5 Best Pool Fences — Keep Your Kids and Pets Safe!

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 22, 2023
HouseAndBeyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Swimming is a great way to get some exercise and stay cool on a hot summer day. Of course, you need to make sure having a pool in your yard doesn’t put anybody at risk. That’s why responsible pool owners add the best pool fences around the swimming area. This keeps your kids and pets out of it when you’re not ready to swim, plus keeps intruders from jumping in without your knowledge.

Choosing a pool fence can be tricky, which is why, after considering over 30 models, we’ve chosen the top 5 fences for our reviews. Our favorite is the WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence, which is made of high-quality mesh with reinforced edges, stainless steel post pins, and includes everything needed to set it up. This model also comes with two height options and is UL certified. We also included models for in-ground and above-ground pools, as well as permanent and removable options.

When you’re picking a new pool fence, there are a few features to consider. The width tells you how long each section is, so you can choose how many you need. You should also look at the height to be sure your little ones or pets can’t get over it. Some materials are more durable and require less maintenance than others, so take a look at this as well. The more accessories it includes, the less you’ll need to provide yourself, which could save you some time and money. To help you choose the best pool fences, we created a comparison table with in-depth reviews, plus added a buying guide to cover all the features these products have to offer.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Pool Fences Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7624 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
Features
  • Height: 4 ft.
  • Width: 12 ft.
  • What’s included: hardware, measuring template, instructions, and a free installation video

More features: requires drilling of 5/8″ holes

The WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence is one of the best-rated pool safety fences on the market for several reasons. This fence is high-quality, durable, and easy to install with the right tools. You can put this fence up on your own in very little time or get it professionally installed if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.

When you purchase this pool fence, you’re getting all the hardware needed, as well as the measuring template, the instructions, and an installation video to show you how to set it up properly. There is also a gate available if needed.

The ½-inch post pins are made of reinforced stainless steel, so they can hold up to the wind or some pressure from little ones trying to push their way through the fence. There are also polymer sleeves that should be inserted into the holes, which offer protection for your cement patio. They also make it easy to remove the fence if needed, plus include post hole covers to keep the holes free of dirt and debris.

The fence itself comes in sections that are 12 feet long and 4 feet high. The material is durable and strong, with reinforced edges and no hand or toe-holds for little ones to climb. For even more peace of mind, this fence is UL certified, so it meets the safety standards necessary to pass any pool safety inspections.

    What are its best features?
  • Reinforced posts
  • Fully adjustable
  • Durable materials
  • Climb-resistant
    What could be improved?
  • Posts are smaller than standard fences
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3482 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
2
Best Permanent Pool Fence

WamBam Yard and Pool Vinyl Fence Panel

Features
  • Height: 4 ft.
  • Width: 7 ft.
  • What’s included: 1 x 6-foot post; 1 cap; top and bottom rails, 15 pickets and screws

More features: conforms to BOCA pool fence code

The WamBam Yard and Pool Vinyl Fence is sold in individual 7-foot panels, so you can order as many as you need to create the perfect barrier around your pool. These panels can also be cut as needed to fit in the space you have available.

They include UV inhibitors, which prevent deterioration from the sun’s rays. The panels are sturdy and strong, so they can handle some pressure from little ones trying to push through them.

Each panel includes one post and a cap on top. The posts are 4-way, so you can fit the panels into every side of them. This way, you can keep placing posts and sliding the panels into them one after the other until you get to the end. You do need to purchase an extra post to complete the fence, so keep this in mind when purchasing your panels.

Another part of the assembly process is digging 2-foot holes and add some concrete to hold the fence posts securely. This makes the fence a permanent one, so you never have to worry about your fence blowing down or falling over.

As well as creating a stylish, sturdy barrier around your pool, you can also use this fence anywhere else you need it. It can be placed around your entire yard or used to section off certain areas if required. This fence also meets the standards set in the BOCA pool fence code.

    Why is it special?
  • Pros:
  • Customizable
  • Reinforced bottom rails
  • 4-way posts
  • Maintenance-free
    What are the flaws?
  • Extra post, cap, and gate sold separately
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7977 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
3
Best Multi-surface Pool Fence

Giantex 4FtX48Ft Swimming Pool Fence

Features
  • Height: 4 ft.
  • Width: 48 ft.
  • What’s included: hardware, instructions, hooks and eyes

More features: 2 types of plastic sleeves included

The best mesh pool fences are durable and strong, plus look good while they’re doing their job. The Giantex 4FtX48Ft Swimming Pool Fence is made of high-quality materials and has a stylish look that fits well into any backyard.

This pool fence includes four 12-foot sections. Each section is constructed using five high-quality, lightweight aluminum tubes with breathable mesh panels pre-installed between them. This makes it easier to install the fence once you’ve drilled the holes. The mesh is transparent, so it lets the breeze flow through it and doesn’t obstruct your view, so you can enjoy the scenery even when it’s up.

Unlike some other pool fences, this one can be installed on multiple surfaces, including wood decks, cement, or even right into the ground. It comes with two different sizes of plastic sleeves, so you can use the shorter ones on hard areas or the long sleeves on soft ground to give the fence a more secure and stable base.

The Giantex pool fence is easy to install, even if it’s your first time trying your hand at this type of work. Once the holes are drilled, and the sleeves are in place, you can slide the posts in quickly and easily. Each section can be attached to the next one using the included hook-and-eye connectors for a secure hold. You can also remove the fence and roll it up when you’re ready to swim.

    What stands out?
  • Multi-surface use
  • Strong connectors
  • Durable materials
  • Stylish look
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • No gate available
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9283 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Height: 4 ft.
  • Width: 12 ft.
  • What’s included: hardware, instructions

More features: aluminum foot tube

If you want to keep children and pets out of the pool when you’re not with them, the XtremepowerUS 4′ x 12′ feet Swimming Pool Fence is a good place to start. This security fence for a pool has a unique design that allows you to adjust it to the size and shape of your pool quickly and easily.

This pool fence comes with all the hardware and instructions needed to install it, making this an easy job for anyone with a bit of skill who wants to save a bit of money on professional installation.

The XtremepowerUS fence is made with durable materials that can handle quite a bit of pressure. There is an aluminum tube frame, which is lightweight, strong, and rust-proof, so it lasts for years. This type of frame also makes it easy to roll up the fence and store it away when you’re not using it. The mesh is durable and climb-resistant, preventing kids from scaling it for a swim when you’re not looking. Also included are the post sleeves for a tight fit and the post hole covers for keeping the sleeves clean when the fence is down.

Each fence piece is constructed using 5 poles and 4 mesh barriers between them. Together, these pieces are 12-feet long and 4 feet high, so even taller kids can’t get past them. You can also shorten these pieces to fit around your pool if

    What are our favorite features?
  • Easy assembly
  • Aluminum tube frame
  • Portable design
  • Durable mesh
    What could be better?
  • No gate available
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5929 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
5
Best Above-Ground Pool Fence

GLI Above Ground Pool Fence Base Kit

Features
  • Height: 24 in.
  • Width:5 in. (each section)
  • What’s included: fence posts, installation instructions, hardware

More features: 8 sections are included

Like in-ground pools, an above-ground model needs a fence to keep intruders out and satisfy any pool insurance regulations in your area. The GLI Above Ground Pool Fence Base Kit keeps you covered in both of these areas, plus it looks great at the same time.

This set is the base kit, which includes eight 24-inch high sections to get you started. There are also 2-section and 3-section kits available if you need a bit more fence to go around a larger pool. As well as the fencing and fence posts, each kit also includes installation instructions and all the hardware needed. Unfortunately, the screws aren’t the highest quality pieces, so they may need to be replaced.

The fence is made of rigid vinyl that’s been UV-protected to prevent damage from those long summer days under a hot sun. The mounting brackets are extremely durable and have rounded edges that make them easy to attach to the upright supports on your above-ground pool.

This fence is lightweight, so you won’t struggle to lift each piece as you assemble the fence. There is some customization needed, requiring you to cut some of the frames to fit your fence properly. This adds time to the assembly process, though it isn’t difficult to do. You can also attach the fence to a deck if needed for extra support or circle the pool completely with strategically placed ladders to get in and out.

    What are its best features?
  • Vinyl construction
  • Strong mounting brackets
  • Lightweight
  • Looks good
    What could be improved?
  • Time-consuming assembly
  • Low-quality screws

Things to Consider

There are several different pool fences on the market, so it can be hard to choose the right one for your yard. As well as different styles, there are models for different types of pools, as well as both permanent or removable pool fences. To help you choose which one is best to meet your needs, check out the following sections.

Why you need a pool fence

The main reason to get a pool fence is for safety purposes. Those with small children know that little minds are more focused on having fun than staying away from dangerous things. They could wander outside and fall into your pool before you’re even aware they’re gone. The same goes for pets who may not be able to swim or can’t get out of the pool once they’ve jumped in.

5 Best Pool Fences — Keep Your Kids and Pets Safe!The best pool fences create a barrier between your loved ones and the pool itself. These make it impossible for them to reach the pool, keeping them safe at all times. These fences can also keep those who enter your yard without permission from jumping in your pool and having a swim.

Another reason to get a pool fence is to meet any regulations set by your community regarding pools, as well as any stipulations in your insurance policy in regards to pool safety. Reducing the likelihood of damage or injury prevents you from dealing with any lawsuits or insurance issues.

Features to consider when choosing a pool fence

When choosing a pool fence, there are a few features to consider, to ensure you’re getting the right type of fence, as well as the right size. The following sections should help get you started.

Dimensions of each section

The dimensions of each fence section are one of the most important features you need to look at. The width of the sections tells you how long it is, which will help you determine how many sections you need to purchase to surround your entire pool. The longer the sections are, the fewer you’ll need. For instance, the WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence is made up of five poles with 3-foot sections of mesh between each one, for panels that are a total of 12 feet long. The WamBam Yard and Pool Vinyl Fence Panel is 7 feet long, so you would need more of them to get around your pool area.

Another thing to look at is height. Most of the pool fences in our reviews are four feet high, though the WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence offers a 5-foot option as well. This is a good height or in-ground pools since they are high enough to prevent almost anyone from climbing over them. Above-ground pool fences that attach right to the pool, like the GLI Above Ground Pool Fence Base Kit, don’t need to be as high to do the same job.

How many sections you need

5 Best Pool Fences — Keep Your Kids and Pets Safe!
The number of sections you need for your pool depends on how large your pool is. The larger the sections are, the less of them you’ll need to purchase to create the barrier you’re looking for. You’ll also want to put your fence up about 3 feet away from the edge of the swimming pool, so keep this in mind as you’re measuring the distance around your pool. This way, you’ll leave some room to walk around the pool when the fence is up. Some fences come in different size options, such as the GLI Above Ground Pool Fence Base Kit, which comes in kits of 8, 3, and 2 feet. This makes it easier to get the number of sections you need for your pool fence.

Materials used

The materials used to build the pool fence need to be sturdy and durable, otherwise, they could buckle or break under pressure. The removable fences in our reviews use aluminum or stainless steel for the tubing and posts, with breathable mesh in between. The posts are strong enough to handle a child pushing on them, plus let the breeze through. Of course, these are also see-through, so they aren’t great as a pool privacy fence but they give you the barrier needed to keep little ones or pets safe.

The two permanent fences on our list are both made of vinyl, which is also durable and low maintenance. They don’t need to be painted or stained and are easy to clean with a pressure washer or garden hose.

What’s included

When checking out new pool fences, you should be aware of what’s included in the box. Most models include the hardware needed to put the fence together, as well as a set of instructions to explain the process. Some models also add some extras, like the WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence, which also includes a measuring template and an instructional video to make the installation process even easier. The more there is included in the box, the less you need to purchase separately, saving you some extra time and money.

Warranty

The warranty on the best pool fence covers you if any of the parts are missing or pieces are damaged before you install them. Of course, not all warranties are equal, so it’s a good idea to see what’s covered and for how long before you buy your new fence.

For instance, the XtremepowerUS 4′ x 12′ feet Swimming Pool Fence has a 30-day limited warranty for returns and exchanges and a 60-day warranty on parts replacement, which means you need to check out the fence to be sure everything is there and working properly before the 60 days is up or you’ll have to pay to replace them. The WamBam Yard and Pool Vinyl Fence Panel has a limited lifetime warranty, so you’re covered for the life of the fence.

Other features

There are a few extra features that make these fences even more worthwhile. One is multiple color options. Most fences come in white, though some models include black or beige colors as well. The more hardware that’s included, like post sleeves and hook-and-eye connections, the easier it is to put the fence up without running to the hardware store in the middle of the installation. Though most models don’t include a gate, having one available to add to the fence is also a bonus.

FAQ

How to calculate the exact amount of sections needed?

Calculating the number of sections needed is easier than you may think. You should leave about 3 feet around the fence, so mark off this distance around the entire pool. Then use a tape measure to measure the entire distance around the pool. When you choose your fence, do some simple math to figure out how many sections you need. For instance, if the distance measures 60 feet and the sections are 12 feet each, you would divide 60 by 12, which equals 5 sections for a complete fence.

Will mesh fences withstand strong winds?

Yes, most mesh fences are built to withstand strong winds. The metal posts are inserted right into the concrete around the pool, holding them in place on those extra windy days. The mesh is also durable enough to handle wind, as well as some small children or pets leaning on them or trying to climb them, so they won’t tear easily. Of course, in a hurricane or other serious weather event, you may want to take down the fence to keep it from breaking as they may not handle such extreme conditions.

Should I remove the fence for the winter season?

Permanent fences are made to handle all types of weather, so they can stay put in the winter months. Removable fences, usually made of mesh, need to be made of high-quality materials that can handle those icy temperatures. Lightweight aluminum or cheap mesh may buckle or break if it gets too cold or if the snow is too heavy. The stronger the materials, the more durable they are, and the better they’ll be able to handle the cold.

Our verdict

A pool can add a great deal of enjoyment to the summer months but only if everybody is safe around it. The best pool fences can keep those little ones and pets out of the pool unless you choose to let them in.

Our favorite pool fence is the WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence, which is high-quality, durable, and removable. It includes reinforced stainless steel posts pins, polymer sleeves, and durable mesh with reinforced edges. This fence also comes with the hardware, measuring template, instructions, and video to make installation a breeze.

The WamBam Yard and Pool Vinyl Fence Panel is a permanent model, made of maintenance-free vinyl with UV inhibitors, 4-way posts, reinforced bottom rails, and customizable dimensions.

The Giantex 4FtX48Ft Swimming Pool Fence includes four 12-foot sections, with aluminum tubes and transparent breathable mesh. There are two types of plastic sleeves in the box as well, for use with hard or soft surfaces, so you can put this fence anywhere.

9,9
Total Score
WaterWarden 4’ x 12’ Pool Fence - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *