Which Swimming Pool Fence Should You Choose For Safety And Style?

A pool with a rock waterfall and a metal fence.

Which Swimming Pool Fence Should You Choose For Safety And Style?


Which Swimming Pool Fence Should You Choose For Safety And Style?

We all can agree for the most part a swimming pool fence is a necessity even if it’s something as temproary as shipping container pools. Back in the day the normal pool owner would just put a wrought iron fence around their pool and call it good. That was mostly because there were no other affordable options. But the swimming pool fence have evolved in many ways. There are four leading types of fences used around pools today. We are leaving Iron fences out because it is much more expensive and time consuming to maintain which has led to a “fading out” of this type of fence. We will try and give a quick run down of each style to help you make the right decision for your pool.

Ornamental Fence

A fence that is made of black metal.Ornamental fence, usually made of aluminum or steel, offers the beauty and protection of traditional wrought iron fencing without the maintenance. They are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and heights that add prestige and value to any property. Ornamental has become the most popular type of pool fence in America because of it’s extreme durability and low maintenance. The aluminum or steel are powder coated which differs from conventional liquid paint. Powder coated ornamental fence looks very much like a wrought iron fence which is heavy and has a painted surface. The panels for residential come in six foot sections and are composed of individual top and bottom rails and pickets that are fastened together with rivets or screws. The standard height for this type of fence is 54″ tall. ornamental fence is perfect for any setting where low maintenance is important and a privacy fence is not required.

PVC Fence

A pool with a fence around it and grassPVC fence, also known as vinyl fence, is another low maintenance fence commonly used around pools. Many privacy fences have lattice or spindles for the top foot of the fence to add ornament to the design. It’s durable, low maintenance, and provides great privacy. Most PVC fences are white, but many manufactures are starting to offer more color options. While privacy fencing for pools is a good way to to keep one’s privacy from the neighbors, it is usually not a good idea block the line of sight from your house to the pool for matters of safety. A couple items to note for this fence is that over time the gates can tend to sag and that mildew can form if in a wet shaded area. The two primary PVC styles are the standard fence, which is 48″-54″ tall with either solid slats or spaced pickets. Second is the privacy fence, which is 6′-7′ tall with the slats butted together to make a solid panel.

Wood Fence

A pool with wooden fence and swimming area.Wood is the old reliable material fence material used around pools. This also happens to be the most cost effective option between all four fences. Over the past decade it has been overshadowed by PVC and ornamental because of the low maintenance benefits. Wood has plenty of strong qualities, if you can stand the extra maintenance. It is a natural material that can be transformed into works of art. Are you deciding on whether or not to install a wooden fence around your pool? You may benefit from looking somewhere like Tradefix Direct or somewhere similar, to find post supports to reinforfce the strength of your fencing to increase its durability. There’s no disputing the fact that it looks great in any setting, but maintenance can be a problem and if it is a privacy fence you can’t see the pool, so you don’t know if your children are inside the fence unless you run outside to check. Another drawback is if it is not taken care of, it can warp and twist over time.

Removable Mesh Pool Fence

A pool with a stone patio and a glass fence.There is great convenience in having mesh fencing; it can be removed, rolled up and stored away during occasions when a barrier is not needed. Many pool owners leave their mesh pool fencing in place when there is a possibility of access to the swimming pool by young children. A removable pool fence has a “transparent” nature allowing you to have a clear view of the pool at all times. They are made of strong UV coated nylon mesh which provides a safe, transparent and climb proof environment for young children and pets. It may be used around pools, spas, ponds and lake fronts. The tension based system is installed in 15 foot sections with poles placed at 36? intervals. These fences are available in 4′-5′ heights and are available in many colors such as black, brown and desert sand. They are easily removable and simple to re-install. A self closing key lockable entry gate may be placed in one or more locations for convenient access. However this fence does not meet many pool barrier ordinance requirements. A removable pool fence is recommended to be used as an excellent secondary barrier to other pool safety barriers.
Most inground pool owners go with the ornamental fence because of its sleek look and low maintenance. Unless you are looking for a privacy fence, then they use the PVC option next. There you have it, hopefully this helps in your decision when picking the perfect swimming pool fence. If you have any questions about your pool or in need of service give us a call at 623-939-1346. You can also come visit us at our retail store and one of our pool care professionals will be happy to help! Share some pictures of your stylish pool fences.
Enjoy your pool, and let us help you always keep it clear and swim ready!
Disclaimer: We at Pool Supply Warehouse urge you to be sure you know what your local pool code requirements are before purchasing any pool fence. Pool fencing comes in many shapes and sizes but is generally considered “pool fence” if it meets certain standards. National standards are set by the CPSC. Local communities and building departments also set codes and they can exceed the national requirements. Local codes trump national codes when the local codes are more stringent. Generally speaking, CPSC standards require pool fence to be a minimum of four feet high, not climbable by a youngster, and have no openings greater than 4 inches for them to squeeze through. The gates may require special openers so that a child is not able gain access without adult supervision.

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