The most important element to pool safety is a secure fence. Check out these pool fence ideas that are both safe and attractive.
8 Pool Fence Ideas for Your Backyard
Updated on Sep. 24, 2024
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, you might be wondering how to keep it safe. A proper pool fence is the best way to prevent drownings, but not just any fence will do. Your pool fence should be strong, resistant to climbing, and include a lockable gate. We spoke to fence expert Anthony Strianese for further guidance.
Of course no one wants to hide their glittering pool with a fence. The good news is a pool fence can be both safe and attractive. Read ahead to see some of our favorite pool fence ideas that help elevate your pool design.
Does My Pool Need a Fence?
There is no federal requirement in the United States for a pool fence. However, many states and municipalities have their own regulations for residential pool fencing. Check local guidelines for the pool fence laws in your area; but generally, a pool fence is a good idea, especially if you have young children in the home.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Many of the nearly 300 children under 5 who drown each year in backyard pools could be saved if homeowners completely fenced in pools and installed self-closing and self-latching devices on gates.”
For optimal safety, the height and design of your fence should also be considered. Your pool fence should be at least 4 feet tall. “To eliminate a foothold, the horizontal rails of a pool fence should be spaced at least 45 inches apart,” says Strianese. “The fence gate should swing away from the water and be self-latching and locking. Some townships require the lock be located on the inside of the enclosure.”
Installing a pool fence doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. In addition to choosing an attractive fence, another tip is to to “keep a nice margin of space between the fence and the pool,” says Strianese. This keeps the pool area from looking too crowded and allows for landscaping and other improvements like building an arched bridge.
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PVC Picket Pool Fence
A cozy home with a white picket fence is the American dream for many—so why not install one around your pool? This fence from @libertyfence offers a clean and traditional look, but because it’s made from PVC, it’s extremely durable and low maintenance.
What We Like About It: A white picket fence meets safety requirements without diminishing the beauty of the pool design.
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Vertical Design Pool Fence
If you prefer a modern aesthetic, check out this pool fence from @cos.design. The vertical bars are installed with a hidden bottom rail to create a floating illusion, and an overall more streamlined design. The vertical lines are repeated in the larger perimeter fence for a cohesive look.
What We Like About It: Eliminating horizontal rails makes the fence safer because there are no footholds that a child can use to climb over the fence.
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Glass Panel Pool Fence
One drawback to a pool fence is it blocks the view of your gorgeous pool. But that’s not an issue with a glass fence! The nearly invisible fence, like this one from @glassvice, safely secures the pool without sacrificing scenery. To keep it clean, wipe the glass down with soapy water every 8 weeks or so.
What We Like About It: The frameless glass panels are made from durable tempered glass and are climb-resistant.
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Powder-Coated Steel Pool Fence
This sharp-looking pool fence from @yardlinkfence features powder-coated steel fence panels which are long-lasting and maintenance free. The black grid design offers a nice modern farmhouse style, and it’s transparent enough that it doesn’t obstruct pool views.
What We Like About It: Powder coating is more durable than paint and helps prevent chipping and rust.
Note to editor: I’ve had trouble securing image permissions for this article, so I reused this image from one of my older articles found here: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/affordable-fence-ideas/
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@foxterradesign How to keep your pool safe? Here’s one solution we like to use on irregular shaped pools! 🙌🏼 #poolsafety #pooldesign #pool #poolfence #backyardtransformation #swimmingpool #luxuryhomes ♬ original sound – Foxterra Design
Removable Pool Fence
A temporary mesh pool fence, like the one shown here from @foxterradesign, is a good choice if you want the option to remove the fence when your kids are older. But don’t let the “removable” label fool you, these types of fences are sturdy. The Life Saver Pool Fence features mesh rated to withstand 387 pounds per square inch, and each individual pole has been tested to withstand over 105 pounds of horizontal pressure.
What We Like About It: A removable fence means you don’t have to commit to the design requirements or cost of permanent fencing.
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@ngc.fence #jacksonvilleflorida #fyp #fencework #fernandinabeach #yulee #contractor #contractor #familytime #stjohns #stagustine #yulee #backyard #fencebuild #fence ###allgrup ♬ Summer Vibes – GRLN
Aluminum Pool Fence
A simple black aluminum pool fence like this one from @ngc.fence is resistant to rust, low maintenance and can last a lifetime. The classic style looks nice without distracting from the beauty of the pool. This fence also features a wood slat privacy screen which is a great way to break up the design and add seclusion.
What We Like About It: A high-quality aluminum fence can last up to 50 years if properly maintained.
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@woodandvinylfence Love God; love others; do your best in all you do, Do your best when no one is looking. If you do that, then you can be successful in anything that you put your mind to!! 🥰🇺🇸😎👌 #Custom #Made #Luxary #Fences #HardWork #Wood #Vinyl #Fence #NewYork #Connecticut #USA #NY #CT #WoodLover #LifeIsGood #Patio #poolday #fenceideas #homeideas #backyardideas #vinylfencing #IllusionsFence #EasternFence #InterstateFence #WholesaleFence #StoneWall #americanmade #madeinamerica #madeintheusa #illusionsfence #illusionsvinylfence #vinylwoodfence #fence #vinylfence #fenceproducts #rosewoodfence #lattice #fencecontractor #fencecompany #illusionsfence #easternfence #wholesalefence #fencemanufacturer #fenceinstaller #fencinstallation #fenceclimbing #Trending ♬ Legend – Marcos Yap
Wood and Mesh Fence
This custom pool fence from @woodandvinylfence has gorgeous wood posts and frames, along with mesh panels for safety. The rustic materials blend nicely with the landscaping and scenery. The transparent mesh ensures unobstructed views of both the pool and surrounding nature.
What We Like About It: Wood elements in your pool fence require more maintenance, but the rich color and texture can’t be beat!
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@earlywinefenceanddesign #fence #fencebuilding #construction #pool #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Don’t Worry, Be Happy – The Hitsingers
Horizontal Slat Fence
Here’s a classic cedar wood fence with horizontal slats from @earlywinefenceanddesign. This type of fence offers more privacy because of the minimal gap between the slats. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to sun fading, rot, and decay; but consider waterproof sealing to extend the lifetime even more.
What We Like About It: The small spaces between the slats give the fence a modern look and deter climbing.
About the Expert
- Anthony Strianese is the owner of Liberty Fence & Railing, a licensed fence company operating for nearly five decades in New York. They specialize in manufacturing and installing PVC vinyl fences.
