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Expert Tips for Hiring the Best Pool Fence Builder Near You
- Jake Bunston
- Jun 30
- 12 min read
Why Choosing the Right Pool Fence Builder Matters
A pool fence builder is a licensed professional who specialises in designing, installing, and maintaining safety barriers around swimming pools to meet local regulations and protect families from accidents.
Key considerations when hiring a pool fence builder:
Safety compliance - Must meet height requirements (1.2m minimum) and Australian Standard AS1926
Material expertise - Knowledge of glass, aluminium, mesh, and steel options
Professional installation - Proper anchoring, gate alignment, and weatherproofing
Insurance coverage - WSIB or equivalent liability protection
Local permits - Understands council requirements and inspection processes
Installing a pool fence isn't just about ticking a legal box - it's about creating a barrier that could save a life. Pool fences must prevent passage of a 10cm sphere and include self-closing gates, while Australian standards require climb-resistant designs with no footholds.
The choice between DIY kits and professional installation can mean the difference between a fence that looks good and one that truly protects your family. Professional pool fence builders bring specialised tools, compliance knowledge, and warranties that DIY projects simply can't match.
I'm Jake Bunston, founder of Make Fencing with over 7 years of experience in residential and commercial fencing projects across Melbourne. As a pool fence builder, I've seen how proper installation and material selection can make all the difference in both safety and aesthetics.
Why Pool Fences Are Essential: Safety & Regulations
When you've got a pool in your backyard, pool fencing isn't just a good idea - it's the law. Every year, drowning incidents remind us why proper barriers around pools can literally be the difference between life and death, especially when young children are involved.
The good news: properly installed pool fences dramatically reduce these risks. It's one of those situations where following the rules genuinely protects the people you care about most.
In Australia, every pool fence must meet the AS1926-1-2012 standard. Your fence needs to be at least 1.2 metres high and prevent anything larger than a 10cm sphere from passing through. That detail about the 10cm sphere is specifically designed to stop toddlers from squeezing through gaps that might look harmless to adult eyes.
Beyond keeping your family safe, there's also the liability factor to consider. If someone gets injured on your property because your pool fencing doesn't meet safety standards, you could be facing serious legal and financial consequences. This is where experienced pool fence builders really earn their keep - they understand these requirements inside and out.
Legal Requirements in Australia, Ontario & Quebec
Australia operates under the AS1926-1-2012 standard across the country, though your local council might have additional requirements. The key non-negotiables are that your fence must be non-climbable, with gates that are self-closing and self-latching. Those gates also need to open outward from the pool area.
In Quebec, their 2010 Residential Pools Safety Act sets the bar at 1.2 metres minimum height and uses that same 10cm sphere rule. Their gates need self-closing and self-latching mechanisms positioned on the pool side.
Ontario's building codes follow similar principles with height restrictions and self-closing gates, but specific requirements can vary depending on which municipality you're in. Some areas want additional safety features like pool alarms or door sensors.
The permit process varies significantly between regions. Here in Melbourne, we typically handle the council applications as part of our service, which saves our clients weeks of back-and-forth with council offices.
Types of Pool Fences & Must-Have Features
When it comes to protecting your family, not all pool fences are created equal. The material you choose affects everything from safety compliance to how your backyard looks and feels.
Mesh fencing is practically invisible when you don't need it. The tight weave prevents little fingers and toes from finding purchase while maintaining clear sightlines across your pool area. Many Melbourne families love that removable mesh panels can be stored away during adult-only pool parties, then quickly reinstalled when the grandkids visit.
Tempered glass panels are the showstoppers of pool fencing. At 12mm thick, these panels are virtually unbreakable and designed to handle everything from cricket balls to Melbourne's unpredictable weather. Glass fencing transforms your pool into a resort-style feature that actually improves your home's aesthetic.
Aluminium tubular fencing hits the sweet spot between durability and budget. Marine-grade aluminium handles Melbourne's coastal salt air and requires almost zero maintenance. The powder-coated finish comes in colours that complement everything from heritage Californian bungalows to sleek modern townhouses.
Chain-link fencing remains the most budget-friendly option, particularly for above-ground pools.
Every quality pool fence builder knows that climb resistance isn't negotiable. This means no horizontal rails that turn your fence into a jungle gym, and vertical spacing that gives little climbers nowhere to grip.
Permanent vs Removable Fences
Permanent fences are anchored directly into your concrete or decking using precision micro-hole drilling. Our 5/8" holes preserve your deck's integrity while creating rock-solid attachment points that won't budge in Melbourne's windiest weather.
Removable fences offer flexibility that busy families love. The sleeve anchor system lets you remove entire sections for that big summer barbecue, then reinstall them before the kids' pool party.
The secret is in the anchor system. Concrete installations require diamond-tipped drill bits and proper waterproof sealing. Grass installations need 24-inch deep anchors to handle Melbourne's clay soil expansion.
Material Comparison & Aesthetics
Glass elegance transforms your pool area into something straight out of a luxury resort. The 12mm tempered panels create unobstructed views that make your backyard feel twice as large. Glass works beautifully with Melbourne's modern architecture.
Aluminium durability is the practical choice that doesn't sacrifice style. Marine-grade T6 aluminium with stainless steel hardware can weather decades of Australian conditions without breaking a sweat.
Mesh transparency creates an almost invisible safety barrier that keeps your backyard feeling open and connected. It's particularly popular with families who want maximum supervision capability.
Safety Gate Essentials
Pool gates are where safety meets convenience - and where many installations fall short. Your gate is only as good as its weakest component.
Self-closing mechanisms use spring tension or gravity to ensure gates never stay open accidentally. We install heavy-duty hinges that work reliably through Melbourne's temperature extremes.
Key-lockable latches provide extra security. The latch sits at least 1.5 metres high on the pool side of the gate, making it impossible for curious toddlers to reach over and open up.
Auto-latch functionality means the gate secures itself every single time, even if someone forgets to check. The latch mechanism must engage reliably from any closing angle, which requires precise gate alignment and quality hardware.
Finding the Right Pool Fence Builder: DIY vs Professional
When it comes to pool fencing, the choice between grabbing a DIY kit from the hardware store and hiring a professional pool fence builder isn't just about budget - it's about getting the job done right the first time.
Think about it this way: your pool fence is the last line of defence between your family and a potential tragedy. That's not the time to find that your measurements were off or that your gate doesn't quite latch properly.
Professional pool fence builders bring more than just experience. We arrive with specialised diamond-tipped concrete drills that create clean, precise holes without cracking your expensive deck. Our measuring equipment ensures gates align perfectly, and our knowledge of local regulations means your fence will pass inspection the first time.
There's also the insurance factor that many homeowners overlook. When you hire a licensed contractor, you're protected by their liability coverage. If something goes wrong during a DIY installation and someone gets hurt on your property, guess who's liable?
Benefits of Hiring a Pool Fence Builder
The biggest advantage of hiring a professional is the compliance guarantee. Pool safety regulations aren't suggestions - they're legal requirements that can result in hefty fines if you get them wrong. We stay up-to-date with changes to Australian Standards and local council requirements.
Time savings alone often justify the professional route. While a DIY project might drag on for weeks, our team typically completes residential installations in just one to two days. That includes handling all the paperwork and scheduling council inspections.
The warranty coverage we provide gives you real peace of mind. If your gate starts sagging or your posts shift, we'll return to fix the issue at no extra cost.
Our premium tools and techniques make a visible difference in the final result. We use micro-hole drilling that preserves your deck's structural integrity, while precision measuring ensures every post is perfectly aligned.
When Does DIY Make Sense?
Above-ground pool installations are probably the most DIY-friendly scenario. These kits typically involve simpler processes and lower safety stakes.
Budget constraints sometimes push people toward DIY, though the math isn't always what it seems. When you factor in tool rental, permit application fees, and the cost of fixing mistakes, professional installation often costs less than expected.
Simple, straight-run layouts with minimal obstacles can work for experienced DIYers. But once you're dealing with curved pool edges, sloped terrain, or complex landscaping, you're entering professional territory.
Hiring Checklist & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Finding the right pool fence builder feels overwhelming when you're comparing quotes and trying to separate the professionals from the cowboys. The lowest price rarely tells the whole story, especially when your family's safety depends on getting it right.
Smart homeowners start with the basics: licensing and insurance verification. Any legitimate contractor should happily show you current licenses, liability insurance, and workers' compensation certificates without hesitation.
The best way to gauge quality is through recent references and completed installations. A confident pool fence builder will have a portfolio of satisfied customers who'll chat about their experience.
Questions to Ask Your Pool Fence Builder
Experience matters more than you might think. "How many years have you been installing pool fences specifically?" General fencing experience doesn't automatically translate to pool safety expertise. Look for contractors with at least five years of dedicated pool fence work.
Insurance questions shouldn't make contractors uncomfortable. "Can I see your current insurance certificates?" Professional builders carry comprehensive liability coverage and workers' compensation.
Material recommendations reveal expertise levels. "What would you suggest for my specific situation?" Experienced contractors assess your pool layout, soil conditions, and aesthetic goals before making recommendations.
Timeline expectations help separate realistic contractors from over-promisers. "How long will my installation take?" Most residential jobs complete within one to three days, depending on complexity.
Compliance guarantees protect your investment. "Do you guarantee your work meets all local safety codes?" Professional contractors stake their reputation on passing council inspections first time, every time.
Red Flags When Choosing a Pool Fence Builder
Missing credentials top every warning list for good reason. Contractors without current licenses or insurance create massive liability risks for homeowners.
Cash-only payment demands often signal tax avoidance or fly-by-night operations. Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods and provide proper invoicing.
Vague quote specifications leave too much room for interpretation and cost blowouts. Professional contractors detail materials, dimensions, and installation methods clearly.
Suspiciously cheap pricing usually means corners get cut somewhere - often in materials quality or installation shortcuts. Pool fencing isn't the place to hunt for bargains when safety's involved.
Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Height measurement errors can invalidate your entire installation. The 1.2-metre requirement gets measured from finished ground level, not current surfaces.
Gap control problems defeat safety purposes entirely. Children are remarkably good at finding spaces to squeeze through or climb over.
Gate functionality failures represent the most common installation mistake we see. Gates must close and latch reliably from any position, which requires precise alignment and quality hardware.
Post alignment issues create both aesthetic problems and structural weaknesses. Professional installation uses proper spacing and alignment techniques that ensure decades of reliable service.
Costs, Maintenance & Long-Term Value
When it comes to pool fencing, you're looking at an investment that ranges from $150-500 per metre for professional installation here in Australia. It might seem like a significant upfront cost, but when you consider you're protecting your family and potentially adding thousands to your property value, the numbers start to make sense.
The final price depends on several factors. Sloped terrain requires additional engineering work and specialised anchoring techniques. Curved pool designs need custom fabrication, which naturally increases costs but creates that seamless, custom look.
The beauty of quality pool fencing is how it pays you back over time. Beyond the obvious safety benefits, you're looking at increased property value and peace of mind that's honestly priceless.
Price Breakdown by Material
Mesh fencing sits at the affordable end, typically running $150-250 per metre installed. This includes your removable posts, mesh panels, and basic gate hardware. The price point makes it particularly popular with families who want safety compliance without breaking the bank.
Aluminium tubular fencing represents the sweet spot for many Melbourne families, ranging from $200-350 per metre. The marine-grade materials and powder coating justify that moderate step up from mesh options.
Tempered glass fencing commands the premium position at $350-500 per metre. The 12mm tempered glass panels aren't cheap, and the installation requires specialised techniques. But if you've ever seen how glass fencing transforms a pool area, you'll understand why many homeowners consider it worth every dollar.
Remember to budget for additional costs like permits (usually $150-300 depending on your local council), site preparation, and any landscaping modifications needed.
Maintenance Tips for Different Fences
Glass fencing needs regular cleaning to keep those crystal-clear views, but it's not much more work than cleaning your windows. Standard glass cleaners and soft cloths do the trick. Once a year, check the mounting hardware for any looseness or signs of corrosion.
Aluminium fencing is beautifully low-maintenance. An occasional rinse with the garden hose and a quick inspection of joints and mounting points is usually all it needs. The powder coating is designed to handle Melbourne's weather for 15-20 years.
Mesh fencing requires a bit more attention, particularly around tension and cleaning. The mesh can stretch over time, potentially creating gaps that compromise safety.
Gate mechanisms deserve special attention regardless of fence material. A few drops of lubricant on hinges and latches once a year keeps everything operating smoothly.
Boosting Kerb Appeal & Property Value
Modern pool fencing has come a long way from basic chain-link barriers. When properly selected and installed, today's pool fencing actually improves your property's aesthetics rather than detracting from them.
The key is maintaining unobstructed views while providing necessary safety barriers. Modern materials allow you to preserve that open, flowing feeling while meeting all safety requirements.
There's also the buyer assurance factor. When potential purchasers see professionally installed, compliant pool fencing, it eliminates a major concern from their minds. They know they won't need to deal with safety upgrades or compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Pool Fence Builder
When it comes to hiring a pool fence builder, the same questions come up time and again. After a decade in the fencing business, we've heard them all - and we're here to give you the straight answers that'll help you make the right decision for your family's safety.
How high does my pool fence need to be?
The magic number is 1.2 metres (that's 48 inches for those still thinking in the old measurements). This applies across Australia, Ontario, and Quebec - though some councils might ask for a bit more height depending on your specific area.
Here's where it gets tricky: that measurement needs to be taken from the finished ground level, not where your ground sits right now. If you're planning landscaping changes or your pool sits on a slope, this becomes crucial.
We've seen plenty of DIY installations fail inspection because the measurement was taken from the wrong point. Professional pool fence builders know exactly where and how to measure, saving you the headache of having to redo work that doesn't meet code.
Should I remove landscaping near the fence?
Short answer: yes, if it could help a determined toddler become an escape artist. Any landscaping within 900mm of your fence that could provide climbing assistance needs to go or be modified.
This includes those lovely raised garden beds, decorative retaining walls, or even that artistic boulder feature you're particularly proud of. Children are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding ways to climb.
The good news is that this doesn't mean your landscaping dreams are over. We often work with families to redesign their garden layout so it's both beautiful and safe.
How long does professional installation take?
Most residential pool fence installations wrap up in 1-2 days for straightforward layouts. We're talking about standard rectangular pools on level ground with minimal obstacles.
Complex sites are a different story. If you've got a curved kidney-shaped pool, significant slope changes, or extensive landscaping that needs working around, you're looking at 3-4 days.
The permit process runs separately from installation time. While we handle the paperwork, council processing can take 1-2 weeks depending on your local area.
Conclusion & Next Steps
When it comes to protecting your family, choosing the right pool fence builder isn't just about compliance - it's about creating a safety barrier that gives you genuine peace of mind every time your children play near the pool.
At MAKE Fencing, we've spent over a decade perfecting pool fence installations across Melbourne. We understand that every property is unique, from the heritage homes in Richmond with their established gardens to the modern builds in Docklands with their sleek architectural lines.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach. We don't just install fences - we become your partner in creating a complete safety solution. From that first phone call where we discuss your specific needs, through the on-site assessment, to the final council inspection, we handle every detail.
Our custom design process ensures your pool fence improves rather than detracts from your outdoor space. Whether you're drawn to the sophisticated elegance of frameless glass that maintains those stunning bay views, or prefer the robust reliability of marine-grade aluminium, we'll help you choose the perfect solution.
The peace of mind extends beyond installation day. Our comprehensive warranties cover both materials and workmanship, and we guarantee that every installation meets or exceeds Australian safety standards. If council inspections reveal any issues, we return to address them at no additional cost.
Ready to take the next step in securing your pool area? We'd love to discuss your specific requirements and show you how professional installation can transform your backyard while keeping your family safe.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or explore our complete Pool Fencing services to see the full range of options available for your property.
Your family's safety deserves the expertise that comes with over a decade of experience. Don't settle for anything less than professional installation that you can trust completely.
