Best Pool Safety Fences and Gates 2023 Reviews with Buying Guide

Adding a pool fence around your pool or pool area is the best way to ensure your family remains safe in your backyard. When some people think of pool fences, they envision this ugly and clunky looking thing falling over in the yard.

Thankfully, many pool fences are safe and reliable but also pleasing to look at. Here are some of the best pool fences that will help you relax when your kids are playing in the yard.

Best In-Ground Pool Mesh Fences 2020

These fences are installed around in-ground pools on concrete and other hard surfaces. They commonly feature aluminum or stainless steel poles with nylon mesh material for safety.

EDITOR’S PICK Pool Fence by Life Saver

Features:

• Dimensions: 4’ H x 12’ W per section
• Mesh Material: Textilene PVC-coated nylon
• Pole Material: Aluminum with stainless steel pin
• Color: Black and Brown
• Accessories: Gate and Drill Guide (sold separately)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

You want to keep your family safe, but you don’t want to sacrifice the appearance of your pool. This pool fence prevents children from falling in, and the polyvinyl mesh has strong UV inhibitors to keep the fence from staining or fading.

Each kit comes with one 4 x 12-foot section. The sections contain five assembled poles, deck sleeves/caps, connecting latch, template, and instructions. The manufacturer also recommends using a rotary hammer drill with a ⅝ x 14-inch masonry bit (not included).

Once you’ve installed the fence, to separate the units, you have to pull them apart unless you buy the optional self-closing gate. They also offer a highly recommended drill guide which takes the guesswork out of drilling into the hard concrete. Users of the fence have stated that the drill guide is necessary to get a clean and neat appearance from the installation.

Below is a funny video about the product by its manufacturer:

Installation could be challenging for people with no experience, but the company offers seven day a week installation support by phone.

Bottom Line

With a little time and DIY skill, this sleek but durable fence brings peace of mind back to the backyard.

Giantex In-Ground Swimming Pool Fence

Features:

• Dimensions: 4’ H x 12’ W per section
• Mesh Material: Textilene nylon
• Pole Material: Aluminum
• Color: Black
• Accessories: Drill Guide (included)

This fence uses lightweight aluminum tubing that comes all in one piece. The design makes taking it down and storing it simple, and you can shorten each section to fit the specific size requirements for your pool.

The textilene nylon mesh is a long-lasting and robust material that is designed for outdoor use. It holds up against the elements and the climb-resistant surface prevents children from climbing over.

At the ends of the fence are two hooks and latches that you’ll use to attach the sections and as an entrance and exit. The pool fence does not come with a gate, but you could easily attach a third-party gate or use this space as an opening.

For installation, the fence requires an 11/16 x 5-inch drill bit, and a power drill. There are three feet of space between each post, and the fence comes with a drill guide to make the process easier.

Bottom Line

With the included drill guide, this black pool fence is as easy to set up, as it is to take down.

Sentry Safety Pool Fence

Features:

• Dimensions: 4’ H x 12’ W per section
• Mesh Material: UV Resistant interwoven fiberglass
• Pole Material: Stainless Steel, PVC, and aluminum
• Color: Black, brown, tan, or white
• Accessories: Gate (sold separately)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

This 4 x 12-foot pool fence is interwoven fiberglass which works well at preventing fading over time. The fence poles use a combination of a stainless steel core, with a PVC insert, and powder-coated aluminum on the outside to prevent rust and corrosion.

The fence comes pre-assembled into twelve-foot sections, so it’s easy to install if you have a ½ inch minimum rotary hammer drill and a standard ⅝ long shaft masonry bit. Those specifications are according to the manufacturer.  

Once installed, to access the pool you need to pull a section of the fence out of its anchoring hole and roll it back. Alternatively, the company offers an easy to install gate for added safety.

If you’re looking to add some privacy to your pool area, you could choose the brown, tan, or white colored fencing which limits visibility through the interwoven fiberglass material. They also offer the fence in a standard black color. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a pre-assembled fence with multiple color options

Best In-Ground Pool Vinyl Fencing 2020

Vinyl fencing is weather-resistant and easy to maintain. This style of fencing closely resembles a white picket fence and is most commonly used on soft soil instead of hardscaping.

EDITOR’S PICK WamBam No-Dig Vinyl Fence

Features:

• Dimensions: 4’ H x 6’ W per section
• Material: Weather-resistant vinyl
• Color: White
• Accessories: Gate and Finishing post (sold separately)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Installation of this fence is simple using their “no-dig” system of driving a steel pole three feet into the ground and installing the finishing post on top. The WamBam fence works best on a lawn instead of hard concrete.

To fully install this fence around your pool you need to purchase the individual fencing sections and compatible finishing posts to fully secure those sections into the ground. Each fence section comes with one post and one steel anchor. You would install the finishing posts at the end of each fence run where your entrance to the pool would be.

You also need a sledgehammer or post pounder to hammer the anchoring rods three feet into the ground. Each fence kit also comes with two patented leveling donuts that help you adjust the fence posts according to changes in the foundation. Wambam offers a gate for added safety as well.

Below you can watch an attractive advert by the manufacturer:

Vinyl is durable, reliable, and maintenance free. This fence will last longer than a mesh one, and the WamBam fence is rated for up to a category one hurricane. The main disadvantage of this one is it’s intended to be permanent, so it’s not easy to remove.

Bottom Line

For families looking for that “white picket fence” look in their yard.

Best Above-Ground Pool Fences 2020

This style fence uses vinyl or PVC and requires a steel wall above-ground pool for proper installation, i.e. it wouldn’t work on the basic Intex-style soft-sided pools. Many pool owners use this fencing to satisfy insurance requirements and to keep children safe around the pool.

EDITOR’S PICK GLI Above Ground Pool Fence Kit

Features:

• Dimensions: 64.5” W x 1.5” D x 24” H
• Material: Weather-resistant vinyl
• Color: White
• Accessories: Additional sections
• Warranty: 5 Year

This above ground pool fence is made using maintenance-free vinyl that does not fade over time. You can purchase the fencing sections in groups of eight, three, or two, depending on how many you need.

To fit the fence to your above ground pool, you’ll need to count the number of panels on your pool and match that to the number of sections you need to buy. The manufacturer claims that everything you need including instructions and hardware comes with the kit.

To install the product you need to attach the mounting brackets to each of your pool’s uprights. For this to work correctly, it requires you to have a steel wall above ground pool. The amount of time it takes to install the fence will depend on your skill level and how much trimming you need to do.

Bottom Line

For above-ground pool owners craving a high-end look for a mid-range price

Vinyl Works White Economy Resin Above Ground Pool Fence

Features:

• Dimensions: 64.5’ L x 24” H
• Material: PVC Resin
• Color: White
• Accessories: Additional sections

This above ground pool fence kit contains eight sections measuring 64.5 inches each. The company also sells sections in groups of two and three to add more length to the fence. The fence is a durable PVC resin with stainless steel hardware.

To install this to your pool, you need to count the number of panels on your pool and buy the individual sections to meet your needs. From there you need to secure the brackets to the uprights of your pool and slide the fence sections down through them. The manufacturer states that each part of the fence can be easily cut and trimmed to fit any size pool.

For the fence to work you need to have a steel wall above ground pool so you can mount the brackets to the frame. If you have an Intel or any PVC framed pool, this fence will not work.

Bottom Line

Using blow-molded mounting brackets, this fence provides added stability and security to your installation.

Sentry Safety Above Ground Pool Fence

Features:

• Dimensions: 60” W x 22.5” H
• Material: PVC Resin
• Color: White
• Accessories: Additional sections, end caps

Each section of the Sentry Safe fence measures 22.5 inches high and 60 inches wide. This fence kit comes with eight sections and the option to purchase additional sections in groups of two or three. They offer a useful chart pictured below to help you decide on how many kits you need based on how many panels you have on your pool.

For installation, you first have to secure the mounting brackets to the uprights of your pool, and then you can slide the fence units down in and secure them using the supplied hardware. Once you have everything measured, you may need a hacksaw to cut and trim the horizontal sections of the fence to meet the needs of your pool.

The manufacturer claims that the PVC material is simple to clean and it holds up against impact and weather.

Bottom Line

Featuring the largest pool brace span opening, this fence easily fits most above-ground pools.

Pool Fence Buying Guide

In this section, we’re going to help you narrow down your choices and make the best decision for your individual needs.

The Different Pool Fencing Materials

Here are the three most common materials used in pool fencing and the pros and cons of each.

Nylon/Textilene Mesh

Mesh is the most affordable option and is intended for in-ground pools. The material is easily adjustable and can be removed and stored quickly and easily. Installation of this material for pool fencing is also easy and requires little or no hardware.

Vinyl

This material is durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Unlike mesh, vinyl will hold up better during storms and winter weather. Installation of vinyl fencing is a bit more involved, but it’s a trade-off for added durability.

PVC Resin

PVC is essentially a reinforced plastic. The material is affordable and flexible, so you find it in all different kinds of fencing including pools. The primary advantage of using this material is its low need for maintenance, budget-friendly price, and lightweight installation.

Things to Consider When Buying a Pool Fence

Here are a few things you want to think about before you make your final decision.

Pool Fence Safety

The most important thing most people think about when buying a pool fence is how safe it is. You want to prevent children and pets from entering the pool unsupervised, so you need to make sure the fence is durable and well secured. All things considered, vinyl is the most durable and would stand the best chance at protecting your family when they’re around the pool. For added safety, you can also add a gate to any of the fences listed above.

Easy Installation

Depending on your skill and DIY experience you may want a pool fence that is simple to install. Improper installation can result in a lack of safety and an overall poor appearance around your pool. Mesh fencing is typically the easiest to install, and if you space the poles out and secure them into the ground properly, it’ll be strong enough to keep intruders out.

Below is a great video explaining the installation of Sentry Safety Pool Fence listed above:

Measurements

It can be hard to determine how much fence you need to get around your pool. The last thing you want to do is buy too little and hold up the installation process. Some mesh fences come in pre-assembled sections so you can simply measure the entire length around your pool and buy that many sections. Above ground pools require a bit more work because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Measuring For In-Ground Pools

For in-ground pools, you need to measure the entire length around and leave some walking space in between. Once you have that number, you can take the length of each fencing section and multiply that till you reach the desired length.

For example, if you measured out 60 feet on all four sides of your pool and each fencing section is 12 feet, you would need a total of 20 sections. Make sure you also keep in mind space for a gate or entrance.

Measuring For Above-Ground Pools

If you have an above-ground pool, you need to measure the space between each upright to determine how long your sections need to be. Each section requires two anchoring points on the uprights, so these measurements have to be precise; otherwise, you’ll have to trim the sections to fit.

For example, if your pool has 14 panels with four of them covered by a deck, that leaves ten total panels that require fencing. Many above-ground fencing manufacturers sell kits in sets of eight, three, and two, so you would need a set of eight and a set of two.

Tools and Hardware

You need the right tools to get the job done. The type of pool and fence you buy will determine what tools you need. If you’re installing a mesh fence on an in-ground pool, you’re most likely securing the poles into concrete or some other hard surface. This job requires a rotary hammer drill and a drill guide to ensure your fence looks great and is nice and taut.

If you purchase a vinyl fencing kit like the one above, it comes with most of the hardware and tools you need because you don’t have to dig or pour any cement to secure the posts. All you need is a sledgehammer to get the rods in the ground and a drill to connect everything.

Above ground pool fencing is even simpler because most of the kits feature all of the hardware needed to get the job done. You only need to bring a drill and level to get the entire fence up.

Conclusion

You cannot put a price or amount of time on your family’s safety. If you have a pool and small children you probably worry about them falling in all the time. Getting a pool fence for your yard gives you peace of mind, and it can even add a bit of charm to your pool area.

Remember to keep the amount of installation in mind and make sure you take your time measuring everything out, so you get it right on the first try.