Choosing an aluminium pool fence? One of the first decisions is the style. The two you'll see most around Brisbane are traditional aluminium pool fencing – the familiar vertical bars, often called tubular or flat-top fencing – and aluminium slat fencing, a more modern look that gives you extra privacy.
Both are durable and low maintenance, but they look and work quite differently, and not every slat design is suitable around a pool. Here's how they compare.
Traditional aluminium pool fencing
Traditional aluminium pool fencing uses vertical bars between top and bottom rails. It's the most common pool fence in Brisbane for good reason.
Why people choose it
- Designed for pools – standard panels are made to meet the pool safety rules.
- Open and see-through, so you can keep an eye on swimmers.
- Lets the breeze through, which suits Brisbane summers.
- Affordable and quick to install, even on long runs.
- A classic look that sits comfortably with Queenslanders and established homes in suburbs like Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood.
Aluminium slat fencing
Slat fencing uses flat aluminium slats with small gaps between them. It's popular on modern homes because it gives a sleek, architectural finish and more privacy.
Why people choose it
- More privacy – narrower gaps screen the pool from neighbours and the street.
- A modern look with clean lines, in a range of powder-coated colours.
- Low maintenance – no painting or staining.
Things to consider around a pool
- Horizontal slats can act like a ladder. Rails and slats on the outside of a pool fence create footholds, so horizontal slat screens are usually not suitable as a pool barrier unless they're specifically designed to comply.
- Vertical slats are the safer starting point, but the design still has to meet every rule – gaps, height and the climbable zone.
- Slat fencing usually costs more than traditional aluminium.
- Less see-through means it's harder to watch the pool from the house.
Slat vs traditional at a glance
| Traditional aluminium | Aluminium slat | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Classic vertical bars | Modern and architectural |
| Privacy | Low – open and see-through | Moderate to high, depending on spacing |
| Pool supervision | Easy to see the pool | Harder to see through |
| Pool compliance | Standard panels designed to comply | Design must be checked – horizontal slats can be climbable |
| Upkeep | Low | Low |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
The pool safety rules come first
Whatever style you like, a pool fence must meet Queensland's pool safety standard. Key rules from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) include:
- At least 1200mm high at every point.
- No gaps over 100mm under or through the fence.
- A non-climbable zone: horizontal rails on the outside of the fence need a gap of at least 900mm between them (measured top to top), so they can't be used as steps.
- Gates that close and latch on their own.
These rules are why some fences that look great as a boundary or privacy screen can't be used around a pool. We'll make sure the style you choose complies before it goes in. More detail is on the QBCC website.
Which style suits your pool?
Choose traditional aluminium if…
- You want a proven, compliant pool fence at a sensible price.
- You'd like to see the pool clearly from the house.
- Your home has a classic or Queenslander style.
Consider slat fencing if…
- Privacy from neighbours or the street is a priority.
- You have a modern home and want an architectural finish.
- You're happy to choose a design that's been checked for pool compliance.
Or consider glass
If you want a modern look without losing your view of the pool, frameless glass is worth a look. Compare the options in our guide to glass vs aluminium pool fencing.
See real examples in our aluminium pool fence gallery, or read more about aluminium pool fencing.