Latest News from Polaris Hardware America
Stay Ahead in Gate Safety & Compliance
At Polaris Hinge, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed about the latest developments in the gate hardware
industry, along with important regulatory updates. We’re in the business of keeping ahead of trends and safety
requirements and take particular notice of changes that affect pool safety. In the US, California, Florida & Arizona appear to lead the charge in creating their own Pool Fence Regulations in the absence of Federal regulations.
California’s updated pool safety regulations aim to enhance the protection of children around residential and commercial pools. These new requirements emphasize stricter standards for pool gates and latching systems, ensuring self-closing and self-latching mechanisms are used to prevent accidental access by children.
Florida’s pool safety regulations, governed primarily by the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515 of the Florida Statutes), also aim to protect children and vulnerable individuals by mandating specific safety features for
residential pools.
If you’re a homeowner, installer, or contractor, you play a critical role in securing the safety of children around pools. Drowning is a leading cause of deaths among young children so it’s crucial to ensure that pool gates comply with updated regulations.
A common safety feature mentioned in regulations are self-closing, self-latching mechanisms on gates that do not require any kind of manual assistance to close and latch.
How can we help
Polaris Hinges have been leaders in innovation of gate hinge technology for decades. Our products are engineered to meet and exceed some of the toughest standards in the world including the stringent pool gate safety regulations in Australia. With a proven track record of safety & reliability, Polaris Hinges are in a class of their own when it comes to compliance while still maintaining aesthetic appeal.
We know that its not good enough just to provide a hinge that meets a standard. A hinge and latch need be built tough to withstand harsh climates and to stand the test of time. To provide peace of mind to end users. Over in Australia we
educate gate hardware stakeholders on pool safety and gate hinge technology, it’s a serious topic that we advocate strongly.
If you have a pool gate or any type of access gate then it might be time to take stock and audit your gates. If you or your client already has a Polaris Hinge installed then follow our Gate Audit steps below.
Please if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re a passionate group that would love to engage with likeminded businesses about all things gate hardware.
Gate Hardware Audit.
When is the last time you thoroughly inspected your gate hardware, including swimming pool access gates. One of the most critical elements of pool safety is having secure, properly functioning gates and fences. Side gates and pool gates can become hazards if they aren’t maintained, but a few simple checks and some regular care can keep everything in
perfect working order.
Polaris Hinges are designed to withstand the harshest conditions while keeping your family safe. However, like all
high-quality products, they need a little TLC to keep performing at the highest level.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Polaris Hinges in Top Shape
To ensure your Polaris hinges and gates are functioning properly, follow these simple steps.
1. Inspect Your Gates
Stand about three metres away from your pool gate and observe its alignment with the
surrounding panels. Look for the following:
Top Alignment: Ensure the top of the gate is level with the panels on either side.
Hinge Position: Check if the hinge is still square and level on the glass.
Consistent Gaps: Verify that the gap between the gate and the panels is consistent from top to bottom.
Latch Alignment: Make sure the latch is square, level, & both sides line up evenly.
If any of these components look off, we recommend calling a professional to realign your gate. Alternatively, you can watch our installation videos and follow the step-by-step instructions to make adjustments.
125 Glass Gate Hinge Installation Video
155 Glass Gate Retrofit Installation Video
156 Utility Hinge Installation Video
2. Regular Maintenance for Long-Lasting Performance
Easy care maintenance tips to ensure your Polaris hinges continue functioning smoothly:
Rinse Off Build-Up: Grab a hose and give the latch and hinge a good spray to remove any salt or dirt that may have
accumulated. Then dry with a clean rag.Functionality Check: Open the gate to 90 degrees then let it go and make sure the latches are closing completely. Then do the same at 20 centimeters.
Tighten the Screws: If required, use a number four Allen key to tighten the fixing screws on the pool side of the gate. This will prevent the gate from dropping and ensure smooth operation.
Adjust the Closing Speed: If you find the closing action of your hinge is too fast or too slow, it may need adjustment. Our hinge installation video provides clear instructions on how to adjust the hinge speed for perfect functionality.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
You may have noticed we are now Polaris Hardware America.
We can now proudly announce we have formed an LLC in the US with a view to better serving our loyal and growing US customer base.
With gratitude and appreciation we will continue to offer FREE Shipping to our US customers from our mainland warehouses.
We look forward to further growth in the US and growing partnerships particularly via our Polaris Pool Fence Systems. More on that later!
Introducing POLARIS TIGHTLOC™
If you have recently purchased a 125 Glass Gate Hinge, you will notice the new Polaris TIGHTLOC™ included with your new hinge. This latest innovation is to ensure that you can achieve effortless, precision with every hinge you install. With TIGHTLOC™, there’s no room for error, only flawless results. These amazing little packers help you get the job done faster and more efficiently.
