Pool fencing doesn’t have to be boring. One of the greatest benefits to working with aluminum is the freedom of using economical, decorative options to pull off exactly the look you want. We’re happy to work with you to create custom fencing dimensions that will make the most of your pool’s space and aesthetics. If you’re not certain about how you want to start your pool fencing project or need some ideas for beautiful pool fencing, we have everything you need to know below.
Planning Your Pool Fencing Options Beforehand
How you want to use your backyard space has everything to do with how it will ultimately be designed, pool and fencing included. Is it the sort of space where you’ll be having big family gatherings and parties, or a more intimate, private space where you can enjoy the quiet serenity of your backyard? It’s not unusual for a pool space to serve multiple functions throughout the day, so one of the best plans to start with is one that incorporates style with functionality.
It’s also important to consider what’s under the ground, too. Pools can be particularly tricky with electrical and water lines, so you’ll need to know exactly where you can dig to install the fence. If you don’t already have blueprints or maps that have such details to guide you, you can get in contact with local utilities so they can help you determine where it’s safe to dig.
Ultimately, you’ll need to provide enough space between the fence and the pool to allow people to move around it freely. The minimum distance between a pool’s edge and the fence should be a minimum of 28 inches to allow others to get in and out of the pool.
Safety Considerations
Besides having aesthetic qualities, pool fencing is also a critical component of safety, both for you and your neighborhood. Before you invest in a pool fence, be sure to check out local regulations. Besides having limitations for maximum height, most residential areas also have other important standards. Generally speaking, you should expect limitations like these:
- Minimum Height: Private pool fences should generally aim to be at least 54 inches tall unless it has one rail at the top.. In which case can be 48 inches tall.**
- Proper Latches: Most pool fences need to be self-closing, self-latching gates with latches that are 54 inches or higher from the ground. Otherwise, the latches should have a mechanism that uses a key, code or some type of solid material around the latch that prevents child access.**
- Fence Openings: Both the horizontal and vertical barriers for pool fences need to be minimal. In the case of horizontal gaps between the fence and the ground, the openings should be less than 4 inches (95% of all children at the age of 9 or below can get through a 6 inch wide opening). Vertical openings should also be small enough to prevent the entry of small children.**
- Fence Design: Ladder-like designs that provide easy access for climbing are another thing to avoid.**
While the standards themselves may seem strict, at the end of the day you’ll have peace of mind for having met them. Besides child-proofing your yard, fences made with security in mind are also a deterrent for thieves (in the case that your pool barrier also includes your house), neighborhood pets, wildlife and other potential troublemakers. **Please check your local city or county ordinances as these are just guidelines and vary in different parts of the country.**
Types of Pool Fences
There are countless options you can choose from when picking the perfect pool fence for your yard. Whether you’re looking to blend your pool fence with the perimeter fence of your backyard, preserve the great view from your pool or create a beautiful atmosphere for landscaping, the only limit is your imagination.
Glass Fences
Modern and attractive with maximum visibility, durable glass fencing has become a trend for pools. The greatest limiter here is the high cost in addition to high maintenance glass fencing requires to stay looking nice.
Wooden Fences
The rustic charm of wooden fences can offer both style and privacy. Their greatest drawback can be their maintenance, as wooden fences are prone to splitting and cracking.
Vinyl Fences
Simple and relatively cheap, vinyl pool fencing is easy to clean and install. Its biggest vulnerability is wind damage, and it can often be thick enough to block a good view.
Mesh Fences
Though not a particularly attractive option for most pools, mesh fencing offers visibility and safety for a quick and simple solution to child-proof a pool.
Aluminum Fencing
This is an economic option that can offer beauty, safety and a variety of designs for pool fences.
Benefits of Aluminum Pool Fences
Aluminum is a flexible fencing material to work with and features a vast variety of styles to suit your taste. Whether you want your fence to blend in with the scenery or stand out with elegant designs, we can help you find what you’re looking for. In addition to having a lot of options to work with, Aluminum pool fencing can offer these benefits:
Economical Pricing
Aluminum fencing can cost a whole lot less than other options on the market, including wrought iron and steel. You also won’t be paying much, if anything, to maintain it, which can ultimately make it cost less than wooden fences over the long haul.
Versatility
While some fencing struggles with awkward transitions and gaps on sloped terrain, aluminum fencing can be adjusted to work on flat or sloping areas to keep the area safe and attractive. You can also find a variety of accessories and hardware to personalize, style and secure your aluminum fencing.
Durability
Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, which means it doesn’t suffer from rust like iron fencing does. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or fade, making it ideal for locations with a lot of heat and moisture.
Best Plants to Place Around a Pool
Few things can dress up the area around a pool (and its fencing) like beautiful plants. Palm trees and poolside gardens are iconic, but it can also mean more maintenance when poorly planned out. It’s not particularly enjoyable to deal with clogged filters with plant material in your pool, so choosing plants that make minimal messes are key to maintaining a poolside garden.
One of your first concerns about having plants near pool water may be the chlorine. Thankfully, however, the vast majority of plants don’t react adversely to chlorine. A larger concern may be how well the plants deal with wet conditions. Plants meant for dry conditions may suffer from splashing and residual moisture from the pool.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re giving your poolside garden enough space from the pool. If you’re working with low growing specimens, try to keep them at least 6 to 8 feet away from the edge of the pool. Any deciduous trees or trees with spines and cones should also be kept clear of the pool.
Some great options for low-litter, poolside plants are:
- Ironwood trees
- Mediterranean fan palms
- Fruitless olive trees
- Mountain laurel bushes
- Daleas
- Verbenas
- Blue euphorbia
Decorating Around the Pool Fence
You can show off your personality and creative flare in a wide variety of ways when it comes to making your pool space special. If you’re not sure of where you’d like to start in terms of ideas, we have a few suggestions to get you started.
Grilling Outdoors
If you’re into hosting parties or love spending your time outside with delicious grilled foods, it’s a great idea to build a decorative theme around a grill. You can pick out your favorite grill, match it with handy accessories, and match the color scheme with other pool furniture. Take out some outdoor heaters for chilly evenings, grab some ice buckets and prepare some outdoor bar sets for food, drink and fun with friends.
Take out some Tiki
Few things scream beach and fun more than playful tiki decor. You can take a classy spin on the theme with tropical-style tiki bars and stunning floral rugs for the outdoors. Textured straw umbrellas, colorful glasses and tiki decor can all come together to make a beautiful pool aesthetic you’ll enjoy for relaxing or partying in.
Home is Where the Hearth Is
A fireplace adds instant coziness to a space, which can be fully utilized with classy, rustic decor. You can further build on the elegant, metallic tones of aluminum fencing with flickering candles and old-world lighting. Outdoor seating and cushions add further warmth and coziness to the space for a truly comfortable gathering in your backyard.
Take a Dip into Your Creativity
At the end of the day, aluminum pool fencing is safe, easy to install and simple to decorate around. You’ll be able to enjoy the view of your pool without completely closing it off and create a space suited to your needs and personality. There’s even further potential you can use around your fence to plant a beautiful poolside garden for a breathtaking view.
If you’re curious about different styles of fencing available and potential pricing, you can check out our aluminum fencing today and get started on your pool fence.
