A Comparison of Pool Fence Metals

metal pool fence

Responsible pool ownership means maintaining a pool fence or safety barrier around your pool to prevent children and animals from entering. More than that, it’s the law nearly everywhere in the country. That fence can be made from a lot of different materials.

If you’re looking to invest in a metal fence around your pool, you probably have a few questions. How tall should it be? At least four feet. Does it have to go around the whole pool? Absolutely. What kind of metal should I use?

Join us as we take an in-depth look at 3 types of metal pool fence.

Mesh with Aluminum Frames

Mesh fencing is one of the most popular types of pool fencing available today. This fence is made from panels of ultra-strong mesh material suspended between aircraft-grade aluminum poles. These panels attach to one another — complete with a self-closing and lockable gate — to create a barrier around your pool that is sturdy and strong, but also removable if necessary.

Many homeowners opt for this style because of its simple, yet innovative design. The mesh panels are completely customizable, which makes designing around irregularly-shaped pools much easier. Also, the wire mesh is specially designed to be climb-resistant, so you won’t have any kids or teens trying to dangerously sneak in for a swim when you’re not watching. Even if someone does manage to bypass the fence, the transparent panels give you a clear view of the water at all times so you can see what’s happening. A mesh fence is also one of the most cost-effective ways to put a fence around your pool.

Aluminum

Aluminum fencing is ideal for those homeowners that want an old-school look. They’re often made with a vertical bar design reminiscent of classic wrought iron, but this metal pool fence is much lighter and lasts much longer. Like mesh, aluminum is less likely to chip or rust than other metals, which makes it a great choice for families that use their pool a lot.

Additionally, aluminum fencing is a great choice for families looking for a specific design style. The metal can be coated in a wide range of treatments, and most sellers offer vertical bars in many different styles. Homeowners can find a pool fence that matches other design elements in their home, creating a cohesive look throughout their household.

However, aluminum fencing is not without flaws. They’re often easy for children to climb. The space between the vertical bars can also sometimes be large enough for a small animal (or a small and very determined child) to slip through and get to the pool. Homeowners who install an aluminum fence around their pool should consider additional safety measures like a pool net or pool alarm.

Steel

We’ve all seen this type of metal fence around a pool: thick, heavy, vertical bars. These metal pool fences are usually seen around public pools, but steel fences are certainly available for the private pool owner, too. While they are declining in popularity (in favor of lighter, less costly materials), some families still want to protect their loved ones with a steel fence around the pool.

At first glance, it may seem like steel is a no-brainer. It’s incredibly strong, it can be painted or treated, and it can be customized to suit any design style the family prefers. However, steel pool fences suffer from two major problems: rust and cost. Over time, steel can become rusty and discolored, particularly if it gets wet. If it’s part of a metal fence around your pool, expect that it will be. This can make maintaining a steel fence a real hassle.

Additionally, steel is a more expensive material, which can be a huge turn-off for the average homeowners. Steel can also be incredibly difficult to install and remove. Sure, a steel fence can look nice if you already have steel design features in your yard, but most folks can get an equivalent product for a whole lot less.

Which Metal is Best?

As you can see, homeowners have many options when it comes to choosing a metal pool fence for their yards. Cost is always a factor, but the most important aspect of a pool fence is how it performs at keeping your loved ones safe. Fortunately, aluminum mesh pool fencing takes the cake in both categories.

If you or your family are looking for some expert assistance in finding the best pool fence for your property, the team at All-Safe is always ready to help. Just contact your nearest All-Safe reseller today and a local expert will set you up with a free, onsite consultation to help you get started.

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If it is important that your product be an exact color or shade, it is highly recommended that you inspect the actual product prior to its installation and address any concerns with your local independent installer. Most independent installers do not offer refunds or accept returns due to color variations.