In the hot summer months, nothing beats a refreshing dip in the backyard pool. It’s a great privilege to own such a coveted backyard feature, and you may be gaining attention from your longing neighbors.
Installing a fence around your pool can offer privacy from pining neighbors while protecting your friends and family from potential accidents on the pool deck. There is a myriad of fence style options to choose from that offer the protective features you need without sacrificing the look and feel of your summer hangout spot.
Why You Need a Fence Around Your Pool
Pools are the pinnacle of backyard fun and relaxation. However, pools can be incredibly dangerous, and it’s undeniably difficult to relax when you’re constantly worrying about a child or pet falling into the pool.
Fencing around a backyard pool area is critical for the safety of children, pets, and even adults. Some fences are even specifically designed to prevent small kids from tripping and falling into the water. Additionally, pool fences can provide much-needed privacy for your backyard oasis and protect from pesky pests or blowing debris.
Regardless of the type of fence you choose to install around your pool area, implementing a protective barrier can improve upon all of the following:
- Safety
- Security
- Privacy
- Style and aesthetics
- Forming protective barriers from the elements or outside nuisances
Types of Pool Fencing
Incorporating your personal style into your metal pool fencing fencing choice is important, but not nearly as essential as considerations for safety. Whether you choose an impressive glass fence for aesthetics or a more typical fencing option, always remember to ensure the presence of the following elements:
- Height of at least 4 feet
- Reinforced poles
- Self-closing, self-latching gates
- Weather resistance
Mesh – Removable mesh fences are an excellent option for families with young children running around. Strong, durable mesh fence products are virtually impenetrable by the hands of sneaky toddlers. Explicitly created for pool safety, mesh fences have high visibility, are low cost, and require little maintenance.
Wood – Wood fences are not recommended for use around a pool or a house, and have been retired by many fencing companies. The use of cedar fencing has become increasingly less popular as wood products are prone to water damage, rot, pest damage, and cracking. Plus, they offer very little visibility, which can be dangerous if someone falls into the pool.
Glass – Glass fence panels are a stylish, but expensive option comparatively. While glass panels obviously offer fantastic visibility into your pool area, they also require heavy maintenance to stay clean and streak-free. Glass panels also pose a risk to guests or family members, especially at night when people can potentially walk or run into them.
Vinyl – If you’re looking for a cost-effective option while still maintaining high levels of safety, vinyl fencing is a fantastic choice. There are two different vinyl fence types: privacy and picket vinyl fence. Privacy vinyl fencing can be placed as a border on the edge of your pool area to shield your yard from neighboring homes or stop leaves from blowing into the water. Vinyl picket fences should be used around the perimeter of the pool itself, to create a barrier while still maintaining visibility. Self-closing gates can also be installed with vinyl fencing.
Chain Link – Another option that won’t break the bank are the chain link fence prices. While they aren’t the most stylish, they are easy to install, durable, and low maintenance. Chain link fences are also compatible with self-closing gates. The downside to chain link fence around a pool is the diminished visibility through the interlocking vinyl-coated chain links.
Stonework – If your home is free of young children and safety is of lower priority, stonework may be a viable fencing option. Retaining blocks, natural stones, bricks, concrete, or even mosaic tile make for beautiful and durable barriers.
Living Fences – Perhaps manufactured fences aren’t in line with your style preferences. “Living” fences, or fences made from trees, shrubbery, and other plants, can provide privacy and greenery in your backyard. Closely spaced hedges or ornamental trees create a natural barrier and keep the next-door neighbor out of eyeshot. Other plants like sunflowers, tall seagrasses, and bamboo can be utilized as a living fence, too.
The Best Fence Option for Your Needs
When it comes down to finally choosing the right fence to install around your pool, investigate what features are most important to you.
If there is potential for a wandering child to be left unattended, opt for a mesh or vinyl fence with a self-closing gate. Visibility should be a priority for parents concerned about the safety of their children, so chain link, stone, and living fences are a less desirable option.
However, if you usually only entertain adult guests, chain link, stone, and living fences are a fantastic addition. Privacy vinyl fences especially protect your at-home oasis from any nosy neighbors. Just remember to ensure that your vinyl fence is up to city building codes.
Finally, if design is your main concern, glass is a stunning – but expensive – option. Wrought iron fences also come in a wide variety of decorative styles and finishes to fit your aesthetic desires. Modern vinyl fence products are available in a vast array of colors and textures to fit any pool deck theme.
Regardless of the type of fence you choose, remember that fencing is not a DIY project. While it may seem like a straightforward task, leave the grunt work to the professionals to ensure that the fence is installed correctly. Your fence should provide safety, security, and style to your family as they enjoy the poolside activities; make sure it gets done the right way!
