Did you just install a new pool? Amazing, you’ll be able to enjoy a lot of hot summer days cooling off by the waters! But before that, you may want to consider investing in pool fencing.
Pool fencing needs to be one of the first and crucial additions to the outdoor area for a safer and more accessible pool environment. And when building your pool fencing, you’ll need to consider your materials. The two common ones are glass and aluminum, and between both materials, which is the best one?
Read on to learn the pros and cons of using these materials as pool fencing to narrow down your options.
About Glass Pool Fencing
Glass pool fencing offers a less intrusive and more minimalistic style to any space. Glass panels would be around 12mm thick, meeting the safety standards of your area.
There are three kinds of glass pool fencing, which are:
- Fully-framed glass fences have powder-coated aluminum beams as frames, coming in various colors.
- Semi-frameless glass fences have aluminum horizontal posts between glass panels.
- Frameless glass fences are glass panels that are fixed straight into a channel in base concrete, or they would be supported by spigots. There aren’t any frames or posts, making it have a clean and elegant design.
Glass pool fencing, like that provided by this pool fencing perth based company, offers more style and elegance to the space and is pretty easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, it is weather-proof, acting as a wind barrier while still letting sunlight pass through for brightness.
However, take note that this might be a more expensive choice compared to aluminum fences. Also, glass can scratch even if it were made of toughened glass, being prone to scratches and damage.
About Aluminum Pool Fencing
Aluminum pool fencing offers more stability and versatility. You can design the fencing to the walls of your home and designed it to fit around the pool no matter the size and shape.
One of the best features of aluminum pool fencing is that the material can be powder-coated in whatever color you want. This allows you to match the style of your house to appear stylish while blending into the design of the outdoor area.
What’s great about aluminum is that it is rust and corrosion resistant and is very durable, meant to last. Furthermore, it is low-maintenance and a more affordable option compared to glass.
However, it will require frequent cleaning and would rust over time because of saltwater corrosion, with the powder coat fading over time as well. Also, unlike glass fencing, it is not see-through and difficult to supervise anyone from afar, and it is more prone to bending and damage from strong forces.
What to Consider When Choosing Glass or Aluminum
Now that you’re familiar with both materials, there are other factors to consider to help you know which one is suitable according to what you want and need.
Here are what you should look into:
- The Local Regulations
Before deciding on one option, you need to look into your local regulations, which would give insight into the guidelines you need to follow. For instance, in Australia, homeowners have the freedom to select their preferred material.
That said, it’s best to double-check with your professionals like Wood Glass Group Brisbane, so they can make sure you don’t go against your government or HOA standards.
These regulations will most likely have rules about the fence gate, height, and other details.
- The Overall Appearance
This would totally depend on your preference and the overall design of your outdoor area. It’s a more personal factor as we all have different perspectives on style!
Aluminum and glass pool fencing can be versatile and stylish, though there will most likely be one better for your area over the other.
Aluminum fencing has a striking appearance and is quite noticeable. If you want pool fencing that’s visible but with the ability to adapt to changing needs, you’ll want to choose this material.
That said, if you want the pool to be the centerpiece and focal point of the yard and not the pool fencing, you’ll want to check out a glass. Glass pool fencing won’t require a lot of maintenance to stay attractive and gives your house a more modern and minimalistic look you can’t get out of aluminum material.
- Safety and Security
If you have children playing in and around your pool, you need to consider the pool and fencing’s safety. Aluminum bars and grates limit pool access but maybe easy to climb. If you will choose aluminum fences, you need to meet local safety regulations to make it a non-climbable zone.
With glass pool fencing, it is non-climbable and a slightly safer option. It’s hard to climb on the glass so there will only be one entrance. Furthermore, the glass will make the pool visible for you to watch over the children and pets.
- Cost and Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to opt for aluminum pool fencing, which costs between $90-120 per meter. Glass panels can cost between $200-300, which is twice as much, and that’s not including the installation fees!
Wrapping It Up
Getting a pool is such an exciting prospect, but you will need to think of your pool fencing first. This will give you more security around your home, while giving your pool area an upgrade, looking even more beautiful! Depending on your area’s rules and regulations, along with your budget and preferences, glass and aluminum seem like fine choices, you just need to weigh their pros and cons.
I hope that this article on pool fencing materials gave you an idea of which material is best for your pool area. Now that you have the answer to find a fence, contact a trusted company to help get the high-quality materials and install your desired pool fencing.
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on glass and/or aluminum pool fencing in your house? Share them in the comments section below, all of your thoughts are much appreciated.
