If you are having a swimming pool installed in your backyard, by law you must have it fenced in. So what kind of fence should you put around your pool? You have a few different options so let’s take a look at what will work best for you and what you must do to make sure your pool fence is to code.
Let’s start by making sure your new pool fence is built to code:
- The height of your pool fence must be at least 4 feet (48”) high.
- If the horizontal rails on your fence are less than 45” apart the pickets must be 1 3/4” apart.
- If the horizontal rails are more than 45” apart the pickets can be 4” apart.
- The gate must swing away from the pool.
- The gate must be self closing.
- The latch must be self latching.
There are 3 main types of fence, ornamental aluminum, PVC and wood. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Ornamental Aluminum: 
Aluminum fences are very durable and require little to no maintenance. They are powder coated so they will never need to be painted. Because of the spacing of the pickets these fences are perfect for when you want an unobstructed view. On the down side an aluminum fence offers no privacy. So depending on your pool location and personal preference an aluminum fence may perfect for you or you may need to look at your other two options.
Aluminum Fence Cost
For an idea of what an aluminum pool fence will cost: a basic 54” x 6’ double rail fence panel can range between $65.00 to $105.00 per panel not including installation. They usually come in black but depending on the manufacturer you can find color options.
PVC Fence: 
A PVC (or vinyl) fence requires very little maintenance, depending on where you live it may require an occasional power washing. It is very durable and will look great for a very long time. It usually comes in white but it can be found in off white or sand colors also.
PVC Fence Cost
PVC fences are the perfect privacy fence and give a yard a bright clean look. The panels come in heights of 3’, 4’ and 6’. They come in many styles, plain, lattice top, scalloped, etc. The cost a of a 6’ x 8’ panel can range anywhere from $140.00 to $240.00 depending on the style and not including installation.
Wood Fence: 
Most everybody is familiar with wood fences. There are many size and style options and you can install a privacy fence or semi-private fence depending on style and preference. Wood fences look beautiful when first installed. The biggest downside being that it takes yearly maintenance to keep them looking great and lasting long.
Wood Fence Cost
Shortly after installation the fence will need to be sealed and stained with the process needing to be repeated yearly or at the very least every other year. The upside is that the wood fence is the least expensive of the three types of fence. A basic 6’ x 8’ pressure treated wood panel will average about $50.00 per panel not including installation.
Don’t Forget To Include A Fence In Your Budget!
As we mentioned above, if you are going to install a pool in your backyard, by law it must be closed off with a fence so when you are putting together your pool project budget make sure you include money for a fence. If you already have a fence you are one step closer to realizing your dream of owning a pool!