There is a variety of options when it comes to putting a safety barrier fence around your home spa or pool. There are pros and cons to all types. Here we explore & compare the 2 most popular choices, Glass & Aluminium fencing, to make deciding a bit easier.
Safety & Durability
**All pool or spa fencing materials should come with manufactures certificates stating they comply with Australian Standards relevant to Pool or Spa Safety Barriers. AS1926.1 requires all materials used for Pool or Spa fencing to pass a series of tests, ensuring it is safe and reliable for years to come.**
Glass
- Glass pool & spa fence panels are 1200mm high. Made from 12mm thick heat-soaked toughened glass
- The heat-soaking process significantly reduces the risk of the glass breaking.
- Gates are fitted with self-closing hinges and safety pull up latches.
- Glass is smooth with no footholds, therefore unclimbable.
- Glass will not get affected by weather, will not rust or warp.
- Spigots that hold glass panels are made of Marine Grade Stainless Steel (duplex 2205) and set in concrete, using a high strength structural grout, ensuring a strong, long lasting fence for years to come.
Aluminium
- Aluminium panels are 1200mm high and made from 6063 T6 aluminium, specifically designed for pool surrounds.
- Gates are fitted with self-closing hinges and safety pull up latches.
- An aluminium fence will never rust, unlike many other metals aluminium contains almost no iron and rust cannot form without iron.
- Long lasting colour, due to powder coating process, means vibrant colour for 20+ years.
- Aluminium posts are set 600mm into the ground using sand and stone concrete mix, guaranteeing the structural integrity of the fence.
Aesthetic
Glass
- Ultimate uninterrupted view
- Elegant and sophisticated
- Glass gives the illusion of more space due to its transparency and the reflection of light on surrounding areas.
- Variety of options for hardware including choices of polished, satin or matte black accessories, round or square spigots.
Aluminium
- Over 30 different colours & 4 different designs to suit any yard décor.
- Still allows view of pool and yard areas (unlike Colourbond or mesh fencing)
Maintenance
Glass
- Easiest type of fencing to maintain simply use water, window cleaner, vinegar or detergent & microfibre cloth.
- See our post for a more detailed guide
Aluminium
- Another easy to maintain option, a hose down of debris as they build up. Use a sponge and mild detergent for tougher stains.
Ease of Install/DIY
Glass
- More difficult to install (this adds to the reason of higher price point) eg. wrong spacing between panels, by even a few millimetres, will mean the fence is not compliant and will have to be redone
- Panels are heavy and will shatter if dropped
Aluminium
- Lightweight panels make DIY easier.
- More affordable option for off the shelf product
- Instructional guides can be found online
Price Point
Glass
- More expensive option, though comes with added benefits, e.g. increasing the value and appeal of your home. Also provides a great windbreak for your pool or spa area
Aluminium
- Almost half the price of glass for a more budget friendly option
In conclusion Glass and Aluminium Fences both make reliable, safe & durable choices for pool barriers. It comes down to home owners taste and affordability, with some owners opting for a mix of glass and aluminium, to reap the benefits of an uninterrupted view, whilst saving some money on the surrounding fence area.
1 thought on “Glass vs. Aluminium Pool & Spa Fencing”
Comments are closed.