Why Aluminum Makes a Great Pool Fence
- No rust: pool water, splashing and sprinklers don't harm it
- See-through: you can watch the pool from the house and patio
- Pool-friendly spacing: pickets can be spaced closely to meet common pool rules
- Low maintenance: no painting or staining around the pool deck
- Good looking: black aluminum frames a pool without walling it in
Typical Pool Barrier Requirements
Rules vary by city and county, so always confirm what applies at your address. Many local codes are based on the International Residential Code and commonly include:
- A barrier at least 48 inches tall
- Narrow openings between pickets, commonly under 4 inches
- A small gap at the bottom so children can't crawl under
- Self-closing, self-latching gates, often opening away from the pool
- Latches mounted high, out of small children's reach
- No easy footholds that let a child climb over
We'll build your fence and gates with these in mind and help you understand what your city's inspector will look for.
Safety first: A pool fence is a safety barrier, not just a boundary. We take gate hardware, latch height and bottom clearance seriously on every pool job.
Pool Fence Styles
Most pool fences we install are 3-rail aluminum in black, at 4 or 5 feet tall, in a flat-top style. Flat tops avoid footholds and look clean around a pool deck. We can match the rest of your yard's fence so everything looks like one design.
Gates for Pool Fences
We install pool-rated self-closing hinges and magnetic or gravity latches, and we hang gates so they close and latch reliably every time. That's the most important part of any pool fence.
Common Questions
How tall does a pool fence need to be?
Many local codes, which are commonly based on the International Residential Code, require a pool barrier at least 48 inches tall. Requirements vary by city, so we'll confirm what applies at your address.
What kind of gate does a pool fence need?
Pool gates are typically required to be self-closing and self-latching, often opening away from the pool, with the latch mounted high enough to keep it out of small children's reach. We install gates and hardware designed for pool use.
Is aluminum better than vinyl for a pool fence?
Aluminum is a favorite because it doesn't rust, it keeps the pool area visible from the house, and its pickets are easy to space for pool requirements. Vinyl privacy fence can also be used around pools where privacy is the priority.
Do I need a permit for a pool fence?
Usually, yes. Pools and pool barriers are often reviewed as part of a permit. We'll help you understand what your city requires.