A pool fence has two jobs at once. It has to keep children safe and satisfy the law, and it has to look good doing it. That is a lot to ask of one barrier around a swimming pool, and the material you choose shapes both. Glass, aluminium and steel each pass the safety test when installed correctly, but they land in very different places on cost, upkeep and looks. We install all three across Perth, from frameless glass on the coast to powder coated aluminium in the suburbs, so here is a clear comparison of how they stack up on compliance, price and style, to help you pick the right pool fence for your yard.
Pool Fencing Compliance: The Non-Negotiables
Before we talk looks, safety comes first, because every pool fence in WA must meet the Australian Standard AS1926.1. This is why pool fencing matters so much, and the core rules are the same whatever material you choose. The barrier must be at least 1.2 metres high, measured from the outside, with no gaps wider than 100 millimetres, including the gap along the bottom. A non-climbable zone of 900 millimetres must stay clear of anything a child could use as a foothold, so keep pots, pool pumps and the BBQ well away from it. A boundary or dividing fence can double as one side of the pool barrier, but only if that section also meets the height and non-climbable rules. In WA, your local council must inspect the barrier at least once every four years. This is where we see the most DIY projects come unstuck, so we build every pool fence to comply from day one.
Pool Fence Gate And Latch Rules
The gate is the single most common reason a pool barrier fails inspection, so it earns its own section. Under AS1926.1, every pool gate must be self-closing from any position and self-latching, so it swings shut and locks on its own every time, no matter how the kids leave it. The latch release has to sit at least 1.5 metres above the ground, or be shielded so little hands cannot reach it, and the gate must open away from the pool area. The non-climbable zone applies around the gate too. Never prop a pool gate open, even for a minute. It only takes a moment for a toddler to slip through, which is exactly what these rules exist to prevent.
Glass Pool Fencing
Glass is the premium choice, and it is no surprise it dominates modern homes. Made from thick toughened safety glass, usually 10 to 12 millimetres, it creates an almost invisible barrier with uninterrupted views of the pool. That unobstructed view makes small backyards feel bigger and lets you watch the kids swim from the kitchen without a slat in the way. Toughened safety glass is several times stronger than ordinary glass, and if it ever does break it crumbles into small blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, which is why the standard demands it. Glass will not rust, warp or rot, and it can lift the aesthetic appeal and value of a property. The trade off is price and upkeep: glass shows water marks, salt spots and fingerprints, so it needs regular cleaning to keep that magazine cover look, especially near the coast where the Fremantle Doctor carries salt onto every panel.
Frameless Vs Semi-Frameless Glass
If you go with glass, the next choice is frameless or semi-frameless. Frameless glass pool fencing is the high-end look: thick glass panels held by discreet stainless steel spigots at the base, with no posts between them, for the cleanest and most open finish. Semi-frameless glass sits a step down in price, using slim posts at the panel edges. That added structure feels sturdier and is a little more forgiving to install, but the look is slightly less seamless. Both use toughened glass and stainless steel hardware, and both are pool safe when installed correctly. Frameless wins on wow factor, semi-frameless wins on budget, and plenty of pool owners land somewhere between the two.
Aluminium Pool Fencing
Aluminium is the practical favourite and the most affordable way to fence a pool. It is a lightweight, rust resistant metal that is powder coated in any colour you like, from classic black to something that matches the house. Aluminium pool fencing shrugs off Perth weather with only occasional washing, making it genuinely low maintenance, and it will not corrode near salt air the way untreated steel can. Look for quality stainless steel hinges and a good magnetic latch, because the hardware is what fails first on a cheap aluminium pool fence. The trade off is the view: vertical slats give a structured, visible barrier rather than the open look of glass, though many pool owners actually prefer that clear separation between the pool area and the rest of the yard. For large perimeters or a tight budget, aluminium offers the best value per metre.
Steel Pool Fencing
Steel, usually tubular steel, is the strongest of the three and suits owners who want a traditional, secure look. It withstands impact better than aluminium and pairs well with automated gates and heavier feature fencing. Modern steel pool fencing is galvanised and powder coated to resist rust, but the coating has to stay intact, and near the coast it needs more attention than aluminium or glass. On price, steel sits in the middle. It is dearer than basic aluminium but well below frameless glass, and it delivers serious durability and security for the money.
Pool Fencing Cost Comparison
Cost is often the deciding factor, so here is how the three materials compare per metre, supplied and installed in Perth:
| Pool Fence Material | Cost Per Metre (Installed) | Best For |
| Aluminium | $90 to $150 | Budget, large perimeters, low upkeep |
| Tubular steel | $120 to $220 | Strength, security, traditional look |
| Semi-frameless glass | $250 to $500 | An open view at a lower glass price |
| Frameless glass | $350 to $850+ | Premium, uninterrupted views |
Aluminium is the cheapest way to fence a pool, while frameless glass sits firmly at the premium end because of the thick safety glass and stainless steel hardware involved. Use these as a guide, since your final cost depends on the length of the run, the site and the finish you choose.
Which Pool Fence Is Right For You?
So which one makes more sense for your place? If you want an unobstructed view and a high-end finish, and the budget allows, frameless glass is the standout, especially for a small or view-focused backyard. If value and low maintenance matter most, aluminium is the smart, cost effective pick, particularly for long runs. If you want strength and a classic, secure look, steel earns its place. It is also worth remembering that a quality pool fence, frameless glass especially, can add real resale appeal to a home with a pool. Personal preferences and your landscaping play a big part too, and there is no wrong answer once the barrier is compliant. Still weighing it up? A little expert advice on site usually makes the right solution obvious.
Current Pool Fencing Trends In Perth
Right now, frameless glass is the clear trend for Perth pool areas, especially in new builds and coastal homes chasing that open, resort feel. Black powder coated aluminium is booming too, as a sharp and affordable way to frame a pool against modern render and landscaping. From hands-on experience across countless Perth pools, we are also fitting more mixed setups, with frameless glass along the main view line and aluminium down the less visible sides to balance looks and budget. Whatever the trend, the safety rules never change, and every option still has to meet Australian safety standards.
Our Recent Pool Fencing Work In Perth
Pool fencing is some of our favourite work because the safety payoff is real. Recent compliant pool projects:
Award-Finalist Perforated Aluminium Pool Fence: We custom-cut a Monument perforated aluminium barrier to sit flush against a limestone wall with no climbable ledges, a laser-levelled, fully compliant enclosure that earned an Australian Fencing Awards finalist spot.
Gap-Controlled Aluminium Slats: This aluminium slat perimeter shows how tight, controlled gaps keep a barrier both modern and compliant, the same 100-millimetre discipline a pool fence demands.
Tubular Steel For A Traditional Look: For owners who prefer the strength and classic look of steel, this garrison fence and self-latching gate show how tubular steel can enclose an area securely and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pool fencing questions Perth homeowners ask us most:
Is Glass Or Aluminium Better For A Pool Fence?
Both meet Australian safety standards, so it comes down to priorities. Glass gives an uninterrupted view at a premium price, while aluminium is more affordable and lower maintenance. Many pool owners choose glass for the main view and aluminium elsewhere.
How Much Does Glass Pool Fencing Cost?
Frameless glass typically runs $350 to $850 or more per metre installed, with semi-frameless a little cheaper. Aluminium is the budget option at around $90 to $150 per metre.
How Often Does A Pool Fence Need Inspecting In WA?
In Western Australia, your local council must inspect the pool barrier at least once every four years. Between inspections, keep the gate self-closing and the non-climbable zone clear.
Does Glass Pool Fencing Need A Lot Of Cleaning?
More than aluminium, yes. Toughened glass shows water spots and fingerprints, so it needs regular cleaning with soapy water to stay clear, especially near the coast.
Is Frameless Or Semi-Frameless Glass Better?
Frameless looks the cleanest with no posts, at a higher price. Semi-frameless uses slim posts, costs a bit less and feels sturdier. Both are pool safe when installed correctly.
Get Your Pool Fence Right
Choosing between glass, aluminium and steel really comes down to your budget, your view and how much upkeep you are up for, and every one of them keeps your family safe when it is built to standard. Glass delivers the open, premium look, aluminium wins on value and low maintenance, and steel brings strength and security. Whichever way you lean, we will make sure your pool fence is fully compliant, cleanly finished and ready to pass inspection. Get in touch today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote, and let us build a pool fence that keeps everyone safe and looks the part.
With years of hands-on experience in the fencing industry, Niels founded FencrGatr with a mission to deliver premium fencing solutions backed by excptional service across Perth.
