Pool Fences
Pool fences are required by law in most areas to prevent accidental drownings. They must be at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Aluminum, vinyl, and mesh are the most popular pool fence materials.
Material Cost
$20 – $55/linear ft
Recommended Materials
3 materials
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Recommended Materials
Most popular pool fence material — rust-proof, meets code requirements, and elegant appearance.
Privacy around the pool area. Solid panels exceed code height requirements.
Modern metal panel fencing for contemporary pool areas.
Pool fences are a legal requirement in most jurisdictions, designed to prevent unsupervised access to swimming pools — especially by young children. Building codes typically require fences at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Aluminum fencing is the most popular choice for pool areas because it doesn't rust, meets code requirements, and provides an elegant look. Vinyl privacy fences work well when you want pool privacy combined with safety. Removable mesh pool fences offer a temporary, affordable option.
Key code requirements (check your local regulations) typically include a minimum height of 48 inches, no gaps larger than 4 inches between pickets, self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward, and no climbable features within 4 feet of the fence.
Pool fence costs range from $15-$50 per linear foot installed. A typical pool requiring 150 linear feet of fencing costs $2,250-$7,500. Removable mesh fences are the most affordable at $15-$25 per linear foot.
Investing in a quality pool fence is not optional — it's a life-saving safety measure and a legal requirement.
Published February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Fence for Privacy?
Top Privacy Fence Options
The best privacy fence depends on your budget, maintenance preference, and aesthetic goals:
Best Overall: Vinyl Privacy Fence
Vinyl solid-panel fences at 6-8 feet provide complete privacy with zero maintenance. No painting, staining, or sealing — ever. They won't rot, warp, or attract insects. The higher upfront cost ($20-$40/ft) is offset by decades of maintenance-free life.
Best Value: Wood Privacy Fence
Pressure-treated wood privacy fences offer solid privacy at the lowest cost ($15-$35/ft). They can be painted or stained in any color and are easy to repair. The trade-off is maintenance — plan on staining every 2-3 years.
Best for Neighbors: Board-on-Board
Board-on-board fences provide privacy while looking attractive from both sides. The overlapping boards also allow airflow, which reduces wind damage.
Best Long-Term: Composite
Composite fences look like wood but last 25-35 years with no maintenance. The highest upfront cost ($25-$55/ft) but the best lifetime value.
Vinyl vs Wood Fence: Which Is Better?
Cost Comparison
Wood privacy fences cost $15-$35/ft installed, while vinyl runs $20-$40/ft. Wood is 25-40% cheaper upfront. However, wood requires staining ($1-$3/ft every 2-3 years), while vinyl needs only occasional hosing off.
Maintenance
Wood needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years, periodic board replacement, and annual inspection for rot and insect damage. Vinyl needs nothing beyond occasional cleaning with a garden hose — no painting, staining, or sealing ever.
Lifespan
Wood fences last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Vinyl fences last 20-30 years with virtually no maintenance. Over a 30-year period, vinyl is often the cheaper option when you factor in wood maintenance and replacement costs.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose wood if you want the lowest upfront cost, prefer natural material, want to customize with paint or stain, or enjoy DIY maintenance. Choose vinyl if you want zero maintenance, prefer a longer lifespan, want consistent appearance over decades, or dislike yard work.