A pool in your own backyard is a major selling point for most homeowners or renters. However, having a pool in your backyard can pose a significant safety risk. Everyone wants to be able to jump into a pool full of beautiful cool blue water on a hot summer day, but no one wants to imagine or experience the accidents that could occur if a pool is not protected by some type of barrier. We’ve compiled a list of 15 Inspiring Pool Fence Ideas that are all excellent options for creating a barrier between your loved ones and the dangers that an open and uncovered pool may present.
Pool Fence Ideas and Pictures
1. ‘Invisible’ Glass Pool Fencing
The use of an ‘invisible’ fence is a hot new trend in pool fence ideas that have emerged in recent years. No fence can be truly invisible, but by using glass panels and sleek modern metal posts, your fence is virtually see-through and does not obstruct your view into or out of the pool area.
These glass pool fences are ideal for small pool areas because you don’t want to make the space appear any smaller or more closed off by installing a bulky or view-obstructing fence structure.
2. The Mesh Pool Fence
The mesh fence is another type of transparent fence in the realm of pool fence ideas. The mesh fence is typically made of polyester mesh fabric that is held upright by wooden or metal posts and provides a temporary or permanent barrier between you and the pool.
These fences are typically quick and simple to install, and the mesh is available in a variety of colors. This type of fence is also very sleek and gives any space the appearance of a modern design.
3. The Traditional Picketed Pool Fence
The traditional picket fence is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pool fence ideas. These fences are typically made of metal, fiberglass, wood, or long-lasting plastic. When it comes to picketed fences, the options for style, color, and size are virtually limitless. This type of fence can be made to fit any design style, from modern/contemporary to the most traditional!
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4. The ‘Natural’ Fence
A natural fence is another option for pool fence ideas. A natural pool fence is any structure that is designed to appear to blend in with its surroundings. A stone fence is an excellent choice for a natural fence. There are numerous stone types and ways to build and design your stone fence. You could also surround and protect your pool with shrubbery and other plants. When you already have some type of unsightly pool barrier in place, considering a natural fence design is a great option, because there are even synthetic and faux options for covering unsightly pool barriers with plant-like screens.
5. The Show-Piece Fence
A show-piece fence is the way to go if you want to stand out when it comes to pool fence ideas. A showpiece fence could include anything from art deco blocks for a mid-century modern look to wooden posts and fish nets! When it comes to a show-piece fence, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild with ideas for any theme you want.
As with any of the pool fence ideas mentioned above, do your homework and find a reputable manufacturer and installer to ensure that your fence is built and installed with the utmost attention to detail and safety concerns. Why? All pool fence ideas could potentially be fantastic for whatever design plan or amount of space you have, but if your pool fence is not durable, safe, and sound, it will not perform the job it was intended to perform – which is to keep people and/or animals from harm by being in the pool unsupervised. I hope these five pool fence ideas were truly inspiring.
6. FENCE IN YOUR WHOLE YARD
Consider whether a fence directly around your pool will disrupt the look of your backyard; or, if the landscape won’t allow it, fence in a larger area of your yard instead.
Most jurisdictions will permit this type of fencing as long as the other pool fence requirements are met. For instance, the fence must be at least 4ft tall, with no more than a 2inch gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground.
Because of its versatile styling, sturdiness, and low maintenance, a simple black metal fence like the one shown above is a popular pool area idea.
7. LET YOUR LANDSCAPE INSPIRE YOUR POOL
‘I usually advise the client to postpone any fencing decisions until the pool shell has been installed and the surrounding area has been backfilled. That is when they can visualize the pool area,’ says Dobson. ‘Because there are so many different fence styles, I start by looking at the architecture of the house – is it Colonial, modern, and so on.’
The fence you select should complement your home’s architecture, so certain fence styles that may not work with your property can be quickly eliminated.
8. USE HARDSCAPE FOR FENCING
If you’re going to build a pool patio, incorporate a fence into your pool patio ideas by constructing a hardscape retaining wall with an access gate. Just make sure your wall is tall enough to comply with local safety regulations.
This is also an excellent opportunity to combine a pool boundary with pool lighting ideas that keep the space safe at night while also complementing the landscaping.
9. INSTALL A GLASS POOL FENCE
Don’t want to disturb your landscaping with a pool fence? A sleek glass fence provides uninterrupted views of both the pool and the surrounding landscape while also adding a modern touch to your yard.
‘It is critical that glass pool fencing meets regulations so that it is not only weather-proof but also shatter-proof. This is especially important if you have children near the pool area,’ says Rachel Crow, Homes & Gardens’ landscaping and gardens expert.
10. USE A HEDGE
Inspire posh backyard pools in the Hamptons or a high-end Beverly Hills hotel with tall hedges around the perimeter of your pool for privacy (or just along one side). This stylish pool landscaping idea provides beauty and privacy, and if the hedge is large enough, you won’t need to layer it with another type of pool fencing.
11. INSTALL A PASTURE FENCE WITH A SCREEN
A farm-inspired pasture fence is a lovely addition to traditional homes. The spacing between the posts is too wide to meet safety standards, but a layer of black wire mesh can be installed quickly.
‘Because the majority of the homes we work on are in the Colonial style, a wooden split rail or board and post fence works well in our area,’ says Dobson. ‘Because the typical maximum allowed opening for any fence is 1.75in, black mesh fencing is fastened to the outside of the fence with a split rail or board and post fence. This black mesh is almost invisible.’
Check with their state code to ensure compliance with safety standards.
12. ADD PLANTINGS TO YOUR POOL FENCE
Consider adding gardens or plantings around the fence to transform a functional pool fence into a feature that enhances your yard. Climbing vines or evergreen climbers planted along the fence’s base will eventually cover the railings, while a row of large hydrangeas can camouflage your fence with their summer in New England style.
13. VARY THE MATERIALS
Can’t decide on a pool deck material? Why not mix deck railing ideas with different materials?
Created a modern and unique pool surround by combining cedar wood and a stone retaining wall. The stone gives the impression that the fence is a permanent part of the landscape, while the wood adds a warm-but-modern edge.
14. INCORPORATE YOUR HOME OR POOL HOUSE
If backyard staycation ideas are important to you, you may also be looking for pool house ideas. If you are currently designing a pool house (or another structure on your property), this can serve as one side of your fence as long as the fence is directly connected to the structure. It will also naturally inspire the pool fence’s material and finish.
If you want to enclose your entire yard, connecting the pool fence to your home is a good option, whereas a pool house can be incorporated into a fence that only surrounds the pool.
15. COMBINE A POOL FENCE WITH A PERGOLA
If you’re looking for pool shade ideas, consider attractive, permanent structures, such as pergola ideas, that can enhance your backyard landscaping and over which you can grow plants, rather than temporary solutions, such as parasols.
‘Choosing a pergola style that complements your pool fence ideas will create a cohesive look,’ says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘This could be as simple as the profiles, materials, or even fence decorating ideas like the paint color.’
WHAT IS THE BEST FENCE TO USE AROUND A POOL?
The following are some of the best types of pool fencing:
- Pool fencing made of mesh. This type of pool fencing is simple and inexpensive, yet effective, whether it’s done to improve the safety of your existing fencing (such as a pasture fence) that doesn’t already meet local regulations or you install removable mesh pool fencing that you can pack away at the end of the season.
- Pool fencing made of steel.A steel pool fence is a common and long-lasting solution that is both strong and safe.
- Pool fence made of glass.A glass pool fence is a beautiful way to protect your pool without disrupting the landscape of a modern home.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A POOL FENCE?
The cost of constructing a pool fence varies greatly depending on the type of fence you select. A removable mesh fence can cost around $500 for 60 linear feet of fencing, whereas wood fencing can cost thousands. Depending on the size of your pool and the type of landscape you have, a hardscaped retaining wall can cost up to $10,000 or more.
