orange mesh construction fence

How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

The average pool fence cost is $4,000, though you could spend between $1,100 and $12,500 depending on the size and material you choose. 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.

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. But 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 Installation Cost by Material

The material of your pool fence also has a big impact on its price. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for various pool fence materials:

Cost to Hire a Fencing Contractor

If you’re hiring a fence contractor for this work, don’t forget to factor in their labor costs. You can expect to pay between $30 and $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.

Pool Fence Installation Cost by Location

Pool fence installation comes with costs that can differ greatly depending on your location. Local labor rates, material availability, and safety regulations all play a role in determining prices. Understanding these variations can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions when installing a pool fence.

Pool fence costs depend on what type of material you choose, plus the fence’s height and length.

Size of Your Pool

The size of the area you want to be enclosed is a main factor that influences pool fencing costs. This will include the pool plus any surrounding patio area. The size of the offset between the pool and patio area will greatly increase the linear feet of fencing you will need, bumping up your costs. Tall fences are also often more expensive because of additional material costs.

Shape of Your Pool

The shape of your pool can impact the cost of the fence you add. For example, if you have a rectangular pool, you’ll probably choose a fence with four straight sides to match the shape of your pool. But if you have a circular or kidney-shaped pool, you might prefer a rounded fence that mirrors the pool’s shape—and that could require more work and possibly specialized planning. Anything that complicates a project increases its cost, so if your fence doesn’t have clean corners, it’ll cost more.

Aboveground 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. Aboveground pools are different since they carry lower risk. Fences can be installed directly on the edge of an aboveground pool as a sort of guardrail, and the minimum required heights are 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 aboveground pool fence.

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.

Maintenance

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 important pool maintenance tasks require specific tools and supplies, so maintain room in your budget for pool fencing upkeep.

Here’s why it's ideal to hire a pool fence installation pro

Here's why hiring a professional fence company is a wise idea:

• Professional fence installers can get your fence up quickly instead of leaving an unsecured pool, creating safety risks on your property.
• Pros have tools for placing fence posts deep in the ground and backfilling.
• Pros also have the skills to create straight, level fencing that adds to your home's appeal.
• Digging several feet into the ground per post with DIY pool fence installation is a time-consuming task that can cause injuries.

If you want to DIY a pool fence

If you'd like to trim the budget of your new pool fence, consider these options:

• Tear away your old fence on your own.
• Select a wood fence that you can stain on your own after installation.
• Clear the area and handle any prep work on your own.
• Handle your own landscaping by planting shrubs, decorative grasses, and perennials.

Repairing vs. Replacing a Pool Fence

Fixing a fence will be cheaper, usually costing between $100 and $500. Small problems like a broken latch are quick and easy fixes, but issues like warping, rot, or rust will cause your repair budget to rise. Replacing a pool fence, on the other hand, can cost between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on the materials you choose and how large your pool area is.

If the damage is minor or your fence is relatively new, repair is the best option. However, if your fence is old, has suffered significant degradation, or is in any way unsafe, you should opt for a full replacement. Safety should be your number one concern. Pool fences must satisfy local regulations and safety standards. If simple repairs can’t bring your pool fence up to code, you’ll need to replace it.

Do Pool Fences Increase Home Value?

While installing a pool doesn’t add much value to your home, building a stylish fence around an existing pool could. For example, glass pool fences offer a trendy, high-end look (while also enhancing safety), which is appealing to many buyers. As a result, these types of fences can increase your home’s value—especially if your property is in an upscale, modern subdivision.

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.

Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro

• Prepare your pool dimensions before seeking quotes from fencing pros.
• Ask for quotes for different materials (wood, chain link, vinyl) to make a decision.
• If your timeline is flexible, ask about off-season discounts for winter fence installations.

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.