How Much Does Glass Pool Fencing Cost? [2024]

Glass pool fencing can be a beautiful addition to a swimming area, giving you a great view of your pool while still providing a safety barrier. But how much does it cost? Glass pool fencing can be expensive, but there are ways to minimise the cost and still have your pool on display.

For example, you may just put glass pool fencing across the area between the patio and the pool and use another type of fencing for the rest of the pool area. This can minimise the cost and let you enjoy looking at your pool through clear glass pool fencing.

In this guide, we’ll show you the different considerations that go into your pool fencing. 

1. Types of glass used for pool fencing
2. How much does glass pool fencing cost?
3. How much do pool fencing materials cost?
4. Is aluminium pool fencing cheaper than glass?
5. Choosing a pool fence installer
6. Do your costings first
7. Australian pool fencing regulations
    

What type of glass is used for glass pool fencing?

Glass pool fencing is made of tempered or safety glass, the same kind of glass used in your car’s front windscreen. This kind of glass is used for two reasons, the first is that it is much stronger than the glass generally used for things like drinking glasses. 

It is also used because of the way that it shatters should it break. On the off chance that it breaks, tempered glass will shatter into small chunks instead of jagged shards, lowering the chance of injury. 

Types of glass pool fencing 

When deciding to install a fence, one of the first considerations will be the type of glass pool fence you want. 

There are three types of glass pool fencing:

1. Framed glass pool fencing

Framed glass fencing is, as the name suggests, framed. Each pane of glass will have a frame around it to connect them and reinforce them. These are great for those who want a strong and safe fence. 

2. Frameless glass pool fencing

Frameless glass pool fencing is an elegant option that takes full use of the glass panes. Usually fastened only at the bottom of the pane, they allow the safety of a fence without obstructing the view at all. They will generally be pin-fixed, spigot fixed or face-fixed. These refer generally to the way that they are fixed in place.  

These are great for those who like a modern effect and want to ensure a beautiful view of their pool.

3. Semi-framed glass pool fencing

Semi-framed glass pool fencing is the compromise between the other two. Fastened together at key structural points or with small posts between each pane, a semi-framed glass pool fence gives much of the safety of a framed fence without obstructing the view too much. 
 

How much do pool fencing materials cost?

Glass pool fencing is made of several components. The materials you need might include:

• Fence panels
• Fence posts for semi-frameless glass
• Channels for frameless glass
• Gate panels
• Gate hinges
• Handrails
• Gate latch

Each of these will have a different cost. If you want a full glass fence, you may need 30 to 50 metres of fencing materials, which might cost between $9800 and $12,000. There are some ways to avoid the high cost of glass fencing, though. Using less expensive materials or not using glass for every side of your fencing can help reduce costs.
 

 

Is aluminium pool fencing cheaper than glass?

Aluminium can be a good choice for pool fencing. It comes in a variety of shapes and conforms to Australian Standards for pool fencing. Some prices you may expect to pay for 10 metres of aluminium fencing may be:

• $550 for flat-top aluminium fencing including a gate, shrouds and screws
• $590 for a picket fence, not including a gate
• $600 for loop-top aluminium fencing including shrouds and screws, but not a gate
• $970 for spear top fencing, not including a gate

These prices will include powder coating but may be in limited colours. Expect to pay more for a powder coating of your choice.

Other options for pool fencing

Treated pine fencing costs around $200 to $350 per linear metre. It will also need to be painted, but that can be a DIY project.

Wrought iron can be more expensive than glass. It may cost between $450 and $600 per metre and may not be a good choice for pool fencing.

These prices do not include installation, which could come to $50 per linear metre. An installer may give you a discount on materials but get quotes from several fence installers and make sure they know Australian Standards for pool fencing. 

Pool fencing must be at least 1.2 metres high and children should not be able to fit through posts. Pool latches should also be childproof.
 

How much does glass pool fencing cost? 

Costs for glass pool fencing will depend on the thickness of glass you’re using and the type of fence you want. For 10 metres of fencing, you might pay:

• $875 for semi framed
• $1790 for pin fixed frameless
• $1135 for frameless

Generally, the glass panels will cost around $66 per metre, around $50 for spigots, $60 for fixing posts (semi-frameless) and $14 for pins (pin fixed frameless). These are single-piece prices, but glass pool fencing should be installed by a professional to ensure that it will be to the Australian Standard. 

A professional may charge up to $245 to $300 per metre including materials depending on the thickness of the glass and other materials. 

Choosing a pool fence installer

When you’re looking to install a glass pool fence, or any pool fence, make sure to look around and choose the right installer. There are several ways you can put yourself in the best position when looking for one. 

Do your costings first

Glass pool fencing can be expensive, so measure your area and figure out the cost of glass pool fencing. If the price is too high, look for other materials you can use. Aluminium is a good choice because it is long-lasting and looks good next to glass pool fencing.

 

 

Also, remember installation costs. Some installers are more expensive than others, but if they can do the job faster, they may be worth hiring. Ask for a written quote and how long the job will take so that you can properly compare different installers. 

How to find a good pool fence installer

Most fencing installers know how to install pool fencing, but you should ask first and find out how many pool fences they have installed. A good fencing contractor can also help you through the council approval process. 

Good questions to ask a pool fence installer are:

• If they are licensed or qualified
• Have insurance
• How long the job will take
• If they can provide a written quote
• Have references you can contact
• Have examples of their previous work
• What warranty is offered both for materials and workmanship

These are all important questions, and you may find one installer who is less expensive than another, but if they don't have references, insurance or warranties, they may not be the fence installer you need. Compare their rates, but also compare their workmanship to make sure you don’t wind up needing to pay more to get it done properly or how you want it to be done.

Australian pool fencing regulations

Pool fencing is not like ordinary fencing. Australian Standards for pool fencing are strict and several regulations apply. Some of them include:

• The minimum height for pool fencing is 1.2 metres
• Mesh and perforated pool fencing must have horizontal apertures no greater than 13mm
• Chain link or mesh fences must have openings between 13mm and 100mm and must be at least 1.8 metres tall to prevent children from climbing over them
• Gaps between fence posts cannot be over 100mm wide
• Pools can be walled in, but they must be at least 1.5 metres in height and gates, windows and doors must have self-latching devices at least 1.5 metres in height

For more information about pool fencing regulations, read The complete guide to pool fencing options and safety requirements. Australia’s fencing regulations are in place to prevent more deaths of children under five years of age.

 

Whether you get glass pool fencing or another type of pool fencing, you must be sure the fencing conforms to Australian Standards for pool fencing. Even if you don't have children, neighbourhood children may try to sneak into your pool when you are not at home. 

Take time to find a fencing contractor who knows about Australian Standards for pool fencing. They can help you through the council approval process and you will know your pool is safe and children cannot access your pool without supervision.