Whether you're sipping cocktails or teaching your kids to swim, your swimming pool is more than a place to cool off in the summer. It's where you'll make memories with family, friends, and neighbors. But many homeowners, especially families with young children or pets, will want to know their pool area is safe before they can start relaxing.
A pool fence is a necessary addition to make your pool safer and, in some states or cities, it’s legally required. That said, pool fences aren’t just about function. The right fence can make your swimming area safer while enhancing your outdoor space. This guide looks at popular pool fence material options so you can prioritize safety without sacrificing style.
Choosing the Right Pool Fence
A pool fence can be both functional and fabulous, so homeowners have a lot to consider before choosing fencing materials. Here are some fence factors to think about.
Types of Pool Fencing Materials
Pool fence material has a big impact on the curb appeal of your outdoor space. Common materials include glass, wood, metal, vinyl, bamboo, PVC, stone, composite, concrete, and brick. Each material has benefits and drawbacks, so, before deciding, consider your priority — low maintenance, durability, or style.
Safety and Legal Considerations
The best place to check requirements for pool fencing is your state or city’s building ordinances or regulations. These are often found at your state or city’s official .gov website, where sections are typically dedicated to housing and building standards or codes. This information should help you understand the specific requirements for pool safety in your area.
Even if your area doesn’t regulate pool fencing, you may still want a good starting point for installing or building a secure fence. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools states:
- The top of the pool barrier should be at least 48 inches high. (Some states/counties require a minimum height of 60 inches.
- The pool barrier should not have handholds and footholds.
- The maximum clearance at the bottom of the fence shouldn’t exceed four inches.
- Pool fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching.
- Any openings in the fence should be too small for a four-inch diameter ball to pass through.
Use these recommendations as a rule of thumb only after you’ve checked with the building codes in your state and city.
Styles and Designs to Match Your Home
A well-selected pool fence may complement the overall style of your home and poolside landscape. Whether your home is modern, traditional, rustic, or somewhere in between, there’s a pool fence style and material that can help you create a cohesive look. For example, a sleek glass pool fence pairs well with contemporary homes, while wooden lattice or picket fences may suit a more traditional architectural style, such as a Victorian home.
Installation, Maintenance, and Cost Considerations
Some fencing materials are easier to install and maintain than others. Vinyl or aluminum fences tend to be more DIY-friendly for installation and need minimal upkeep. On the other hand, glass fences generally require professional installation and regular cleaning to stay smudge-free, especially if you have little ones running around the pool deck, leaving fingerprints behind.
Steel and wrought iron carry a higher initial price tag and installation cost than vinyl or mesh, which lend themselves to DIY installation. Some fence material may have ongoing maintenance demands and costs. Wood, for example, may need to be re-stained or repainted. When making choices for your fence, keep the material, installation, and long-term upkeep costs and efforts in mind.
You should also consider the square footage of the pool fence you’ll need. Some homeowners opt to fence the entire yard, while others go for only the pool's perimeter. The size of the pool itself affects the amount of material needed. You’ll need more fencing material for an Olympic-sized pool than a plunge pool, even if you don’t fence the whole yard.
13 Ideas for Pool Fencing Materials
#1 Glass
A glass pool fence offers an unobstructed view of your pool and yard, making it a popular choice for modern homes and homeowners who want to feel like they’re on a permanent staycation. Glass is sleek and sophisticated, providing safety without compromising on style. However, glass won't offer much privacy and could pick up hard water stains that require continual cleaning if you’re in a rain-prone area, or the fence is exposed to mud, dust debris, or scum. Although the glass used in pool fences is tempered for durability, it has been known to break. However, it’s manufactured to avoid breaking into pieces with sharp edges if it’s damaged.
#2 Wood
Wooden fences bring a natural, warm look to your pool area and can offer a more private space. This can be an advantage for homes surrounded by closely situated neighbors or in public view that need a little outdoor privacy. Wood can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior, and you can choose from an array of styles, from picket fences to classic or latticed designs. Wooden fences are susceptible to rot and decay, though, so they'll require maintenance and upkeep.
#3 Aluminum
Aluminum fences are durable, lightweight, and rust resistant, making them a low-maintenance option. You can choose from different styles and designs to find one that suits your property. Aluminum fencing is considered easy to install and can be viable for use in a variety of ground materials. However, it may not be the best option if you’re looking to maximize security or privacy, and your color choices will typically be more limited.
#4 Wrought Iron
Wrought iron can be a stylish design choice for Mediterranean-style homes or traditional homes. It’s strong and protective, but it can rust. With proper maintenance, a wrought iron pool fence can last for years. The best part is that the design can be customized to add personal flair.
#5 Steel
Like aluminum and wrought iron, steel fences come in many styles and shapes. Steel is a highly durable fence material and can withstand harsh weather conditions, though it may need periodic applications of rust-resistant coating to avoid corrosion, especially in high-humidity areas. Steel cable railing fences are perfect for contemporary homes, while Corten steel is suitable for a more industrial, modern look.
#6 Vinyl
You can choose low-maintenance vinyl or PVC fences in a range of designs and colors. Vinyl fences are cost-effective and weather-resistant. Plus, many manufacturers include a lifetime warranty for vinyl fencing in case of damage, so your investment is protected. Vinyl can give the appearance of other, more premium materials like wood or stone, and it’s considered easy to install, thanks to the prefabricated panels. That being said, it’s more difficult to repair than other fencing materials, and it can easily track or show dirt and damage.
#7 Chain Link
Chain link pool fences are affordable, sturdy, and practical for many homeowners. While they aren't necessarily the most stylish or attractive choice, and aren't high on privacy, they do enhance visibility around the pool deck. That makes them a sound choice for homeowners with young kids.
#8 Mesh
Like chain-link fences, mesh fences are a low-cost option that's ideal if good visibility of the splash zone is a priority. It's highly durable, yet easy to install and remove, making it suitable as a temporary option for those who only need a pool fence during certain times of the year due to seasonal changes. Still, it might not be the best option if you’re looking for fencing material with a stylish look.
#9 Bamboo
Durable and strong, bamboo has an exotic aesthetic appeal. It can make your pool feel like a tropical island getaway while providing privacy and safety. As with wood fences, a bamboo fence will need to be maintained to avoid rot and insect damage. Bamboo can complement modern homes, coastal homes, or bungalow-style homes. Add a few palm trees to your poolside landscape, and you may feel as if you’re in paradise.
#10 Stone
Stone is a strong and permanent pool fence solution that won't require significant upkeep. A stone fence can blend well with homes in natural landscapes, like mountain homes, and create a rustic, Mediterranean feel. A stone pool fence may be more expensive to install than other options, but you’ll save on ongoing costs, since little or no maintenance is required. And stone can keep out unwanted swimmers, including wildlife passing through a forested yard.
#11 Composite
A composite fence is usually made of a combination of vinyl, wood flour, and recycled plastics, making it a green choice that’s good for the planet and that minimizes environmental impact. It's a versatile option combining the look of wood with the durability of synthetic materials. Although they can be expensive upfront, composite fences are relatively weather-resistant and can be long-lasting and low-maintenance.
#12 Concrete
Like a stone fence, a concrete pool fence is a solid, long-term solution. It's slightly more expensive than vinyl, chain link, or mesh. While concrete can be associated with an industrial look, you can personalize a concrete pool barrier by adding decorative elements like colorful tiles.
#13 Brick
A brick pool fence has classic appeal, especially if you want a lasting solution. It enhances privacy and acts as a charming addition to a brick house by creating a cohesive, unified look. As with stone and concrete options, you'll pay more for professional installation, but the upside is that upkeep is minimal.
Make the Right Choice for Your Pool
After weighing your options, you should be able to find a pool fence that keeps your swimming area safe and looks great. Take your time when selecting the material. Try to add security and aesthetic appeal to your pool in a way that fits your taste and needs. Once the installation’s finished, you can finally get around to relaxing by the water and enjoying the results of all your hard work.