What You Should Consider Before Getting a Pool Fence

January 20, 2023

 

If you have a pool and you live in Australia, you will need a high-quality, standards-compliant pool fence. This is not only a legal requirement but is of course also essential to ensure the safety of your own children and children in your neighbourhood. A pool fence needs to be high enough to keep children out, durable enough to last for years, and attractive enough to complement your outdoor aesthetic, so it’s worth giving it some careful consideration before you get started on your installation. Here are some key factors to consider before getting a pool fence. 

 

Safety

Safety is, of course, the number one consideration when installing a pool fence, as this is the primary purpose of the fence. While specific legislation may vary from state to state, pool fences must usually be at least 1.2m high, with no more than 10 cm between any bars or panels and self-closing and self-latching gates. There are also a number of regulations relating to ensuring that fences cannot be climbed. Unfortunately, even if you follow these regulations, fences with vertical metal poles are able to be scaled by particularly determined kids. Glass pool fencing is usually considered the safest option, especially if you have kids who are good climbers, as the smooth glass surface provides no footholds. The gaps between glass panels are also usually very small, making it impossible for children to squeeze through the gaps. 

 

Aesthetics

For many people, the pool is a central feature of their outdoor area, so the way the pool fence looks is an important consideration. There are a number of fencing types to choose from including wood, aluminium, steel, mesh, and glass, each with its own strengths,  limitations, and aesthetic considerations. Wood or aluminium fences are usually the cheapest options, but their distinctive look is considered a little old-fashioned or clunky by many people who prefer a more simple, pared-back look. Mesh is a popular choice if privacy is important to you, or if your pool is in a highly visible area such as your front yard because it can be made almost completely opaque, but it does have quite a distinctive, almost industrial look that isn’t ideal for everybody’s home aesthetic. Glass is the most popular option for people looking to showcase their pool area and create a chic, modern or minimalist look for their backyard. It also allows perfect visibility of the pool area which means you can supervise older kids from the yard or indoors.

 

Durability

A pool fence is a permanent feature that should ideally last the lifetime of your pool. As such, it should be built to last, without too much maintenance. The durability of your fence will depend mostly on the material you choose.

 

Wood – Wooden pool fences should be specially treated to prevent rot, mould, and decay before they are installed. However, they will likely need resealing annually to ensure they remain in good condition. A wooden pool fence will last around 15 years with proper maintenance. 

Aluminium/steel – These materials are very durable, but they are vulnerable to rust. You will need to regularly inspect them for signs of rust. If it’s just a small area, you should be able to remove the rust by sanding it down and recoating it with a rust-resistant product. The same goes for mesh pool fences which are usually made from aluminium. 

 

Glass – Toughened glass pool fences are incredibly strong and durable and also require minimal maintenance as they are not prone to rust or rot. You will need to wash the glass panels to keep them looking clean, but even if you let them get dirty, it won’t affect the safety or functionality of your fence. 

 

The right pool fence for you will be one that is safe, durable, and suits your home’s aesthetic. At Sydney Frameless Glass we are experts in installing frameless or semi-frameless glass pool fences that are built to last. Showcase your pool with a stunning glass pool fence – contact us today. 

 

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