How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost to Make Your Yard Safer?

A residential inground pool is a wonder stress reliever, and it creates a very nice place to entertain any guest you have over. However, you’ll want to know what the average pool fence costs because these same pools can present a danger to any pets or kids that may happen to wander by them unsupervised if they’re not safely fenced in. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of accident death for children under four years old, and even the most attentive people can’t keep an eye on the kids or pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is why a pool fence will create another layer of security to keep them out when you’re not around. 

Also, many states and municipalities require you to have fencing up around your pool, and most of them have to have a self-closing gate that swings inwards. The pool fence has to be between four and five feet high for in-ground pools and two to three feet high for above-ground pools. This can cause your pool fence cost to vary from project to project, especially if you already have a pool in place but you want to go back and put in a fence. If you don’t, you risk fines and increase the chances of accidents happening. 

The average pool fence cost ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for this project, and most people will pay around $6,500 for a 100-linear foot metal fence. This works out to around $15.00 to $25.00 a linear foot for your total pool fence cost. The types of materials and the size are the two biggest cost factors. Mesh and chain-link fences run between $1,000 and $5,000, and aluminum, wrought iron, wood, or vinyl can easily fall between $2,000 and $12,000. On the high end of the price spectrum, tempered glass has a pool fence cost of $7,000 to over $20,000. 

As you can see, this is a broad price range that makes it difficult to pin down an exact pool fence cost. This is why it’s a good idea to get multiple estimates from professionals and contact your local city zoning board to see what the fence requirements are. This will help you get a more exact cost, and you can create a budget for it. We’re going to outline the biggest things you want to know about figuring out your pool fence cost below. 

1 Solid Wood Fence
A solid fence provides you peace of mind while increasing your privacy levels when you go out to swim. Your pool fence cost is easy to justify when you think of all of the benefits you’ll get with it.
Jumping in to Pool by Hamish / CC BY-ND 2.0

Safety Regulations to Follow

Most insurance companies and states require you to have a fence around a private pool if you’re a homeowner. There are several guidelines your fence has to follow, and this can impact your pool fence cost because you may have to make it higher or lower to fit the regulations. It’s also important to note that these regulations will vary by city and state, but a few national regulations include: 

  • Fences should reach at least four feet high, but five feet is usually preferred. 
  • Fences should be built in a way that they’re not easy to crawl underneath or climb
  • Fence gates should swing open and away from the pool. Doors should have a self-latching and self-closing lock or device that small children can’t reach. 

Pool Fence Costs by Material Type

The goal with this fence is to increase how safe the pool area is while creating a complement to your home or yard. This is why there are so many different materials available that you can choose from, and each one has a different price point attached to it. The most popular materials for these fences include: 

Chain Link

Although chain link fences are less common, they’re popular because they have a lower pool fence cost to install and maintain. A standard uncoated chain link fence is prone to rusting, but you can get a vinyl coating on them to make them more durable. The vinyl coating protects against rust and corrosion while extending the fence’s life. 

However, chain link is very easy to climb. While most pets will be safe, children can climb over it and get into the pool area. Per linear foot, your chain link fence cost will range from $5.00 to $12.00. This works out to $500 to $3,800 for a 100-linear-foot project with an average price range of $1,000 to $5,000. 

Mesh

Mesh is generally the most affordable and safest pool fencing material available when you add up installation and materials. Mesh is very difficult to climb, but it’s a much softer and kid-friendly material. Mesh is also very low-maintenance, unlike other material picks. A mesh fence also allows you to see through it without totally blocking your view. 

If you want some of the best functions at lower prices, mesh is a good way to go. Per linear foot, this type of fencing costs between $7.00 to $10.00. Your mesh fence installation costs will range between $800 and $1,500 for a 100-linear-foot project, and the total pool fence costs round out to $1,500 to $2,500. 

Metal

Metal pool fencing is very durable and strong, but it’s not a very budget-friendly option. You can get a metal fence made from wrought iron, galvanized steel, or aluminum. The fencing material comes with a moderate price tag of $7.00 to $35.00 a linear foot, but you can also opt into more expensive custom options. 

The biggest costs come from the labor for this project since it’s more labor-intensive. In labor for a 100-linear-foot project, you’ll pay between $2,300 and $6,500. The total pool fence cost will range between $3,000 to $10,000. 

Plexiglass or Lexan

Lexan or Plexiglass gives you a climb-proof and impact-resistant fencing for your backyard pool. This material will start out very clear, but it can get cloudy, scratched, or take on a yellow tinge over time. A new fence with this material will give you a glass-like look for around half of what you’d pay for a tempered glass fence. Your materials will cost between $20.00 and $30.00 a linear foot, and the installation will run between $2,000 and $7,000. Your total pool fence cost with this material will range from $4,000 to $10,000. 

Tempered Glass

One of the most visually-appealing pool fence materials is tempered glass, but it’s also on the top of the price spectrum. Glass will give you a clear view of your pool area, and it has a climb-proof design that is very durable and resistant to impacts. This makes it very safe. Your pool fence costs per linear foot will range from $88.50 to $195.50. 

For this material, your installation costs will be lower at $600 to $2,000 for a 100-linear-foot job. If you plan on having a tempered glass fence, your total pool fence cost for installation and materials will easily range from $9,500 to $21,600. 

Vinyl

Vinyl is slightly less common when you compare it to wood, but they have several colors and designs, and they share visual characteristics. Installation for this type of fence is very labor-intensive, but they can easily last for 30 years with very low maintenance. You’ll usually get a sectional design with this fence, but this allows gaps to form if your section rots or fails. 

No matter what design you get, it’s usually relatively easy to climb for children, so you will have to keep a closer eye on them. You’ll pay between $15.00 and $40.00 al linear foot for this material, and this means that a 100-linear-foot project will range between $1,000 and $6,000 for materials. When you add in labor, your pool fence cost jumps to $2,500 to $10,000. 

Wood

Wood is popular for privacy fences, but it also has a high degree of aesthetic versatility that makes it popular for pool fencing. It’s possible to paint a wooden fence to match your home, and there are several heights and patterns to choose from when you shop. Usually, you’ll get a solid design over a slatted one to reduce the chances of your kids sneaking into the pool area due to a faulty slat. 

These solid fences offer privacy too. However, it is time-consuming to upkeep, and you’ll have more maintenance with it. You’ll pay between $14.00 and $20.00 a linear foot for a wood fence, and this works out to between $1,100 and $12,000 for labor. The total pool fence cost falls between $2,500 and $13,000. 

2 Fence Materials
The fence material you pick out will have one of the biggest impacts on your pool fence costs because some are far more expensive than others. Decide which ones will work best for your situation and get estimates based on project size.
Natatorium by Dean Shareski / CC BY-NC 2.0

Factors That Impact Your Pool Fence Costs

Along with the type of material, there are several factors that’ll come into play when you figure out your pool fence costs. You’ll want to carefully factor all of these things in before you make your final decision, and you should keep in mind: 

  • Custom designs
  • Gate picks
  • Labor rates in your local area
  • Netting options
  • Pool shape
  • Pool size
  • Type of installation – removable or stationary

Cost For a Baby Pool Fence

When it comes to putting child-proof elements around your baby pool, the most secure options you have are mesh or tempered glass. They don’t come with any gaps, and this makes it hard for children to go over or under. They also give you a clear field of view of the baby pool at all times. Your pool fence cost is around the same for other mesh or tempered glass fencing choices, and it ranges from $1,500 to $20,000 per project. 

Price to Install a Removable Pool Fence

A removable fence for your pool is an economical and innovative alternative to have in place instead of automatic pool covers. They work like privacy screens. They give your space the protection and security you want without driving your pool fence costs up like a permanent installation project will do. Your removable fence should exceed or meet any local building codes. Your average pool fence cost for this pick ranges from $2,500 to $3,200. 

Privacy Pool Fence Cost

Per linear foot, a privacy-style fence for your pool will run between $10.00 and $40.00. Wood and vinyl are the most common types of material for this type of fence. However, metal and wood or straight metal are also gaining in popularity. This type of fence will give you privacy each time you swim in your yard, and it has a solid design that is very sturdy and safe.

Safety Net Pricing

A net for your pool is a secondary layer of protection and security to stop pets and kids when they’re in the pool area. You’ll stretch this safety net over the top of your pool and attach it directly to anchors spaced around the pool’s edges. This creates a durable horizontal barrier that sits directly over your pool’s surface and opposed to a more traditional vertical barrier that a fence provides around your pool. 

So, even if your kids or pets get over or under the fence, the safety net is in place to prevent them from falling into the water and drowning or getting hurt. Having both a fence and a safety net is the best possible combination to keep the setup as secure as possible. The average cost for this net ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. 

3 Safety Netting
Adding a safety net to your pool is just another layer of protection to help ensure nothing happens to your kids or pets when they go out and play around your backyard when you’re not there to keep an extremely close eye on them.
Fence by bk2000 / CC BY-ND 2.0

Pool Gate Prices

Double-check with your local building codes before you pick out a pool gate for your fence. You will have to factor this into your pool fence cost though. Most city or state codes require your gate to open outward from the pool area and have a self-closing mechanism on it. These requirements line up nicely with national standards for pool fencing. For most non-glass gates, your prices range from $200 to $500. A glass gate can go up to $1,000 or more. 

Self-Closing Gates

Your fencing will only be as secure as your entry points, and this is why you need a durable gate. If your fence gets left unlocked or open, the fence will do zero good to you. You can avoid simply human error by installing a self-closing gate. 

These types of gates use magnets and springs to make sure the door closes security and stays closed until you go back through it. Some states require your fence have a self-closing gate for all pool fences. The price ranges from $200 to $500 for a non-glass option and up to $1,000 for a glass self-closing gate. 

Labor Costs

How much you pay in labor costs will vary depending on the location, materials, and how complex your fence installation project is. On average, you should add between $30.00 and $80.00 for an hourly rate to your pool fence cost. If you hire a professional company, they’ll usually take a half to full day to complete the project. 

Of course, this will depend on the length of fence you want them to install. A good rule of thumb when you try to factor labor into your pool fence cost is to plan for up to 50% of the total price to be from labor alone. Glass is the exception to this rule because it has a much lower labor cost attached to it due to the speed and ease of installation. 

Maintenance Considerations

No matter what material you pick out for your new fence, you’ll have to do periodic maintenance and upkeep to extend the pool’s life and keep it functioning at high levels. Some materials are much lower maintenance than others, and some fences will require frequent or special attention and care like staining or painting wooden or metal materials. Other common maintenance considerations to add to your pool fence costs include: 

  • Chain link fences can easily corrode or rust over time due to the higher humidity levels around the pool area. If you choose this fence, get a vinyl coating on it to help protect the metal and make the fence last much longer. 
  • Glass fence maintenance is typically for aesthetic purposes only. You’ll have to make a point to clean your glass fence very frequently since smudges, dust, dirt, and debris can easily show up and obscure your view. 
  • Mesh fencing usually comes with a UV coating on them to prevent them from breaking down with constant exposure to the sun. This makes them very low-maintenance, and you can make a point to periodically look for abrasions or general wear. 
  • Most metal fences are lower maintenance than other choices. They can develop signs of wear due to weather, and they can bend over time. They also show dirt when it gets on them, so you’ll have to rinse them off periodically. 
  • Plexiglass fences are lower-cost than glass, but it’s easy to scratch. It also develops a cloudy or yellow film over time. You should use the correct cleaning products to help extend the fence’s lifespan and keep it looking new. 
  • Vinyl fencing usually has a very low maintenance requirement paired with a long life, and this is why vinyl siding is so popular. 
  • Wooden fences require you to inspect and repaint them periodically. Look for loose slats if you don’t have a solid fence, patch any holes, and be ready to repaint or stain it every few years to protect it from rot or decay. 

Additional Price Factors

Your location’s topography can impact your total pool fence cost. If the fence gets placed in soil instead of a concrete or masonry base, or if you need it installed on a slope, your labor costs will start to rise very quickly because it’s more complex. It takes much more effort and time to ensure that you get a uniform fence height when you work with a slope or uneven area. If the slope is very steep, your contractor may suggest you get a step-down construction for the fence, and this is also very time-consuming. 

Your proposed pool safety fence has to meet state and local standards, regulations, and requirements. Some places will require that you install a locking gate on your fence, and the fence may have to meet certain height requirements. This adds to your project’s complexity and time frame. 

Additionally, many homeowners get very worried that they’ll lose the aesthetic appeal of their pool when they put in a safety fence. However, your pool can be safe and secure with the correct layout and material, and this can also help it look great for years to come. You can have it match your home or stand out. 

Permit Pricing

Don’t forget to call or take a trip to your local city or town hall and ask about permit requirements before you start this project. This is especially important if you’re going to take on the project yourself and not hire a contractor because many contactors factor the permit into their pricing. If your fence is over four feet high, you’ll most likely need a permit. If you live in an area with an HOA, you’ll have to ensure you comply with their regulations. 

On average, your permit will add between $100 and $300 to your pool fence costs. You do want to submit your permit application 7 to 10 days before you begin this project to ensure it has time to get processed. Also, you may have to pay an additional small application fee when you turn it in. If you’re working with a contractor, ask if they handle the permits for you or if you have to get them. 

Should You DIY or Hire a Contractor?

Since this can be a large-scale project, it’s always a good idea to consider hiring a contractor to come in and do the work for you. Yes, this will increase your pool fence cost by a significant amount, but it’s worth it. Not installing the fence properly is a huge safety hazard, and a lot of areas require that you use a professional to take on this project. 

Where to Find Pool Fence Installers Near You

Get a few quotes before you settle on one contactor to ensure you get high-quality work without your pool fence costs going through the roof. If you’re not sure where to start, you can use the following resource to find local contractors: 

Frequently Asked Questions

4 Pool Fence Cost FAQs
Asking good questions when you contact your local contractors can help you get closer estimates to your actual pool fence cost. You want to ask each company the same questions to ensure you’re getting answers that apply to your situation.
Swimming by stirwise / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

1. Can you use a retaining wall as a pool fence?

You should double-check with your local regulations and codes regarding what does and what does not qualify as a pool fence in your location. A lot of this will depend on the type of setup you have, the height of the pool compared to the wall, and the location. 

2. What are the basic height requirements for a fence around the pool?

The top of the pool barrier should reach at least four feet above the grade. You’ll measure this on the side of the barrier that faces away from your pool. Some counties, states, or municipalities have different requirements, some as high as five feet and up. 

3. How long does it take to install a pool fence?

If you choose a professional installation, this project typically takes between a half of a day or a full day. The scope of the project, terrain, and any additional features you want will all factor in. 

Bottom Line

Your pool fence costs can fluctuate very quickly from project to project. There are several big considerations to keep in mind when you’re figuring out your rough budget for your pool fence costs, but this guide will help you decide which things you can and can’t comfortably afford. Take a look and see which ones work best and get your pool safely enclosed before the next swimming season comes on. 

Pool Fence Cost 1 Pool Fence Cost 2