Choosing the best pool fencing is a decision faced by many Australians. According to the Swimming Pool and Spa Association, nearly 2.7 million Australians own a swimming pool. Pool ownership can be an expensive business, not just for the initial installation, but also for the ongoing maintenance required.
One of the initial expenses that must be maintained for the life of the pool is the pool fence, which is a legal requirement in all Australian states. Some regulations are similar Australia-wide, and others are particular to individual states or city councils.
A myriad of different pool fencing types is available, from DIY aluminium fence panels and glass panels to innovative, composite pool fencing .You need to keep kids safe and the pool area aesthetically pleasing, but how do you choose the best type of pool fence?
3 main things when you consider a pool fence
The best pool fence ideas should not only be visually pleasing, but also take into account a range of factors. Let’s look at the most important factors first.
- Material
- Think about your landscape design and aesthetics
- Pick a fence that meets your local council requirements
- Set your Budget Maintenance
1. Pool safety comes first
Ultimately, the whole idea of a pool fence is to keep children safe by keeping them out of the pool area and reducing the risk of falling in and drowning. If you are considering pool ownership – or a new pool fence – your installer, and certainly your local council, will be able to give you the pool fencing guidelines with which you need to comply. You can also visit SPASA, Swimming Pool & Spa Association Australia and get information about safety barriers for swimming pools.
Generally, in most states, pool fencing must be a minimum of 1200 mm tall, with self-closing and self-latching gates. The fencing must be manufactured from materials that cannot be broken through, and there must be no way a child can climb it. Fence gaps must be close enough together to prevent children from squeezing through them, including any gaps at the bottom.
2. Set your budget for durable pool fence options
Pool fencing does not come cheap though, so you want something durable that will last a very long time. Luckily, pool owners have a good choice of fencing styles to suit different tastes and budgets. Regardless of the material chosen, a pool fence must be sturdy, and it must also meet the applicable Australian Standards.
Popular pool fence materials include Glass, PVC, Steel and Aluminium… and now there is a new sustainable and low maintenance pool-fence option for NewTechWood customers.
3. Decide on your pool fencing type
Here we explore some of the most popular pool fencing types to help you choose the best pool fencing:
Glass pool fencing
Glass fencing is commonly the most expensive fence type on the market. It is available in frameless and semi-frameless options and affords an unobstructed view from either side, providing an aesthetically modern visual effect. Where some fencing styles make an area appear closed in and smaller, glass fencing gives the illusion of no fence and lots of space.
This does come at a price, however, and not all products are equal. While they might all boast of being maintenance-free and relatively easy to keep clean, some offer warranties as low as only 7-10 years.
Of course, glass panels don’t allow for cool breezes to flow through, so if airflow, as well as visibility, is important to you, then you’d best consider other options. Other popular and sturdy fence options include metal fences, which, while not completely maintenance-free, will last a lot longer than natural timber, with less effort involved.
Wrought Iron fencing
Wrought iron fencing can be intricately designed and look beautiful. Wrought iron can last a lifetime but requires consistent maintenance to protect against rust and corrosion, which won’t become a serious issue if you attend to it as soon as it appears. It is also very heavy and can be difficult to install.
Aluminium pool fencing
Aluminium is a popular choice because it is good for coastal areas as it won’t rust or corrode and requires very little maintenance.
However, it isn’t as strong as iron and is easier to bend and dent.
Timber pool fencing
Then there is timber, which is beautiful and natural. Unfortunately, however, it also requires a lifetime of maintenance, re-sanding and re-sealing, or painting, not to mention the necessity to guard against white ants.
Composite pool fencing
And then new to the pool fencing market, there is NewTechWood composite timber screen boards – the perfect choice when you want that natural timber look without all the maintenance hassles and ongoing expense.
So, what’s so special about NewTechWood’s UH55 Decorative Hollow Screening Boards?
For one thing, they are aesthetically attractive and look like real timber. For pool and garden spaces that work better with the natural timber look, NewTechWood is an obvious choice. It is available in four modern colours: Ipe, Ebony, Antique, and Canadian Cedar. Each board is 138x23mm and available in 5.4 m lengths and making it perfect for pool fencing.
They can be used for a variety of applications such as facades, pillar infills, barrier fences, privacy screens and fencing, including pool fencing. If you like the natural timber look but don’t like the thought of a lifetime of maintenance, NewTechWood’s screening boards are the ideal solution offering:
- Low maintenance – no sanding or painting ever
- The most natural timber look and feel
- Full 360º capping for ultra-protection
- Environmentally-friendly – made from 95% recycled materials
- Stain and mould resistant
- UV and fade resistant
And whether they’re surrounding a pool or situated by the coast, these boards will never rust and will never be attacked by white ants. Add to this that they are easy to install and backed by a 25-year limited warranty and you can understand the growing popularity of this extremely versatile product.
The best pool fencing type really comes down to your individual requirements – and this differs for everyone.
