How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost? (2024 Guide)
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A pool fence costs between $1,500 to $10,000—but the peace of mind that a secure pool fence brings is worth every penny.
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If you’re enjoying leisurely afternoons at your backyard pool, consider adding a swimming pool fence. Some areas actually require inground pools to be fenced for safety reasons, but pool fences can also add a measure of privacy if built high enough. But how much does a pool fence cost? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, there’s a wide range of costs from $1,500 to $10,000, though most homeowners will pay $6,500 on average.
These costs vary since pools come in all shapes and sizes—not to mention there are several options for materials, fence height, and gates. Pool fence cost is also influenced by any local requirements and current labor rates. Read on to learn all about what makes up the cost of a pool fence.
Key Cost Factors
The size, shape, and height of the fence will significantly impact the cost of your pool fence since prices increase with every extra linear foot. Prices are also different for inground and above-ground pools. When budgeting for pool fence costs, take into consideration these factors and others.
Pool Size and Shape
Naturally, larger pools will need a larger fence, and that increased size means a higher cost. The cost of a pool fence per foot is $15 to $25. So a pool fence could cost $2,000 for 100 linear feet, while 300 linear feet could cost around $6,000.
The shape of the pool will also affect the cost. Many pools are a standard rectangle shape, which is ideal for building a fence. However, a pool with curved edges could cost more if you choose to have the fence follow the pool shape.
Pool Type
Most pool fences are built around inground pools to prevent children, pets, and even adults from accidentally falling into the pool. The barrier height for inground pools is usually 4 or 5 feet, but local regulations often dictate this height. Most pool companies will quote homeowners for a 4-foot fence unless otherwise stated.
Above-ground pools don’t carry the same risk as inground pools, so the fences are built a little lower: usually 2 to 3 feet high. Again, local regulations can differ. With a lower height, the overall pool fence cost will be lower. These fences act more like a guardrail to the pool and can be freestanding or attached to the pool or deck.
Fence Material and Height
Materials are another big player in what makes up pool fence cost. Pool fences can be budget-friendly or glamorous, from chain link to vinyl to glass. The lowest average cost per foot is $5 to $12 for chain link, but glass fences could cost $100 to $600 per foot. A pool fence cost calculator could help estimate the total price you’ll pay depending on the material.
The higher the fence, the higher the cost since more materials are needed. As mentioned, inground pool fences are usually 4 to 5 feet, while above-ground pool fences only stand 2 to 3 feet high. In general, privacy fences cost more than other types of fences due to their height.
Fence Brand
As with most products, the pool fence brand can influence the cost. Some of the most common pool fence brands include the following.
| Fence Brand | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| All-Safe | $15 to $30 |
| Guardian | $15 to $25 |
| Katchakid | $11 to $19 |
| Life Saver | $16 to $30 |
| Protect-a-Child | $10 to $26 |
Labor and Geographic Location
Labor makes up around 50 percent of the overall pool fencing installation cost, so expect to pay $30 to $80 per hour on average. The pool fence company will likely send at least two employees to install the fence. Depending on the pool’s size, the job will take at least a half to a full day to install.
Labor, materials, and demand all have varying costs based on your location. Urban areas tend to have higher costs overall, so expect to pay more for pool fence costs if you live in a city. The same could be true even in suburban areas if there is significant residential construction happening, which increases the demand.
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Fence and Gate Type
Depending on the type of pool fence you need, you can choose between permanent and removable pool fencing. Mesh fences are typically removable, so you can keep the pool safe when it’s not in use. Mesh fences still allow easy accessibility to the pool, though, which is why they’re a popular option. The alternative is a stationary or permanent pool fence that is always in place. This is helpful when you prefer a little extra privacy around the pool—and some municipalities might require permanent fences.
Regulations around pool fence can vary between municipalities. Ideally, a gate should not open toward the pool, and the latch should be positioned where small children can’t reach it. A self-closing or self-locking gate can help ensure kids and pets don’t accidentally open the gate. The type of fence gate will affect the total cost of a pool fence.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the most common cost factors, you may incur additional pool fence costs if other situations apply. For example, sometimes significant prep work is needed, and you could also consider adding a pool net or a custom finish.
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Prep Work
You’ll need to have a pro decide how best to prepare the ground for areas with uneven terrain. This could include leveling or adding steps. Otherwise, a stationary fence will need a solid foundation before building begins, so you might need to have concrete poured first. And if you’re simply upgrading or replacing old fencing, the prep work will include demolition and removing existing fencing.
Pool Net Addition
While a pool fence encloses and surrounds the pool’s exterior vertically, a pool net is mesh anchored to the edges of the pool and stretched horizontally across the top. The pool net acts as an extra layer of security against falling into the pool, and it’s more aesthetically pleasing than a fence since it’s not so visible. Keep in mind that pool nets have to be removed before each pool use. They typically cost $1,500 to $2,500.
Customization and Finishes
If you’re just looking to install a low-cost, DIY above-ground pool fence, then extra customization probably isn’t on your list. But with a higher budget, you can consider more decorative elements on your fence to dress up the appearance of this odd vertical structure in the middle of your yard. Many iron, wood, or metal fences are customized and finished to match a homeowner’s design preference. Sometimes it’s as simple as having an arched gate, and other times it’s more complicated, like adding the fence to existing decking, too.
Maintenance
As with many outdoor projects, pool fences have long-term maintenance costs to consider. Much of these costs depend on the type of material you choose. Still, some maintenance will ensure the pool fence lasts its entire expected lifespan. Wooden fences will need repainting or staining regularly, and glass and plexiglass will need proper cleaning with the right products. Most other fence types need to be cleaned regularly as well, and this is on top of regular pool cleaning and the pool maintenance costs associated with hiring the best pool cleaning services.
Types of Pool Fences
With a deeper dive into the different types of pool fences—specifically the types of fence materials—you’ll have a better grasp of pool fence costs. The most common options range from mesh to chain link to vinyl and glass.
| Type of Pool Fence | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
| Black chain link | $5 to $12 |
| Mesh | $7 to $10 |
| Plexiglass | $20 to $30 |
| Tempered glass | $100 to $600 |
| Vinyl | $15 to $20 |
| Wood | $3 to $30 |
| Wrought iron | $20 to $35 |
Black Chain Link
If you opt for a chain-link fence, the recommendation is to have it vinyl-coated black to help prevent corrosion since it’s likely to get splashed with chlorinated water frequently. This will increase the cost above a plain chain-link fence, but it’s well worth it in the long run. The primary safety concern here is that children can climb a chain-link fence; however, it’s one of the cheaper budget options at $5 to $12 per linear foot.
Mesh
The biggest safety benefit of a mesh fence is that it’s almost impossible for children to climb since there are no holes or slats to use for footholds. Aside from that, mesh fences can be built to be removable so you can enjoy free access to the pool area when it’s in use. Another bonus is that they are relatively low-maintenance, too. Mesh pool fence cost is typically $7 to $10 per linear foot.
Plexiglass
Plexiglass is the cheaper alternative to glass, but it can grow cloudy or yellow over time. It’s also possible that plexiglass won’t meet some building codes. However, it can be a relatively strong and sturdy fence and has an average cost of $20 to $30 per linear foot.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass pool fences are quite attractive since they don’t limit visibility—plus, they’re impossible for children to climb. The downside is that every splash of water or smudge of the hand will show up on the glass, so regular cleaning is needed. Glass pool fence cost is the highest on this list at $100 to $600 per linear foot. However, this type of fence could add to your home’s value, and they are quite safe.
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Vinyl
You could opt for a vinyl pool fencing at a cost of $15 to $20 per linear foot. If you already have a vinyl property fence, this might be a good option if you prefer matching design elements. However, if a section of the fence is damaged, the entire panel will have to be replaced, which increases the overall vinyl fence costs. You’ll also get more privacy with a vinyl fence, especially if you built it at full height for a higher price.
Wood
Wood fences come in all styles and sizes—most of which are climbable for the most determined of children. Still, they offer a lovely aesthetic at a reasonable price. You’ll typically pay between $3 and $30 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood, the style, and the pattern. There are also more maintenance costs for a wood fence in the long run, including cleaning and staining.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a high-end fencing option that brings the aesthetics up a notch. However, wrought iron is not the safest option for families with young children because it is easy to climb. Wrought iron comes at a higher price of $20 to $35 per linear foot. Aluminum pool fence cost would be the same, since wrought iron fences are usually made of aluminum or steel.
Do I need a pool fence?
When faced with a decision to add yet another feature right after shelling out the cost to build a pool, you’re likely wondering whether you actually need a pool fence. In reality, a pool safety fence cost pays for itself in many intangible ways.
Safety
There isn’t a price that can be put on someone’s safety. And falling into a pool isn’t just a risk for young children or pets; even adults can suffer tragic consequences from taking a wrong step near the pool’s edge. You never know exactly when or how many times a pool safety fence will prevent a child, pet, or even an adult from falling into a pool when no one is around to help.
Privacy
If you’d like a space where your neighbors can’t be Peeping Toms while you enjoy an afternoon in a bathing suit, then a complete privacy pool fence is the w