For those people fortunate enough to have a swimming pool at their residence, a pool fence is an item that should be carefully chosen for safety as well as aesthetic value.

When installing a swimming pool in the yard, laws may require that a fence is placed around it or around the yard, to keep children out. To prevent children from falling into a pool and drowning, it is recommended that pool owners install a fence that is a minimum of four feet high around all sides of the swimming pool. This fence should separate the pool entirely from the house and play yard. Child drowning most frequently occurs in a pool belonging to the family, or to a relative, so particular if there are children under the age of 5 in a household a pool fence is absolutely necessary, or if a person has relatives who visit with young children, these safety measures can save a life.

Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to swimming pool fence material and a homeowner need not settle for the old picket fence around the pool deck any longer. Mesh, vinyl, wood, aluminum and glass are among the choices of materials for pool fencing. Each of these materials offers different qualities and personal taste being subjective, only the pool owner can decide the right material for his or her swimming pool.

Glass pool fencing is very durable and attractive with a clean modern look. It offers see-through fencing which is a safety feature in itself in the event that a child would get beyond the fence into the pool. However, it is more costly than other types of fencing and means a bigger investment. The downside is that glass fencing is said to show every fingerprint and smudge, so one might wish to stock up on Windex if using a glass pool fence.

Mesh is usually in the form of a removable pool fence. It is considered ideal by some due to the fact that the transparent mesh is climb resistant and is easily removed, which could also be a detriment as an older child would be able to access the pool unbidden.   Like glass, a mesh swimming pool fence will create a barrier between the house and pool while still allowing a clear view of the pool.  However, though it is less expensive by far, mesh is not nearly as permanent and durable as glass pool fencing.

Vinyl pool fencing comes in many styles and prices, so it is easy to find a type of vinyl fencing that will look great and compliment any property. Durable and attractive, often with aluminum reinforcement around the bottom for added strength, vinyl fencing can be a great economical, yet still attractive choice in pool fencing. Vinyl can begin to fade and it may be prone to damage in extreme temperatures.

Wooden fencing is a popular choice as it is cost efficient and attractive, durable and has the added benefit that it is easy to attach plant hangars and other decorations to. However, wood fence needs regular maintenance and is prone to warping and wood rot, especially in wet environments.

Aluminum pool fencing is an excellent option due to its durability and the fact that it is maintenance free and comes in residential, commercial or industrial grade. Aluminum fence gives the look of wrought iron without the expense or the weight. It is wear resistant and guaranteed again chipping, peeling and rusting. Routine maintenance for aluminum fencing is just an occasional hosing-off to remove grime, dust or debris.

Whether a person chooses aluminum, wood, vinyl, mesh, or glass pool fencing, a pool fence is an investment in not only safety of toddlers and young children, but an investment in the property as well. A well installed pool fence of any type can add monetary and aesthetic value to the home. So prior to purchasing a pool fence, it would behoove a homeowner to do some research and decide exactly what type of material they prefer for their pool fence, how much money they can afford to spend on it, and what style they want to see when they look out the window at their swimming pool. Whatever pool fence system the pool owner decides upon, if it is attractive, safe and affordable for them, then it is the right choice.