Every year around May, we start getting the same type of calls.
Pool season is about to start. The weather is warming up. The kids are excited. The cover is coming off the pool.
And that’s when homeowners realize the gate isn’t latching properly… or a fence section is leaning… or a hinge is completely rusted out.
It happens every single year in St. Louis.
Why Pool Fence Problems Always Show Up in May
Most pool fences sit untouched all winter.
Snow, rain, freezing temperatures, and ground movement can slowly affect:
• Gate alignment
• Latch hardware
• Fence posts
• Hinges and self-closing mechanisms
Everything might look fine from a distance. But once you start opening and closing the gate regularly, small issues become obvious fast.
And when pool season officially opens, those issues suddenly feel urgent.
Common Pool Fence Issues We See Before Summer
In the weeks leading up to summer, we typically see:
• Gates that won’t self-close
• Latches that don’t line up properly
• Sagging or dragging pool gates
• Rusted hinges and hardware
• Leaning fence sections near the pool area
• Vinyl panels cracked from winter stress
Sometimes it’s a quick hardware adjustment.
Other times, it’s a fence section that needs to be replaced entirely.
If you’re unsure whether it’s a small fix or something bigger, you can learn more about our fence repair services in St. Louis.
The Timing Problem Most Homeowners Don’t Expect
By mid-May, many fence companies in the St. Louis area are already booking weeks — sometimes months — out.
Everyone wants their pool area ready at the same time.
The earlier you inspect your pool fence, the better.
Gate hardware issues are usually something we can fix quickly.
But if fence sections need to be ordered — especially vinyl or specialty materials — that can take significantly longer.
Waiting until the week before you plan to open the pool can limit your options.
Why Pool Fence Safety Matters
Excitement around pool season is real — especially for the little ones.
That’s exactly why your fence and gate should be fully functional.
A proper pool fence should:
• Close securely every time
• Latch consistently
• Have no loose panels
• Have stable posts
• Meet local safety expectations
If your gate doesn’t close on its own or the latch doesn’t catch properly, it’s worth addressing sooner rather than later.
You can also explore our full fence installation and repair services if your pool area fencing needs more than a minor adjustment.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’re planning to open your pool soon, take a few minutes this week to inspect:
• Gate hinges
• Latch alignment
• Post stability
• Any leaning sections
• Hardware condition
Catching issues early gives you more time and fewer headaches.
At Makic Fence and Deck, we understand how important it is to have your pool area secure and ready when summer arrives. We always try to help homeowners in those last-second situations, but planning ahead makes everything easier.
If you’re in St. Louis or surrounding areas and need your pool fence looked at, feel free to reach out.
Summer comes fast.
