Which Pool Fence Is Best for Me?

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Pool fences are critical safety elements for pools to which small children will have access. In many cases, fences are required by building codes to ensure the safety of people around the pool area, especially those young children.

So, how do you know what pool fence is best for your needs? You’ll want to invest in a pool fence of high quality, and you may have a hard time deciding whether you want something permanent or temporary.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common fencing options for pools and what you should consider as you make your decision:

  • Mesh: Removable mesh pool fencing is designed to be safe for pools, which is why it’s so popular among owners of residential pools. These fences are versatile, durable and not permanent, and have a much lower associated cost than other types of fencing. They’re a great option for owners who do not want to commit to the permanence of other types of fencing and who want a type of fencing designed to improve pool safety for young children.
  • Aluminum: If young children aren’t a concern, aluminum fences are also highly popular for use around pools. Aluminum resists rust and is quite durable, yet is also less expensive than other types of materials used for fencing. It’s a simple option that does exactly what you need it to.
  • Wrought iron: Wrought iron is extremely durable and commonly used for handrails and fencing. However, it’s not necessarily the best choice for pool fencing if you’re worried about security or safety, as children may be able to get between the iron bars, or even use them to climb a fence depending on how it’s designed. It also becomes extremely difficult to remove the fence once it’s installed if you ever need to open up more space around the pool for any reason. Finally, wrought iron is much more expensive than other options. While it’s very aesthetically pleasing, it’s best reserved for boundary fences and gardens.
  • Chain link: Chain link is an inexpensive option, and commonly used for boundary fencing. However, it’s not the best choice for pool fencing, because it’s prone to rust. It’s also easily climbed by children who might want to sneak into the pool.
  • Glass: If you care primarily about aesthetics, glass can be a great option because it allows you to keep your view around the pool area. However, the transparency does run the risk of children, guests or animals running into it if they’re not careful. Keep in mind that glass is significantly more expensive than other options (up to 20 times the cost of a mesh fence).
  • Wood: Wood doesn’t give you much in the way of visibility, as the slats make it difficult to watch the children from outside the pool area. It also requires a lot more maintenance, and can easily be climbed.

Ultimately, removable mesh pool fencing is probably your best bet for cost, visibility and safety. For more information, contact us at Avanti Pools, Inc.