But has anyone had issues with birds flying into it? I did a job last summer where we swapped out aluminum for glass panels, and within a week, two birds smacked right into them. Not a dealbreaker, but something I hadn’t thought about before.
- Bird strikes on glass pool fencing are definitely a thing. It’s not just you or bad luck—happens more than people realize, especially if the panels are super clean and there’s lots of greenery reflected.
- Quick fix: You can add subtle decals or UV stickers. Birds see UV, so these don’t mess with the look much for humans but help the birds spot the glass.
- Some folks use frosted strips or even just a few small dots along the top third of the panel. Doesn’t have to be ugly or obvious.
- If you’re worried about resale or keeping that “wow” factor, go for the least intrusive option—clear UV decals are barely noticeable.
- Maintenance is another angle. Glass looks amazing when it’s spotless, but it’s a magnet for water spots and fingerprints. Aluminum is way more forgiving if you’re not into constant cleaning.
- On the flip side, glass opens up the space visually and makes smaller yards feel bigger. That’s hard to beat.
I’ve had one job where the homeowner was all about the glass until their dog started running into it too... they ended up putting a few decorative etchings on the panels, which actually looked pretty cool and solved both problems.
Bottom line: bird collisions aren’t rare, but they’re manageable. Just takes a little planning. If you love the look, don’t let it scare you off—just be ready to tweak things a bit after install.
I’ve run into the same bird issue with glass, and honestly, it surprised me how often it happens—especially if there’s a lot of trees or sky reflecting. Those UV decals are a lifesaver though. Hardly notice them unless you’re looking for it, and they really do cut down on the bird crashes. I’ll admit, cleaning glass is a pain compared to aluminum, but that open look is worth the extra effort in my book. For anyone on the fence, I’d say don’t let the bird thing scare you off—just plan for a couple tweaks after install and you’re golden.
- Been there with the glass—my dog once ran into it too, so it’s not just the birds getting fooled.
- UV decals are a game changer, but I’ll admit, I still find myself wiping fingerprints and smudges every other day.
- Aluminum is way less maintenance, but honestly, nothing beats that “invisible” pool vibe you get with glass.
- If you’re a neat freak (or have kids with sticky hands), just be ready for a little extra elbow grease. Worth it for the view, though...
Funny you mention the dogs—mine’s convinced the glass fence is some sort of force field, and the nose prints are a constant reminder. I’ve tried the so-called “easy clean” coatings, but honestly, it still takes a bit of effort to keep things looking sharp, especially after a weekend with the grandkids and their popsicles. I do love the look, though... there’s something about being able to see straight through to the water that makes the whole backyard feel bigger.
But here’s what’s got me second-guessing: how’s everyone finding the longevity of the glass hardware? I noticed after a few years, the stainless clamps on ours started to show a little rust, even though they’re supposed to be marine grade. The aluminum fencing at my neighbor’s place looks pretty much the same as the day it went in, but it doesn’t have quite the same wow factor. Is it just me, or does glass fencing need a bit more TLC in the long run?
Glass Looks Great, But Aluminum Wins for Low-Maintenance
I noticed after a few years, the stainless clamps on ours started to show a little rust, even though they’re supposed to be marine grade.
This has been my main gripe with glass fencing too. I’ll admit, nothing beats that open look—makes a small yard feel huge. But the upkeep is just more than I bargained for. It’s not just the nose prints (though those are relentless if you’ve got dogs or kids), it’s the hardware. “Marine grade” sounds bulletproof, but in reality, even 316 stainless can get tea-staining or minor rust spots if you’re anywhere near salt air or if water sits on it for a while. Cleaning and reapplying protective coatings gets old fast.
Aluminum isn’t as flashy, but in terms of longevity and environmental impact, it’s hard to beat. Powder-coated aluminum doesn’t corrode the way steel does, and there’s less chemical runoff from cleaning products since you’re not constantly scrubbing glass panels. Plus, most aluminum fencing is made from recycled material and can be recycled again at end-of-life. That’s a big plus for me.
I know some folks say glass is worth the hassle for the view, but I’m not convinced it balances out in the long run—especially if you’re thinking about sustainability and minimizing maintenance hours (and costs). Maybe it comes down to priorities: aesthetics vs. practicality. For me, the “wow factor” fades a bit when I’m out there every weekend with vinegar spray and a squeegee... meanwhile, my neighbor’s aluminum fence just sits there looking exactly the same as day one.
If I were doing it again, I’d probably lean aluminum and put the budget into landscaping or solar pool heating instead. Just my two cents—looks aren’t everything if you’re the one doing all the cleaning.
