Fencing for swimming pools: the safety basics
Good fencing for swimming pools separates the pool from the house and garden on all sides. Pool safety is covered by SANS 10134 and by municipal by-laws, so check what your municipality requires. A safe pool fence has:
- A height that a young child cannot climb over
- Gaps between bars that are too narrow for a child to squeeze through
- No horizontal rails, ledges or furniture nearby that can be used to climb
- A gate that closes and latches by itself, with the latch out of a child's reach
A boundary wall or fence around the whole garden does not replace a pool fence, because children can still reach the water from the house.
Pool fencing for sale: materials
When you look at pool fencing for sale or swimming pool fencing for sale, you will see a few main options. Powder-coated steel or aluminium bar fencing is the most common, as it is strong and does not block the view. Frameless or framed glass panels look neat but cost more. Some homeowners choose a removable mesh pool fence for a lower price. Near the coast, aluminium or galvanised and powder-coated steel lasts longest around pool chemicals and salty air.
Installing a pool fence
Posts are core-drilled into paving or set in concrete in the lawn. The installer must leave no gap at the bottom where a child could crawl under, and should test the gate so it closes from any open position. Ask for a quote that includes the gate hardware. Gate hinges and latches wear over time, so check every few months that the gate still swings shut and clicks closed. Keep chairs, pot plants and pool equipment away from the outside of the fence so they cannot be used as a step.
Pool Fencing specifications
| Materials | Powder-coated steel, aluminium, glass, removable mesh |
|---|---|
| Gate | Self-closing and self-latching |
| Mounting | Core-drilled into paving or concreted posts |
| Colours | Black, charcoal, white, or clear glass |
| Standards | SANS 10134 and municipal by-laws |
How to compare pool fencing quotes
The cheapest price per metre is not always the best value in fencing. When your pool fencing quote arrives, check:
- Materials: the wire or steel thickness, the type of galvanising or coating, and the pole size and spacing. Thinner material looks the same on day one but fails sooner.
- Foundations: how deep the poles are set and whether they are concreted. Most fence failures start at the posts.
- What is included: gates, locks, corner stays, removal of an old fence, site clearing and rubble removal.
- Guarantee and timing: workmanship guarantees, the expected start date and how long installation will take.
Our service passes your request to a contractor who works in your area, so you can ask these questions before you commit. It costs nothing and you are under no obligation to accept the quote.
Request a pool fencing quote
To get an accurate quote quickly, include:
- The length of fence needed around the pool in metres
- The material you prefer: steel, aluminium, glass or mesh
- The number of gates and where they should go
- The ground surface: paving, lawn or a mix
- Photos of the pool area
Photos or a rough sketch of the boundary help too. Mention them in the details and the contractor will ask for them.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pool cover enough instead of a fence?
A safety cover or net helps, but a cover is often left off. Many families use both: a fence with a self-closing gate and a cover or net. Check your municipal by-laws for what is required.
Can a pool fence be fitted on existing paving?
Yes. Most steel, aluminium and glass pool fences can be core-drilled or bolted into existing paving, so you do not need to lift it.
Pool Fencing near you
Pool Fencing by province
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- Pool Fencing Johannesburg
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- Pool Fencing Boksburg
- Pool Fencing Kempton Park
- Pool Fencing Germiston
- Pool Fencing Benoni
- Pool Fencing Krugersdorp
- Pool Fencing Vereeniging
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- Pool Fencing Cape Town
- Pool Fencing George
- Pool Fencing Durban
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- Pool Fencing Pietermaritzburg
- Pool Fencing Richards Bay
- Pool Fencing Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
- Pool Fencing East London
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- Pool Fencing Welkom
- Pool Fencing Polokwane
- Pool Fencing Nelspruit (Mbombela)
- Pool Fencing Witbank (eMalahleni)
- Pool Fencing Middelburg
- Pool Fencing Rustenburg
- Pool Fencing Klerksdorp
- Pool Fencing Potchefstroom
- Pool Fencing Kimberley
