Glass pool fences: the modern safety design

Safety around the pool has long been the sore point of Aussie backyards and it seemed any amount of landscaping couldn't hide their unwelcome intrusion into otherwise pretty surrounds - enter glass pool fences.

Their ability to disappear into the garden means pool fences are being embraced like never before.

"Glass is by far the most popular pool fence," says Rob Pirie, of Pirie Enterprises. "It's expensive, but people are increasingly prepared to pay for it and demand has brought the price down."

Swimming pool safety and regulations

Pool fences must be at least 1.2 metres high, with strict rules regulating horizontal rails and no vertical gaps wider than 100mm to meet Australian standards. Safety glass is easily able to meet the criteria, with thicknesses varying between 6mm and 12mm, depending on the fence design and local council regulations.

Basic fence types include those with posts plus top and bottom rails, those with just posts, and frameless. "Totally frameless fences are obviously the more favourable option but they're also the most expensive," says landscape designer Scott Leung, of Eckersley Stafford Design.

Running from the ground up

To take advantage of their seamless look, Scott recommends running the ground cover – whether it's decking, paving or another material – through the fence so that it appears on both sides in generous quantities. "It gives the illusion there's no barrier at all," he explains. Pergolas, water features or other structures can also be integrated into the fence design.

Rob says glass fences can be fixed to almost any hard surface, including decking, and they can even be installed retrospectively. But he says the cost (glass fences start at about three times the price of lightweight aluminium fencing) means they should be used wisely. "If the pool is a real feature, you'd want to use glass, but if it's shoved to the back of the yard, it probably isn't worth it," he says.

Maintaining the glass appearance

Glass pool fences also perform well. They keep children out of harm's way, require little upkeep and don't fade. But there are a few drawbacks. Splashes from saltwater pools might leave salt residue on the glass and at times dirt and dust might also cause marks. Flying debris from lawnmowers is another potential hazard. "But overall, in the grand scheme of things, they're very low maintenance," says Scott.

To find out the prices and ranges of glass pool fences for your home, contact a fencing contractor in your area today: