Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget when it comes to improving and protecting our homes, which is what makes pool fence cost so important. In most cases, either due to government codes and regulations, HOA governance documents, or insurance carrier requirements, your swimming pool must be protected by a compliant safety barrier–meaning the cost of a pool fence is part of the cost of pool ownership. Unfortunately, there’s no set pool fencing cost as it can fluctuate based on the materials, size of the enclosure, amount of upkeep it requires, and more. That doesn’t mean there’s no easy way to find out how much it will cost for you to protect your friends, family, and pets. Before we look at that, however, let’s look at what goes into your pool fence cost so you can make a more informed initial pool safety barrier decision.
Why a Pool Fence is a Must-Have
Whether you’re required by a third party to maintain a pool fence or not, it’s still the responsible choice. Accidental drownings cost us an average of around ten lives a day, with children–especially younger ones–bearing the brunt of the toll. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance cites a lack of safety barriers as a contributing factor in the majority of cases. While preventing unsupervised pool access that puts your loved ones at a higher risk of drowning is an important enough reason on its own, it’s not the only reason to install and maintain your swimming pool fence.
Your fence gives you more control over situations in and around your pool area on your property, from entertaining guests with rowdy children to having one more wall between you and the outside world. Your swimming pool cost is also offset by the reduced liability risks you face from wisely exercising this control. A safer pool with properly used barriers is a better defense should an accident or injury occur on your property.
Types of Swimming Pool Fencing
There are many different types of pool fencing available in a wide range of styles. This lets everyone design a pool area that fits their aesthetic, but just because a pool fence looks good doesn’t mean it’s the safest or best choice for you.
Tempered Glass
One of the most beautiful pool fences on the market, tempered glass looks good, resists the elements well, and can raise the value of your property. Unfortunately, it also carries one of the highest pool fence costs on the market. Glass pool fencing can run into a hundred dollars or more per linear foot, far outpacing more economical options. While designed to be strong and shatter resistant, it is still glass, leading to potential cuts if an accident occurs, and broken glass becomes almost invisible underwater, further increasing the danger and cost of repair as the pool must be completely drained and thoroughly checked for any shards to ensure there’s no risk of injury. While the glass itself may not provide much climbing purchase, the fixtures holding the panel can, reducing its ability to stop unsupervised access.
Stone, Brick, and Concrete
Another popular high-end pool fence option, these sturdy structures add a sense of security that may not be warranted. Poorly applied mortar can leave plenty of hand and foot gaps to aid climbing, and the solid nature prevents you from easily seeing if someone has made it into your pool area without permission. While the $30-50 per linear foot cost is more reasonable than glass, it also presents a hazard with rowdy kids who can easily get scrapes and bruises playing in the fixed limited area it creates.
Wood
Wood is a traditional choice that gives you several options, from pickets to privacy. The cost of a pool fence made out of wood is relatively reasonable, coming in at $15-20 per linear foot with the rising lumber prices. A professionally installed and properly finished wood fence can be a beautiful addition to your yard, but they are easy to climb and don’t resist the elements well. While most wood fences will give you 5-10 years before replacement slats and fittings start becoming a frequent need leading up to a full replacement, the constant moisture and added chemicals of the pool area can speed this process up, raising your swimming pool fence ownership cost.
Chainlink
Chainlink fence may not look as nice as some other fencing options, but it’s one of the cheapest fence materials on the list, averaging $10-12 per linear foot at the low end for your standard 4-foot tall yard fence style and rising to $40-50 per linear foot for taller enclosures or those fitted with vinyl privacy slats. Chainlink is also extremely weather resistant, with properly installed chainlink offering a life expectancy of up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. It’s also notoriously easy to climb, with plenty of handholds and foot placement options, making it incredibly insecure.
Removable Mesh Pool Fencing
If you’re looking for the best cost-to-benefit ratio when choosing a pool fence, look no further than removable mesh pool fencing from All-Safe. This pool safety solution can be removed or installed with ease by using strong poles inserted into minimally visible anchor points around your deck. Coupled with our secure mesh material, these pool fences are rip, weather, and UV-resistant. Even while installed, mesh pool fencing allows for easy access through a self-closing and latching gate while ensuring you can still keep an eye on the pool through the semi-transparent mesh material.
Mesh pool fencing rivals the cost of chainlink pool fencing, with prices that often come in lower than $15 per linear foot. For the most accurate cost quote, be sure to visit our Pool Fence page to learn about the various design options & features that are available to you. The total cost of your fence will be dependent on your unique needs for your swimming pool.
Find Out Your Pool Fence Cost
There’s no cost or obligation to find out how much it will cost to protect your pool. Your local All-Safe Pool fencing cost expert will talk to you about your pool needs, take measurements, and help you understand your options. Peace of mind can be beautiful and cost-effective. Request a free quote from your independent All-Safe Pool installer today.