Glass vs Aluminium Pool Fencing: Which Should You Choose?

If you're putting in a new pool or replacing a tired fence, one of the first decisions is the material: frameless glass or aluminium? Both make a safe, compliant pool fence, and both are popular across Brisbane. The right choice comes down to the look you want, your yard and your budget.

We install and repair both every week, so here's our honest, side-by-side guide to help you decide.

Glass vs aluminium at a glance

Frameless glass pool fencing

Glass is the choice for an open, contemporary look. Because there are no bars or rails, you can see the pool clearly from the house – handy for keeping an eye on the kids – and your landscaping becomes part of the view.

Why people choose glass

• Clear, uninterrupted views of the pool, the garden or the view beyond.
• Very hard to climb – smooth panels give little ones nothing to grip.
• Shelter from the wind, so the pool area stays more comfortable on breezy days.
• A sleek, modern finish with polished, black or gold spigots, or channel fixings for a minimal look.
• Adds a premium feel to the backyard.

Things to consider

• Glass costs more upfront than aluminium.
• It shows water spots and fingerprints, so expect to give it a regular wipe – a squeegee and a quick rinse usually does the job.

Aluminium pool fencing

Aluminium is one of Brisbane's most popular pool fences for good reason. It's practical, affordable and looks right at home with almost any style of house.

Why people choose aluminium

• Affordable – usually the more budget-friendly option, especially for long runs or larger blocks.
• Quick to install, so your pool is fenced and compliant sooner.
• Rust and corrosion resistant, which suits Brisbane's humidity and pool chemicals.
• Low maintenance – it doesn't show splash marks and only needs the occasional hose-down.
• A range of colours to match your house, trims or garden.
• Suits any pool or yard shape, including slopes and stairs with raked panels.

Things to consider

• The vertical bars mean views aren't quite as open as glass.
• Like any fence, it needs the right design to stay non-climbable – something we take care of for you.

Both must meet the same pool safety rules

Whichever material you choose, your pool fence has to meet Queensland's pool safety standard. A few of the key rules from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) include:

• The fence must be at least 1200mm high at every point, measured from the finished ground level.
• The gap under the fence can be no more than 100mm, and there can be no holes or gaps bigger than 100mm in the fence itself.
• Gates must close and latch on their own and should never be propped open.
• Glass panels must be undamaged, firmly seated and kept at the legal height, with no climbable ledges on the outside.
• Keep climbable objects – pot plants, chairs, barbecues – well clear of the fence.

Don't worry if that sounds like a lot. We know the rules inside out, and every fence we install is designed to comply from day one. You can read more on the QBCC website.

Which one suits your yard?

Choose glass if…

• You want to keep an eye on the pool from inside the house.
• You have a view, a feature garden or a pool you want to show off.
• Your pool area catches the wind.
• You're after a high-end, modern finish.

Choose aluminium if…

• You want a safe, compliant fence on a sensible budget.
• You're fencing a long boundary or a large block.
• You'd like a fence that looks good with very little cleaning.
• You want a colour that matches your home.

Or use both

You don't have to pick just one. Many Brisbane homes use frameless glass where the view matters – facing the house or the deck – and aluminium along the side and back boundaries to keep costs down. Done well, the two sit together nicely.

Want to see more? Browse our glass pool fence gallery and aluminium pool fence gallery, or read more about glass pool fencing and aluminium pool fencing.