If you’ve just had an in-ground pool installed or if you’re going to, there’s one thing you can’t help but look at: the fence. It’s not merely about ticking a box on a permit. It’s about safety, privacy, and whether your backyard is going to resemble a resort or a chain-link catastrophe thrown up over a weekend.
That’s where fences for inground pools take over. But selecting the right one? That’s where everybody gets stuck. There are far too many choices, and what suits your neighbor could be entirely wrong for your design. So let’s make it easy and guide you through what really counts.
Why Do You Even Need a Fence Around Your Pool?
It’s Not Optional Legally or Logically
If you’re in Pennsylvania (or just about anywhere in the U.S.), local codes require a barrier around in-ground pools. But even if it wasn’t needed, you’d still be smart to install one. Pools attract attention from kids, pets, and even the occasional wildlife, and safety has to come first.
Not All Pool Fences Are Created Equal
Some fences stop access dead in its tracks. Others merely provide a visual line. Materials, gate access, height, visibility, all of it matters. The key is selecting a configuration that is up to code, that will safeguard your people, and doesn’t extinguish the atmosphere of your backyard.
Step 1: Know Your Local Code
Before you start getting thrilled about design, you need to check the regulations. Local building regulations will detail things such as:
- Minimum height of a fence
- Gate hardware specifications
- Locks
- See-through visibility through the fence (yes, some codes govern this)
- Distance from the edge of the water
If you’re working with a good local installer such as Montco Fence, they will be aware of this inside and out. But if you’re doing research early, call your township. Don’t guess.
Step 2: Select the Best Material for Your Pool Area
That’s where form meets function. You want your pool area to be aesthetically pleasing, but you also want it to last and be code-approved.
Aluminum Fences
Hands down, aluminum is one of the best choices for in-ground pool fences. Why? Because it’s durable, low-maintenance, rust-proof, and most importantly, passes most safety codes without being bulky.
At Montco Fence, they employ American-made Jerith aluminum fencing that withstands and appears sharp, surrounding any pool configuration.
Vinyl (PVC) Fences
Need privacy? Vinyl provides. It’s ideal if your pool is close to neighbors, and you wouldn’t want a crowd watching you while you’re attempting to unwind. And it’s weather-resistant, won’t warp, and wipes clean.
Montco installs Country Estate Vinyl, which is built to last and doesn’t look bad while it’s doing it. This material doesn’t chip or rot and doesn’t need constant maintenance.
Wood Fences
If you’re looking for a warm, natural appearance, wood could be your style. But come on, be honest with yourself, do you want to be sealing and staining every couple of years?
Wood is best if you want that rustic look, and Montco can tailor it to your pool’s shape and landscape. But you should expect it to be higher maintenance from the get-go.
Chain Link Fences
Not sexy. But they’re cheap and effective. You can dress them up a bit with coated varieties (black vinyl-coated chain link isn’t bad), but you won’t have privacy. Suitable for functionality, not for luxury.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Gate (Seriously)
The gate tends to be the most neglected aspect of any pool fence, and it’s also the one that makes the most significant difference.
Most townships have rules about self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool. But aside from that, the gate needs to mesh with your lifestyle.
- Need wide access for lawn mowers?
- Need a lockable latch kids can’t touch?
- Need multiple gate entry points?
This is where it pays to have a reputable “gate and fence company“ do the job. Montco’s crew custom-installs gates to complement the wall and comply with every regulation without compromise. Nothing haphazard, nothing left to chance.
Step 4: Think About Your Yard’s Design and Pool Configuration
You can’t simply dump a fence wherever you want. The topography of your pool, your yard slopes, patios, decks, and landscaping all impact where and how the wall will be placed.
This is where a DIY blueprint typically breaks down. You need on-the-ground eyes and a plan that accommodates what you already have.
Montco’s crew considers all this beforehand during installation. They’ll come on-site, take measurements, and design a setup that not only passes inspection but functions with your space as well.
Step 5: Choose a Fence Company That’s Built for This
If you’ve ever worked with subcontractors or fly-by-night installers, you understand how quickly things can crumble.
Montco Fence isn’t one of them. They’ve been doing this since 1971, family-owned, locally operated, and fully licensed and insured. Their own experienced crew puts in every job, no outside labor, no hand-off, no runaround.
And they support it with a 5-year workmanship guarantee. That’s the type of responsibility you want when you’re investing in a fence that keeps your family and property safe.
The Hidden Cost of Getting It Wrong
Look, a pool fence might seem like a simple project, but screw it up, and you’ll pay for it:
- A failed inspection means delays and fines
- Cheap hardware wears out fast.
- Poor layout kills your outdoor space.
- Harmful materials rot, rust, or warp
Choosing the right fence and the right “gate and fence company” isn’t just innovative. It’s necessary.
Want a Pool Fence That Actually Works (and Looks Good Doing It)?
Your in-ground pool is worth better than a flimsy fence and a “good enough” installation. Montco Fence provides you with personalized solutions that fit your property, comply with local regulations, and really last for years, not months.
And do you have questions? They aren’t hiding behind a call center or some anonymous contact form. Their crew arrives, tours your land, and does it all start to finish with no subcontractors and no excuses.
Need assistance beyond the fence, too? They’ve got you covered for that, as well. Montco provides outdoor structures such as gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions so your entire backyard can be complete without having to coordinate multiple crews.
Skip the cheapskates. Hire a “gate and fence company” that shows up, does the work correctly, and guarantees their work.
Get a Quote from Montco Fence Today
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a pool fence?
The majority of installations take one day, depending on the size of the yard and the topography. The entire process from consultation to installation typically takes several weeks.
What materials last the longest?
Aluminum and vinyl (PVC) are the most low-maintenance and longest-lasting materials for pool fencing. They withstand weather, sun, and moisture with very little maintenance.
Will Montco Fence assist with permits?
Yes, they know local regulations in the counties they operate in and will assist you with what you require for permits or inspections.
Can I coordinate the pool fence with the rest of my yard?
Yes. Montco provides customization to make your fencing blend with decks, patios, or outdoor buildings so that everything is consistent.
