How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $10,000
An average pool fence costs $4,000, but pricing varies based on the size, height, material, and labor expenses.
The average pool fence cost is $4,000, though most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $10,000. Pool fencing is useful for keeping critters out of the pool area or keeping kids safe when they're playing outside. In some cases, a pool fence may even be required by local or state law. Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll need to budget for this project and the factors that go into your pool fence costs.
- Average
- $4,000
- Low end
- $1,100
- high end
- $12,500
How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost per Linear Foot?
Pool fences are a must for safety reasons, but they also provide privacy and aesthetics as you soak up the sun. A pool fence costs an average of $15 to $25 per linear foot. Chain link and mesh fences are an affordable option if you’re on a budget. If cost isn’t an object, iron, wood, or tempered glass fences are also options. What type of pool fence is best for you depends on the size of your pool, your personal preference, and your budget.
Pool Fence Cost Factors
Pool fence costs depend on what type of material you choose, plus the fence’s height and length. Any questions you have about cost can be better answered by a professional once you decide who to hire to build your fence.
Materials
The number one factor that impacts price is what your fence is made from. Material cost varies widely depending on what type of fence you go with. A black chain link pool fence may cost only $5 to $12 per linear foot. On the other hand, a glass fence may cost $100 or more per linear foot.
Size of Your Pool
Do you have an Olympic-size swimming pool, or a little plunge pool for cooling off? One of the main factors that influence pool fencing cost is the size of the area you want enclosed. Along with this, tall fences are often more expensive because of increased material costs.
Shape of Your Pool
The shape of your pool can impact the cost of the fence you add. For example, a rectangular pool will only require four straight fenced sides, whereas a circular—or kidney-shaped—pool may require more work and possibly specialized planning. Anything that complicates a project increases its cost, so it’s safe to assume if your pool doesn’t have clean corners, it’ll cost more to fence.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool
Most of the time, you'll see pool fences built around in-ground pools. These prevent people, particularly children, as well as pets and other animals, from accidentally falling in.
Heights vary depending on local regulations, but in-ground pools typically require at least a four-foot fence surrounding them. Above-ground pools are different since they carry lower risk. Fences can be installed directly on the edge of an above-ground pool as a sort of guardrail, and the minimum required heights are typically closer to two or three feet.
This lower height means fewer construction materials and lower costs on average. Expect to pay between $100 and $450 for an above-ground pool fence.
Labor
Labor costs also affect the price of pool fence installation. You can expect to pay somewhere between $30 to $80 per hour. While it might be tempting to save money by installing a fence yourself, for safety reasons, this task is best left to professionals.
How Much Pool Fence Can I Get on My Budget?
The size and style of the pool fence you can buy depends on how much money you have to spend. While a pool fence should enclose your entire pool, exactly which material you use will depend on your budget.
$2,000
For $2,000, you can afford about 100 linear feet of pool fencing. If you’re trying to cut costs, you might want to consider installing a chain link or mesh fence.
$4,000
$4,000 is a decent budget for a pool fence and will get you about 200 linear feet. With this budget, you can often afford pricier materials, including aluminum or wrought iron.
$6,000
For $6,000, you can afford about 300 linear feet of fence. This budget should allow you to fence your whole pool comfortably, plus the surrounding area.
$10,000
At $10,000, you can afford about 500 linear feet of fence. At this price point, you might want to consider more expensive fencing options such as wood or tempered glass.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Pool Fence by Type?
| Material | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Mesh | $7–$10 |
| Black chain link | $5–$12 |
| Plexiglass | $20–$30 |
| Vinyl | $15–$40 |
| Wood | $3–$30 |
| Wrought iron | $20–$35 |
| Tempered glass | $100–$600 |
Let’s break down each material a little more:
Mesh Pool Fence Cost
A mesh pool fence costs between $7 and $10 per linear foot. Mesh fences are one of the safest types of fence to install around your pool because rambunctious children can’t climb them. So, if you have a little daredevil on your hands, you can rest assured that even the most determined kid won’t be able to get past it.
Black Chain Link Pool Fence Cost
Black chain link fencing costs between $5 and $12 per linear foot. Chain link is a functional and affordable option for a pool fence—plus, black chain link fencing is less likely to show rust, even in a damp environment.
Plexiglass Pool Fence Cost
Sturdy and durable, plexiglass fencing costs between $20 and $30 per linear foot. This type of fence is a good option if you have a larger budget.
Vinyl Pool Fence Cost
Vinyl fencing costs between $15 and $20 per linear foot. This type of fencing is easy to climb, so it may not be the best fit for homes with adventurous kiddos.
Wood Pool Fence Cost
Stylish and sleek, wood fencing costs between $3 and $30 per linear foot. This type of fencing isn’t the best choice for safety concerns, but it’s an attractive choice if you want a pool fence primarily for privacy or aesthetic reasons.
Wrought Iron Pool Fence Cost
Wrought iron fencing costs between $20 and $35 per linear foot, which is another good choice if the style is your primary concern.
Tempered Glass Pool Fencing Cost
One of the most expensive types of pool fence available, a tempered glass pool fence costs between $100 and $600 per linear foot. Tempered glass is very safe, as it’s hard to climb. It’s also very attractive and can even potentially increase the value of your home.
Pool Fence Ongoing Expenses
Once you've installed a pool fence, you'll need to keep up with maintenance to ensure it lasts for the duration of its expected lifespan. This means different things for different fencing materials:
Chain link fences should have a vinyl coating applied to prevent corrosion.
Metal, tempered glass, and plexiglass should be cleaned regularly.
Wood requires regular repainting or re-staining, and loose slats should be repaired.
Pool fence gate latches and closing mechanisms need to be kept in working order.
These maintenance tasks require specific tools and supplies, so maintain room in your budget for pool fencing upkeep.
Permits
While pools themselves obviously require building permits, it might come as a surprise to some that fences often do as well. This is mainly due to the safety considerations when building a fence around a pool. You can go through your local city government, or you can check with your contractor to make sure you do—or don’t—need a permit to build a fence around your pool.
Installing a Pool Fence Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Taking a DIY approach to pool fence installation may not be the best idea. While you can save on labor costs of $30 to $80 per hour if you do it yourself, it’s not the safest option. Many places have specific regulations concerning pool fencing and safety that require professional expertise to follow properly. Contact a fence company near you to get the job done right.
How to Save Money on Your Pool Fence Installation Cost
There are several practical ways to save on pool fence costs. Use the tips below to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of the work.
Opt for low-cost materials rather than high-end options.
Forgo a privacy fence and install the shortest fence that local regulations will allow.
DIY some of the prep work, such as demolition or site preparation.
Get quotes from multiple fencing contractors to compare prices.
Ask your contractor if a partial fence will adhere to regulations.
Ask your contractor if they have any deals available on excess materials.
Have your fence installed in the early spring or late fall when demand for labor is lower.
Margaret Wack and Mitchell Grant contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mesh and tempered glass are both very safe pool fencing options because they’re difficult to climb. You might also want to consider installing a pool safety net, and always make sure your pool is maintained properly. You could even consider a swimming pool enclosure that surrounds the pool on all sides.
Currently, it is a state law to have a fence around a pool in all states except Alaska, Colorado, and Delaware. Laws vary by state and city, so check with your state and local government for regulations specific to you. Additionally, most homeowners' insurance providers will require some type of fence surrounding a residential pool before they provide coverage.
A retaining wall can only function as a fence if it’s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn’t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall.