Self closing pool gate | Problem Solving | Forum

Funny coincidence, I installed one of these earlier today. It was similar to this one.

I think one of these would look OK on a blacksmithed gate. The only thing I would add is that you should install a stop with a rubber bumper along with one of these units. They close sure, but clunk and clang unnecessarily without a bumper.

andy blakney;11161 wrote: A customer asked me to build a new pool gate ,to comply with state codes.The gate needs to be self closing.A quick internet search turned up only plastic self closing hinges.There is no budget for cool hinges,and some how plastic just seems wrong.Im wondering if weld on bullet hinges and a king industry closing spring thingy will get by state inspection. ........... Can anyone suggest a cheap self closing hinge?......Or is plastic the way to go?...The gate that is in place now is 4 inches short of code.... They also need me to fix ten pickets that are wider than the 4 inch code..The fence and gate were built in 93.However the code is only being inforced now.Go figure.So I need to make the inspector happy . thanks, Andy

Why not just make rising hinges? I use these when the gate opens up towards a slope.

By offsetting the vertical axis of the hinge pivots, the gate will rise, and then because of the centre of gravity being in line with the gate, it will swing shut under its own weight.

Does not affect the look of the gate and is minimal cost.

You can either try trial and error, or calculate by formula.

Does the gate need to open both ways? If so just make a yoke arrangement at the base pivot point

To calculate the vertical offset of the lower pivot to the top pivot ;
multiply the distance between the top and bottom hinge points on the frame by the rise you need to clear the slope (In this case a nominal 2" should work)

and then divide this answer by the width of your gate

This will give you your required offset size.

Make sure the holes are a good clear fit otherwise the pins will bind when the gate is opened each time, causing excessive wear on the lower one.

With regard to "the code" was that in force in '93?

By pickets are you meaning the whole vertical bar, or just the tops?

Where I am we can modify existing ironwork to match that which is already in place, (if it was made prior to code introductions)

Don't know if this is effective for yourself but may be worth a try

Yeah... I have made some that where just blocks of steel cut at a steep angle so the gate raised as it was opened and then naturally turned as it dropped..

I think I have a set of steel self closing hinges.... I'll look at the shop today... If I dont report back give me a call later..