The Ultimate Guide to Installing Your Pool Handrail

Helpful Advice from the Gold Coast’s Family-Owned Hand Rail Experts

Installing a pool handrail is one of the simplest yet most important upgrades you can make to your pool area. Not only does it make access easier for kids, older adults, and everyone in between, but it also dramatically improves safety.

At Hand Rails Australia, we’re a family-owned company based on the Gold Coast. We design and manufacture all our handrails right here in Australia using high-grade 316L stainless steel—built to last even in tough coastal conditions. This guide walks you through how to install your new rail properly, whether you’re a seasoned tradie or a hands-on pool owner.

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Before anything else, decide where your handrail is needed most. Common locations include:

  • Pool stairs or ledges

  • Shallow entry points

  • Swim-out zones

  • Lap lanes or built-in ladders

💡 Pro Tip: Stand where you’d usually enter or exit the pool. Where your hand naturally goes is often the best spot for a rail.

👉 View Our Range of Core-Fit and Bolt-Down Rails

 

Step 2: Select Your Mounting Style

We offer two styles of pool handrails:

✅ Core-Fit Rails

These rails are installed into holes drilled into your concrete surround and secured with epoxy or grout. They come with stainless steel cover plates for a clean, professional finish.

👉 Shop Our Core Fit Hand Rails

✅ Bolt-Down Rails

These surface-mounted rails are fixed using bolts and sleeve anchors. They’re ideal when core-drilling isn’t an option or for retrofitting on tiled surfaces or decking.

👉 Shop Our Bolt-Down Hand Rails

 

Step 3: Gather Your Tools & Materials

Depending on your chosen rail type, you’ll need the following:

🧰 For Core-Fit Rails:

  • 50mm core drill or bit

  • Anchoring grout or epoxy (e.g., Maxgrip, Timbermate, Epirez)

  • Spirit level, tape measure, pencil

  • Safety gear

  • Cloth for clean-up

🛠️ For Bolt-Down Rails:

 

Step 4: Installation Guide

🏗️ Core-Fit Installation:

  1. Mark your hole positions—spaced to match the rail legs.

  2. Core drill 50mm diameter holes to a depth of approx. 125mm into concrete.

  3. Clean out dust and debris thoroughly.

  4. Place the included cover plates onto the hand rail legs (ensuring they are facing the correct way). Insert the rail legs and check for level.

  5. Fill holes with grout/epoxy and allow to set.

  6. Once secure, slide included cover plates down to finish.

✅ Note: It’s essential that the core-fit rail is drilled into the concrete bond beam around your pool. Avoid loose paving or soil-based installs.

🔩 Bolt-Down Installation:

  1. Position the rail and mark anchor hole locations.

  2. Drill 10mm holes approx. 70mm deep.

  3. Insert dynabolts, align baseplates and tighten bolts. Hand Rails Australia sells HRA98B Stainless Steel Flush Head - Set of Four or HRA99B Stainless Steel Dyna Bolts - Set of Four.

  4. Recheck after a few days for secure fit.

❗ For HRA10B rails, use 5mm masonry bits and 5mm x 45mm hex bolts.

👉 Buy Dyna Bolt Sets Here

 

Step 5: Earthing Requirements

According to AS/NZS 3000, any metal object within 1.25m of the pool’s edge—like a handrail—must be earthed (equipotentially bonded). This helps prevent electric shock in the rare case of stray voltage.

👉 Read More About Earthing in Our FAQs

 

Step 6: Powder Coating Options

Prefer a colour finish? All of our rails can be powder coated in Dulux outdoor colours for an additional cost. Just select your desired shade in the product dropdown when ordering.

 

Step 7: Maintenance Tips

Your 316L stainless steel rail is built to last, but a little care goes a long way:

  • Rinse with warm water and mild soap monthly.

  • Avoid harsh abrasives or steel wool.

  • Pay special attention to joins and mounting hardware.

  • Powder-coated finishes should be cleaned with non-abrasive cloths only.

 

Final Thoughts from the Team

At Hand Rails Australia, we pride ourselves on high-quality craftsmanship and friendly, knowledgeable support. If you’re ever unsure about installation or need help choosing the right rail, we’re only a phone call or email away.

👉 Contact Us
👉 Shop All Pool Handrails – Free Shipping Australia-Wide

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