Elegant Glass Pool Fencing for Modern Homeowners: Is it Worth It?

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  0 Comments

Are you thinking about installing a glass pool fence in your backyard? Over the years, glass pool fencing grew into one of the most popular pool renovation projects for many homeowners, given its contemporary appeal and improved protection. Initially, the material was first considered an expensive, premium material that only the wealthy could afford.

Thanks to many advancements in the manufacturing industry, toughened glass panels have become reasonably priced. In this article, let’s discuss everything you need to know about quality pool fencing glass and hardware to ensure your project ends up a big success!

What is a Glass Pool Fence?

A glass pool fence is made of toughened glass material without a frame, which allows the light to travel through the glass edges to create a brighter, lighter feel to your outdoor living space. In contrast, a traditional aluminum fence doesn't offer perfect pool visibility as a fully frameless glass pool fence. It allows your yard to feel spacious, as you can see straight through the glass instead of obstructing your vision by large pieces of metal.

Generally, glass pool fences are divided into four types: Frameless Pool fences, Semi-Frameless Pool fences, Framed Glass Pool fences, and Glass Balustrades.

Frameless Pool Fence

Semi-Frameless Pool Fence

Framed Glass Pool Fence

  • Frameless Pool Fence ─ A frameless pool fence is known for its elegance and subtlety. It offers a modern aesthetic that sometimes it's hard to notice. You can enjoy your landscape backyard in full view without obstructions. This particular glass pool fence type is made from glass panels minus the frame, giving you a highly inconspicuous look while ensuring pool safety.
  • Semi-Frameless Pool Fence â”€ This next glass pool fence type has a partial frame, which provides better support to the glass. It is considered a great compromise between a frameless pool fence and a framed one. These are more discreet than a framed fence, but it's more noticeable than a frameless fence.
  • Framed Glass Pool Fence â”€ True to its name, framed glass pool fences have glass surrounded by a frame. This type is known to be highly durable, so it's an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize safety and strength over aesthetics.
  • Glass Balustrades â”€ Homeowners with an outdoor staircase leading to the pool can benefit from glass balustrades the most. This fence is made from A-grade safety glass to ensure maximum safety for you and your family.

Benefits of Getting a Glass Pool Fence

So, why should you choose a glass pool fence for your project? We've listed the most important advantages for your consideration.

Low Maintenance

If you install a frameless glass pool fence, keep in mind that there is no "real" maintenance for the glass itself. You will only need to keep the glass clean from the occasional watermarks and dirt, enough to maintain its appeal. You may also need to be mindful of the maintenance of the other hardware components.

Safety, Design, and Function

If you're wondering why several homeowners prefer frameless glass fencing over other materials– it's because of its stylish aesthetic. Since it doesn't have so much aluminum or steel that obstructs the view of the pool, your backyard will feel more open and spacious. If anything, it will make it feel more luxurious.

Price

With the growing popularity of glass pool fencing in recent years, the material is now an affordable and cost-efficient option to consider. However, these are still more expensive than framed, semi-frameless, or aluminum fencing. But, consider it an investment that will boost the value of your home.

Sturdy Nature

You'll find that glass pool fences are incredibly durable. The toughened material is made from toughened 12mm safety glass, which is then heated to at least 700 degrees Celsius during its manufacturing process. The result is a material that possesses incredible durability and endurance– not even your kids or the bad weather can easily break it.

Hygienic

Since glass has a non-porous nature, it’s less likely to be contaminated with dirt and other harmful pathogens.

Makes the Space Feel Bigger

Since the material has excellent transparency and reflects the light rather well on the surrounding areas, it can make your yard look and feel more extensive than its actual size. When you have guests over, it's easier to realize the beauty of this material.

Though it doesn't change the physical size of the area, it makes the space feel more expansive. Any claustrophobic guests will surely appreciate the feature.

Enjoy the Open View from the Pool

Besides keeping an eye on your kids or enjoying the pool lights, the transparent nature of the material also allows you to watch everything without obstructions. You can easily monitor the outdoor living space even when enjoying a swim.

Modern Aesthetic (Elegant and Stylish)

You don't need to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. Glass pool fences allow you to seamlessly combine its elegant and stylish appeal with just about any home design. The result? You'll only make your pool appear more elegant and modern, even with its minimalist look.

Efficient Windbreak

Notably, glass pool fences block the wind more efficiently than other pool fencing materials. It also warms the pool area by refracting the filtered sunlight. As a result, you won't be freezing due to the wind chill as you get out of the pool. The extra warmth will allow you and your family to enjoy the pool longer.

Is Glass Pool Fencing Worth It?

Many homeowners have heard about glass pool fencing from a friend or loved one, while some discovered the material's appeal through lifestyle magazine features. Among the many pool fencing options available on the market, fencing your pool with glass panels is considered a smart option today.

The material is elegant and beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding views as much as possible. It is the ideal choice if you want to combine safety and elegance. At such a cost-efficient price range, you can count on its durability and low maintenance, improving your backyard pool's appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What surfaces can I install glass pool fencing onto?

A glass pool fence may be installed on various surfaces, including concrete, tile, wood, grass, and dirt. The concrete slab should be at least 4" thick and 3000 psi or stronger concrete. As long as the concrete is underneath, stone and tile surfaces will be fine. If not, a concrete footer will also be required.

How much cleaning or maintenance is required?

There is very little maintenance required. The glass will stay pristine if you wipe it down with mild soapy water every 6 to 8 weeks.

How high should the glass pool fence be?

A pool fence's standard height is 1200mm, with gaps around each panel ranging from 10-100mm at most. Because the supporting spigots hold each panel 50mm from the ground, the most usual distance between panels is 40-60mm.

Can the glass pool fence be installed into concrete, poured aggregate, or limestone blocks?

Yes. As previously stated, these are the four most durable floor surfaces for glass fence installation. Professional installers usually core drill holes into your floor surface to make a deep enough hole for the stainless steel fixtures or aluminum posts to be placed into and secure the spigots with high-strength grout.

Is the pool fencing glass durable?

Toughened glass is the type of glass used to fence a pool. It is available in thicknesses of 8, 10, and 12 mm. Because the glass is toughened, it is not easily broken. If it does break, it will simply shatter into little, less dangerous shards of glass.

Is it expensive to install pool fencing with glass?

Although a glass pool fence is more expensive than other materials, you may recoup the installation cost by increasing the value of your house. Semi-frameless glass is less costly than frameless glass in general.

About the Author

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!

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