Magnetic antenna mount, on an aluminum pool cage for ground plane?

[WSFY419]

(newb question) - I've been researching and trying to figure out the best way to use my mobile mag-mount gmrs antenna for a home base station (upside down galvanized garbage can on my roof??) - but what if I just slapped that thing on top of my aluminum pool cage?  Maybe on one of the cross-sections would be best?  I am understanding that aluminum will work for the ground-plane, although it will not 'stick'.  Thoughts?  Thanks!

[WRXB215]

Aluminum works but if the mount is on some king or skinny rail, it won't work as well. You need to have about 6" of surface if I remember correctly.

[WRYZ926]

Yes aluminum will work as a ground plane. You would need some actual steel somewhere for the magnetic mount to stick to. And @WRXB215 is correct, you need at least a 6" radius all the way around the antenna for a good ground plane.

I actually use a 40" by 24" expanded metal cargo rack on the back of my SxS with the mag mount centered on the rack. That works just fine for me.

[piggin]

It should work fine. My first contacts were made with a magnet mount on the center of a piece of metal from the side of a dryer on the roof of the dormer of my house. The only problem is aluminum is non magnetic, so adhesion is a problem without help.