Glass Pool Fencing vs Aluminium Pool Fencing

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Glass vs Aluminium Pool Fencing

Having a private swimming pool means having a slice of heaven right in the comfort of your backyard. You get to enjoy the sun and the water whenever you like. Not only that, but you can have fun pool-side parties and get-togethers with family and friends.

Yet, pools need regular maintenance and upkeep. They also need certain additions to ensure a private, yet accessible, environment.

One of these additions is pool fencing. The question then becomes: which type of pool fencing should I get? There’s an on-going debate between glass pool fencing vs aluminium pool fencing, and we’d like to assist in this debate by highlighting some pros and cons of each with some key information.

Keep reading for a detailed rundown of each type. By the end, you’ll be better informed on which one is best suited for you and your home.

Glass Pool Fencing vs Aluminium Pool Fencing: An Overview

Both glass and aluminium offer a special and unique look for your pool. So, which one do you choose? This depends on several factors, including durability, style, and, of course, budget.

glass pool fencing
Glass Pool Fencing

Glass Pool Fencing

Glass pool fencing offers a less intrusive, more minimalistic style to your space. Glass panels are usually up to 12mm thick to meet Australian Safety Standards.

There are three types of glass pool fences:

  • Fully-framed: This fence consists of glass panels framed by powder-coated aluminium beams. The beams are available in many colour choices to match your home decor.
  • Semi-frameless: This fencing comes with aluminium horizontal posts in-between the glass panels.
  • Frameless: This fencing consists of glass panels fixed straight into a channel in the base concrete or supported by spigots. There are no posts or frames and this makes for an elegant, clean design.

Benefits

  • Adds elegance and style to your space
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Acts as a wind barrier, while allowing sunlight to pass-through
  • Weather-proof
  • Very low climbability

Aluminium Pool Fencing

Aluminium Pool Fencing

Aluminium pool fencing is an option that offers versatility and stability. It can be fixed to the walls of your house, then designed to fit around your pool, regardless of its size or shape.

One of its best features is that it can be powder-coated in almost any colour. By matching the style of your home, aluminium fences can still look stylish as part of the overall design of your outdoor area.

Aluminium is also known for its durability and ability to resist rust and corrosion.

Benefits

  • Low maintenance
  • Durable build
  • Rust-proof
  • Ability to colour coat

Glass Fencing vs Aluminium Fencing: The Full Rundown

When considering glass pool fencing vs aluminium pool fencing, the most important thing to consider is safety. Australian pool fencing laws are set up to prevent drownings in private swimming pools.

There are three main pool safety standards set up according to when the pool was built. There are certain fence measurements and other safety criteria you have to bear in mind. 

Safety / Climbability

This is an extremely important, if not THE most important aspect to a pool fence. Without doubt, this is a huge tick for frameless glass pool fencing as there are no areas for a child to gain a foothold and climb the barrier.

Look and Design

When deciding on a look for pool fencing, factor in the size of your pool. Glass fencing makes the area appear bigger and more spacious, which is especially good for small pools.

It also provides an unobstructed view of your landscape and grounds. Another benefit is that glass fencing gives your outdoor area a very high-end feel and finish.

If your pool is bigger, then both glass and aluminium fences work well. Aluminium is known for its easy maintenance and durability. Plus, it can be powder-coated in any colour to match the style of your home.

Our Thoughts

This largely depends on the size and shape of your pool. It also depends on the style and look you want for your property.

It’s worth mentioning that a stylish pool fence can add value to your property. So, choose wisely.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep that shiny, smooth look, it should be regularly cleaned and wiped. Water spots, dirt, and bird droppings tend to build up. This prevents the fence from looking its best. This is generally a simple and quick task.

While aluminium is a good, long-term option, it still requires maintenance. Aluminium fencing with its joints and connecting panels still requires checking for dirt build up and tension of fittings.

So, a weekly cleaning with soap and warm water is vital to keep it in good shape for longer. Regular cleaning and maintenance also help reduce the damage caused by saltwater corrosion, which usually happens with beach-front homes.

Our Thoughts

Both types of fences should be part of a regular maintenance schedule to keep them in good shape for many years to come.

Cost and Affordability

We talked about how glass pool fencing can give your property a high-end, modern feel. Most people believe that this comes at a higher cost, but this is untrue.

Here at WA Special Projects, we process and toughen our own glass which allows us to bring our glass pool fencing to the market quicker, stronger (locally produced), and at a factory-direct price. This means that our glass pool fencing offers the same great value as our aluminium alternative.

Our Thoughts

Manufacturing and installing aluminium pool fencing usually takes a little longer than glass which means that costs for these products are very evenly matched.

Durability and Practicality

Glass pool fencing is designed to be durable, and meet all the demands of Australia’s strict pool fencing laws. It doesn’t rust, corrode, or bend. It also doesn’t get affected by extreme weather conditions.

Aluminium pool fences are known for their resistance to rust and corrosion. Being powder-coated also adds to their aesthetic.

It’s worth noting, however, that aluminium is lighter in weight than glass. This makes it a little more susceptible to bending in the face of strong winds and storms.

Our Thoughts

Glass fences seem to be the popular choice when it comes to practicality and sturdiness. Providing that you regularly clean your glass fence, you should be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

The Bottom Line

The choice between glass pool fencing vs aluminium pool fencing comes down to your personal preference after assessing the above criteria and how each fits your particular needs. With affordability being equal; safety, aesthetics and practicality can be at the top of your list.

If you’d like further help on making this decision or would like a free, no-obligation quote, call our helpful team now on 9408 3060

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