Pool Fence Design Ideas, Options, & Considerations

Written by Michael Dean
April 17, 2023

swimming pool fence

Not only are pool fences a great safety feature, but they can also add to the beautiful surrounding aesthetic of your swimming pool area. Below, we’ll dive into the main benefits of pool fences, the types of fences you can choose to build around your pool, and dive into some design inspiration and thoughts on installation. Ready? Let’s get started.

Main Benefits

Below are some primary “pros” of installing a fence around your pool.

Safety

First and foremost, fences are a great safety feature for your kids. It can keep them out of danger, so you don’t have to worry about them as much when they play in the backyard. The CDC reports that drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death among children under the age of 14 and that installing a fence around your pool can reduce that risk by 83%. Just be sure to have a secure lock on the fence gate.

Additionally, be on the lookout for local regulations. Some areas may require a fence around your pool.

Aesthetic

Depending on the look you’re going for, a well-done fence can really add to the vibe and backyard environment you’re going for. Just look at some of the examples in the pool fence designs below. Fencing is also a great pool privacy feature, which you can see more examples of in my full article.

Watch Outs

There aren’t too many “gotchas” when installing a fence. Just compare prices between different installers to ensure you’re getting a good deal and that the fence is high enough and secure enough to provide the safety you need.

Pool Fencing Options

Although not an exhaustive list, here are some of the common types of pool fences you can choose from.

  • Aluminum fencing: Aluminum is one of the most common materials you can use for fencing. It’s pretty popular because of its durability and rust resistance, but at a relatively affordable price tag. Very simple setup most of the time.
  • Glass fencing: Glass is often used in your more modern setups. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the pool and surrounding environment and typically there isn’t much maintenance involved.
  • Mesh fencing: The cheapest of your fencing options, and also the least attractive in my opinion. Choose mesh if you’re on a budget and don’t really care how it looks.
  • Wrought iron fencing: Although expensive, I like wrought iron a lot more than aluminum if you want metal fencing. You can get some pretty elegant or rustic designs that won’t look cheap at all.
  • Wood fencing: Traditional wood is also very popular, nothing fancy here. There are a lot of style options you can choose from though, whether you want something ranch-style, basic, or modern.
  • Stone fencing: Boulders can give your pool area some nice privacy and a very natural look, especially for homes in mountainous or arid regions.
  • Hedge fencing: Mostly used for privacy, hedge fencing can be an elegant option to keep it green around your pool area.

Pool Fence Design Ideas

Photo credit: Viking Fence

This design is a nice mix of wood and aluminum fencing options.

Photo credit: homestolove.com.au

Here is an example of your typical metal fencing, which is good for safety.

Photo credit: post-gazette.com

The surrounding greenery helps the picket fence and brick columns really blend in with the rest of the pool area.

Photo credit: dolphinfencing.com.au

Very ranch-style fencing here, probably not super effective for keeping small children out, though.

Photo credit: keuka-studios.com

The thin wiring between the metal posts helps this fence seem less intrusive.

Photo credit: Wayfair

Here is an example of your typical mesh fencing. As you can see, it definitely messes with the area’s overall aesthetic.

A contemporary glass fence design. Very modern and pairs well with the light stone.

Huge privacy hedges make for a good fence between you and the neighbors.

A nice mix of privacy hedges and a wall between you and the neighbor’s yard.

Photo credit: nextluxury.com

Here is a good look at a more traditional trimmed hedge and white picket fence combination.

Installing a Pool Fence

If you haven’t started the pool building process yet, definitely talk with your contractor about the surrounding pool deck and your options for fencing. Bring examples to them as well about the design and feel you want to achieve. The pool fence can be a critical component of your overall pool design. While they may not have the expertise to install one, most pool contractors have good connections that they can put you in touch with.

If you already have a pool, you can absolutely install fencing after the fact. Just make sure to scope out the project with a contractor to know what they will need to tear up (if anything) to complete the fence installation.

Need Help Building Your Pool?

I offer design consulting services to help you build your ideal pool. I'll work with your contractor, create build-ready designs and specs, and much more.

Questions about pool fences? Drop me a line; always happy to help where I can.

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