Estimate the Cost of your New Privacy Fence

While the air feels chilly outside now, warmer temperatures and pool season are right around the corner. Winter is a great time to check the area around your pool to ensure you're ready for spring.Take a close look at your pool's floor and surrounding patio or deck. Be on the lookout for cracks, missing tiles, nails or uneven patches that could cause injury or a slip. Cracks may or may not need tending to immediately. If it's shallow and small, make a mental note and revisit in a few months, making sure it hasn't spread or deepened. If you have a deck and see any nails or uneven boards, take the time to repair them now before bare feet and excited kids visit the pool.When you're finished taking a look at the pool and surrounding ground area, also take a critical eye to the fence around your pool. The State of Florida requires a 4 foot-tall barrier that completely surrounds the pool. There must be space between the fence and the pool so that someone walking through the fence doesn't immediately fall into the water. Fence gates must open outwards, away from the pool, and must automatically close once it's let go of. Gates must include a self-latching lock that is placed on the pool-side of the gate.If you have an above-ground pool, the walls of the pool may act as the barrier as long as they're at least 4 feet tall. Ladders or stairs used to enter the pool must be removed when it's not in use to prevent children from wandering into the pool unsupervised.If the fence around your pool is looking worn or you'd like to upgrade it to something from which you can clearly look out and enjoy the view, contact Fence Central. We're based in Winter Haven, Florida, and service most of the surrounding areas including Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Lake Wales, Dundee, and Haines City. Our knowledgable staff can help you choose a suitable replacement for your pool fence or, if you're thinking about building a pool in the upcoming year, can help you choose which fence will suit your needs best.

For many households, pets are members of the family just as much as anyone else. If your fur baby loves to play outside, you may have considered ways that you can make them more comfortable and safe in the backyard.Your creation should reflect your pet's individual needs and preferences, but to get you started here are some ideas and tips for how to keep pets enjoying your outdoor space and coming back for more all year 'round. More of a good thing. Pay attention to what your dog loves to do in the backyard already. Does she love to run? Is he most interested in basking in the sun or under a tree? Observing what your dog does already can help you to plan out spaces for them to do more of it throughout the back yard. It can also help you to plan where more people-friendly areas, like patio sets, should go. Water for life. A water feature can add coolness and peacefulness to your back yard. If you plan well, it can also be a treat for your pet. If your water feature is at pup-level, make sure it has proper filtration and movement to make it a safe place for your dog to quench her thirst. Shady scene. In the Florida sun, it's easy for anyone to get overheated. Short hair dogs are also susceptible to sunburn! If there aren't many or any places for shade in your backyard, consider adding a doghouse or planting shade trees -- which the whole family can enjoy. Plant smarts. Your dog may not be as gentle on plants as you are. If you're considering new grass, go for heartier varieties that can stand up to paw and foot traffic, such as Kentucky bluegrass, buffalo grass, or tall fescue. You may also consider adding some eatable plants and herbs (rosemary, lavender, and mint also repel fleas!)Be sure to avoid plants that dogs may eat and fall sick from, such as iris, foxglove, lily of the valley, and monkshood. Some vegetables are also harmful to dogs, including garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Fenced-in for safety. The #1 way to keep your dog happy and safe is to make sure he won't go wandering or bounding-off and get into danger. Invisible electric fences work for some dogs, but if a dog is very excited (such as if she wants to chase a squirrel) or stubborn (you know who you are), the discomfort of a shock isn't always enough to stop them from running into the road. Your best bet is a tall fence that will keep your pet safely inside and enjoying his paradise.

If you inherited a fence with your home or perhaps you've been in one home for many years, the need may arise to replace an existing fence on your property. If you inherited a fence when you purchase a home, you probably don't know exactly how or when it was installed. The previous homeowners may have elected for lower-grade materials or hasty installation to save money at the time. Wood fences need replacing more frequently than vinyl, aluminum, or chain link fences because of the very nature of the materials and how they withstand exposure to weather and sun. Of course, living in Florida there's always the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms that can damage your fence beyond repair.Before you replace a fence, there are a few things to consider: Local zoning laws Underground utilities Type of fence Contractor Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to replace a fence, even if it's the same type and height fence. In addition to city or county laws, if you live in a community with a Homeowners' Association (HOA), they may require extra paperwork. Lack of proper permit can result in fines. Especially if you inherited the fence, it's also good to check that the fence is actually within your property line before replacing it. Sometimes fences are placed too far in or beyond the line, either way fence replacement is a good time to rectify it. Before digging, it's also critical to check with the local authorities to ensure that the project won't accidentally damage buried electric, gas, or water lines. If you choose Fence Central to replace your fence, we handle all of the relevant permits for you! We will also handle underground utilities on your behalf so you don't have to learn the system or worry about doing things correctly. You choose the type of fence you want, we will handle the rest.The type of fence can be a big decision. You of course have the option to replace with the same fence again, or try something new. The experts at Fence Central can help you choose the right type of fence to complement your home and property.