Did you know that over 3,500 people die a year from pool-related accidents? As nice as it would be to splash around without a care in the world, there are plenty of safety hazards and responsibilities that come with installing and maintaining a pool. That’s why you need to install the best type of fence for your pool.
Your pool isn’t complete without a fence to keep your family and neighborhood safe. The best pool fences will last a lifetime and provide both security and privacy with the added bonus of increased curb appeal.
But what are the best types of fences for pools? We’ll walk you through many different pool fences so you can get started on a high-quality fence design that is perfect for your home.
Best Types of Fences for Pools
Mesh Pool Fence
Mesh pool fencing is a popular and reliable safety barrier for securing residential swimming pools. For a relatively low cost, mesh pool fencing provides maximum safety as well as visibility. Mesh fences come in separate panels that can be rearranged, so they are one of the more versatile options for pool owners invested in pool safety. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and heights.
Cost: The price for mesh fencing depends on the manufacturer, but on average, installing a mesh fence costs roughly $1,500.
Pros:
- Removable
- Affordable
- Plenty of visibility
- Adapts to the shape of the pool
Cons:
- Not attractive
- Safety is at risk if not installed correctly
- Mesh deteriorates over time
Metal Fence
Wrought iron, aluminum, and steel fencing raise curb appeal and provide a long-lasting safety barrier. Ornamental swimming pool fences will give the entire property an elegant feel. A well-crafted metal fence may even increase the value of your property, and their high durability prevents trespassing and increases safety.
Cost: Depending on the material, metal fences cost anywhere between $7-$10 per foot for steel fences, $27-$55 per foot for an aluminum fence, or $28-$56 per foot for a wrought iron fence.
Pros:
- Durable
- Aesthetic appeal
- Affordable
Cons:
- Rusts and requires maintenance
- Doesn’t offer privacy
Vinyl Fence
Vinyl pool fences are durable, easy to clean and offer a huge range of styles to choose from. This, plus their affordable cost makes them a very popular choice for most homeowners. Vinyl fencing is low maintenance, five times stronger than wood, and won’t decompose, rust, blister, rot, or peel.
Cost: A vinyl fence costs about $17-$38 per foot, plus labor.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Plenty of variety
Cons:
- Vulnerable to wind damage
- Becomes brittle over time
Wood Fence
Wood fences come in a few different styles. Depending on what type of pool fence you’re looking for, you can opt for a raw wood fence, a painted fence, or a lattice wood fence.
Raw wood offers a rustic charm and can be either untreated wood or consist of tree cuts with the bark still attached.
Painted wood fences are traditionally white, but you can paint your fence in a variety of colors that match the color scheme of your home.
Lattice fences offer a quaint and cozy traditional style and allow natural light through the gaps. However, depending on your area, lattice fences might not meet standard pool fence safety requirements.
Cost: A wood fence costs between $14-$31 per foot, while lattice fences cost between $4-$30 per foot.
Pros:
- Sustainable
- Aesthetic appeal
- Variety
Cons:
- May not meet standard pool fence requirements
- Requires regular upkeep
- Untreated wood splits and cracks
Bamboo Fence
Bamboo is beautiful and durable and adds a unique, tropical touch to your outdoor space. Bamboo fences are resistant to termites and a great choice if you want plenty of privacy around your pool. Bamboo fencing is also available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and heights, allowing you to customize your already unique look.
Cost: Bamboo fences cost between $15-$25 per foot and is one of the more inexpensive pool fencing options.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Aesthetic appeal
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Flammable
- Susceptible to rot
Masonry Fence
Brick, stone, and concrete fences create a safe, private enclosure around your space. Stone complements other natural features as well, like plants and trees, and makes a great backdrop. Brick fencing might be easier to tie into the decor of your home, and you can also paint brick if you need a change of pace.
Concrete fencing doesn’t need to be left bare. You can paint it, tile it, or even cover it with a mosaic. You can also integrate metal fencing or railings.
Cost: The cost of materials varies. Brick costs between $10-$30 per square foot, stone costs between $9-$30 per square foot, and concrete costs about $6-$8 per square foot. However, because masonry fencing requires a skilled mason, the cost of labor far outweighs the cost of the material.
Pros:
- Durable
- Soundproof
- Aesthetic appeal
- Variety
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
- Cannot be easily altered
- Time-consuming to install
Glass Fence
Glass pool fences are made from thick sheets of safety glass and supported with metal posts. Glass fencing is nearly invisible and provides homeowners with a clear, unobstructed view of their pool and a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor space. Glass fencing creates the illusion of more space, making it an excellent option for homes with smaller backyards.
Cost: Glass fences are not cheap. They cost between $90-$200 per foot.
Pros:
- Visibility
- Aesthetic appeal
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires constant cleaning
- Doesn’t offer privacy
Hedge Fence
If a hedge is thick enough, it can make a great pool fence, as it can give a natural look to your space while keeping children and pets safe. When properly managed, hedges outlast wooden fences, are more attractive than most walls, and produce pollinator-pleasing berries and blooms.
Cost: A hedge fence can cost up to $200 per square foot.
Pros:
- Attractive
- Variety
- Plenty of privacy
- Creates shade
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Expensive
- Takes time to grow
- Requires regular maintenance
- Does not provide as much security as other fence types
What to Look for in a Pool Fence
Safety
The most important thing you need to think about when choosing a pool fence is safety. First and foremost, you should make sure that your fence is made from durable materials, is fitted with secure gates and locks, and does not have wide spacing between pickets that would allow children or pets near your pool.
Material
Pool fences are exposed to water, pool chemicals, sun, and all kinds of weather, which is why you need to choose a fence that can withstand the elements. Your pool fence needs to be made with fencing material that is durable, strong, and easy to clean.
Measurements
Several states have basic guidelines and regulations regarding the measurements for a pool fence. According to Texas regulations, a pool fence should be a minimum of 4 feet high, and the space between the pickets should be less than 4 inches. The fence’s lower rail should not exceed 2 inches from the ground, while the rail in the middle must be at least 45 inches above the lower rail.
Locks
The purpose of a pool fence is to keep children, pets, and yourself safe around the pool area. Gates should be fitted with self-locking, self-closing, and child-proof locks. You also should be sure the gate opens away from the pool, so there’s no risk if the lock breaks.
Aesthetic
If you want your fence to be aesthetically pleasing, then you should pick a material that blends in with your surroundings rather than stick out like a sore thumb. You also can strategically place plants and landscaping around the fence to soften the look.
Why You Should Install a Pool Fence
Adding a fence around your pool keeps your backyard safe. By installing a pool fence, you can prevent accidents and ensure that children or pets don’t use the pool without your supervision. They also keep you from slipping and falling into the pool if it’s dark, raining, or icy outside.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends surrounding your pool with childproof fencing and gates.
Is it Legally Required to Have a Pool Fence?
Swimming pools are regulated at the state and local levels. The specific requirements will vary from one location to another. A fence is required around every outdoor in-ground pool, no matter the depth.
Above-ground pools need a fence or barrier when they exceed a certain depth. The exact depth requirement is usually between 18 inches to 24 inches. A swimming pool can be exempt from fence requirements if it has a powered safety cover.
FAQ About Pool Fencing
It’s wise to have a secondary barrier even if you have a privacy fence, especially if you have pets or small children. The more precautions you can take to protect your family, the better off you will be.
Installing a pool fence will increase not only your home’s curb appeal but also the value of the property. Landscaping and upgrades raise property value, increasing nearly 1-10% more than properties without landscaping.
Because of the added risk the pool presents, homeowners insurance with a pool is generally priced a bit higher than the typical cost of home insurance.
When to Hire a Pool Fence Pro
Installing a fence is hot, back-breaking work. Why spend your free time placing fence posts when you could be splashing around in your pool? You should hire an experienced and reliable pool fencing pro instead.
If you need someone to take care of all your fencing needs, check out Pool Gnome’s list of fencing contractors in your area. If you need pool maintenance or installation, connect with local pool pros.
Main Photo Credit: Pexels
