed when building or upgrading a pool.
Accessibility:
With a pool handrail installed, pools become more accessible to everyone, even those with mobility issues. It is easier for anyone, children and adults to hold the rails and get down into or out of the water with ease and comfort.
Safety:
One of the most important reasons to install a pool handrail is obviously safety. The pool area is where accidents are prone to happen because of water all over the area or due to slippery decks, hence, a handrail can prevent such serious mishaps from happening. By carefully holding on to these pool handrails, you can safely enter and exit the pool. It gives a person that much-needed support and stability.
Aesthetics:
A swimming pool rail undoubtedly adds to the aesthetics of your pool. You have sleek, modern, or contemporary, etc., designs to choose from to give your pool that stylish look. Additionally, also have universal pool rail caps added to the ends of your handrails for protection as well as for a much neater and finished look.
Types of Pool Handrails
As you know by now that besides providing safety and accessibility to all, pool handrails contribute greatly to the aesthetic of your poolside as well. There are different types of pool handrails that you can choose from for safety and aesthetic purposes. Let’s take a look at a few of them below.
Straight Pool Handrails
These straight swimming pool rails are basically the standard ones that are most commonly installed at the entry and exit points of the pools, particularly pools that are rectangular in shape. They are designed keeping in mind simplicity and functionality and are pretty effective, doing just the job these handrails need to do.
Cross-Braced Pool Handrails
Cross-braced pool handrails are just what you need for much larger pools as they are much more strongly constructed. The added brace that these pool handrails come with ensure more stability and safety.
Figure-4 Pool Handrails
The figure-4 pool handrail comes in an unconventional shape which ensures proper support for children and elders alike. They come with an additional comfortable grip for safety and easy accessibility and are quite suited for the shallow section of the pool.
Ladder Pool Handrails
These are basically pool ladders that come with quite supportive handrails. They are particularly apt for getting into and out of the pool safely and easily. These are also added in those sections of the pool where there aren’t any concrete steps.
Sizes of Pool Handrails
Let’s see what sizes are available for swimming pool rails.
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Standard Sizes:
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Customized Sizes:
Materials Commonly Used in Pool Handrails
Let’s take a look at the materials that pool handrails are made of.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel swimming pool rails are something that you would see most commonly used for homes as well as for commercial purposes. These pool handrails are very strong, reliable, durable, and also resistant to corrosion. To add to that, these stainless steel handrails look very modern and classy. However, to make sure they shine, they need regular cleaning and wiping. Having said that, one drawback is that they tend to get really hot under the sun so you need to be super careful when you touch these handrails. The best is to use a pool handrail cover to protect it from the sunlight.
Powder-Coated Aluminum:
Then you also have the powder-coated aluminum pool handrails. These handrails are much lighter in weight, are corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant, and come in the colors of your choice. The only drawback when compared to stainless steel pool handrails is that they are not as durable and sturdy but you can play around with colors to give your pool that attractive look.
Brass:
For a more sophisticated and luxurious look, you have brass pool handrails. But do note that brass handrails might be heavier on your pocket and do require proper maintenance so that it doesn’t look all dull and discolored.
How to Choose the Right Pool Handrail for Your Pool: Factors to Consider?
When choosing a pool handrail there are certain factors that you need to consider. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Pool Design
Pool design obviously plays quite an important role when it comes to selecting a pool handrail. Now if your pool is the most common standard type that is basically rectangular, then a straight standard swimming pool rail is an ideal choice, and if your pool is circular or unconventionally shaped, then curved or figure-4 handrails are much more suited. You need to take into account the entry and exit sections as well as the stairs to make an ideal decision.
Size Considerations
Size is another crucial factor to take into account when deciding upon a pool handrail. Take into consideration how deep your pool is, where the shallow end is, where the stairs are, and who will be using the swimming pool. Once you have clarity on this, then go ahead and choose one that’s ideal.
Material Options
Material is without a doubt a factor that needs to be considered when choosing pool handrails. You have numerous options to choose from - stainless steel, aluminum, brass, powder-coated, vinyl-coated, etc.
Climatic Conditions
The kind of climatic conditions you stay in is also important to be taken into account before you make a decision. If you stay in a humid climate, then stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum is a great choice because they are resistant to rust and erosion. If you stay in a very hot climatic condition, then handrails that are heat-resistant are a much better option. Having said that, you have pool handrail covers to offer you that extra protection and support from climatic conditions.
Pool Users
Always take into consideration who the pool is for. Is it for children or adults or for both? If the pool is going to be used by children and older people, then having pool handrails that provide extra support and safety is important. Higher reach handrails are best in such situations because they provide that extra comfort and ease.
Budget
It’s obvious that you cannot go ahead without having a budget set aside for this. You cannot compromise on the safety, functionality, and accessibility of both kids and adults, hence, choose a good quality one so that it lasts you for a longer period of time. However, do take your budget into account before you choose one. Stainless steel is the most common one used and comes in price that is pocket-friendly, but if you want something more luxurious, then you would have to spend a bit more on a brass handrail. Vinyl-coated ones are also a good option for homes if you want affordability and functionality.
Aesthetic Preferences
Besides safety, accessibility, functionality, and comfort, pool handrails also add to the aesthetics of your poolside. Therefore, look for something that matches the theme of your backyard or the commercial space so that you are able to create a harmonious look.
Installation of Pool Handrails
Installing pool handrails can either be done by you, but you need to have the right tools and the knowledge of doing so or it can be installed by a professional who is well acquainted with the process. Let’s take a look at some installation methods and tips.
Installation Methods
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Anchor-mount Installation:
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Surface-mount Installation:
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you are someone with hands-on experience with doing the installation process by yourself, then you can go for it. However, make sure you have the necessary tools such as drills, anchors, bolts, adhesives, measuring tape, etc., to do the installation. Always follow the manufactures guide for safe installation procedures.
If the installation process is not your cup of tea and if there are much more complex things to do, then always call a professional. They are well acquainted with what needs to be done because they come with the knowledge needed as well as are thoroughly trained for it.
Installation Tips
- Have all the necessary tools for the swimming pool rail installation process.
- Follow the manufacture’s guide if you are doing it by yourself.
- Make sure to take the correct measurements before installation.
- Install pool handrails at the correct height and angle.
- Once installed, always check to see if they are fastened well enough.
In conclusion, you cannot do away without installing a pool handrail if you have a swimming pool, whether it is indoors or outdoors, a residential one, or a commercial pool because safety is paramount. Moreover, you have a variety of options to choose from. For a sleek and modern look, you can go for a stainless steel one, for a luxurious look, you can choose a brass swimming pool rail, etc. The options are many, however, always remember to take into consideration factors such as pool design, size, pool users, climatic conditions, budget, etc. Besides, whatever you decide, remember that safety and security are paramount here, therefore, always consider investing in a good-quality pool handrail for a safe and amazing swimming experience.
