Honestly, it sounds like you made a solid call with the glass. That open feel is tough to replicate with anything else, and it really does make a yard feel bigger. I get what you mean about the cleaning—sometimes it feels endless, but it’s manageable if you stay on top of it. The chalky spots on aluminum are pretty common, especially near sprinklers or where water sits. A little Bar Keepers Friend or even a vinegar rinse can help with that if it bugs you. All in all, seems like you struck a good balance between looks and upkeep.
Had similar thoughts when I did my own research. Glass just changes how the whole space feels—especially with older architecture where sightlines matter. One thing I’d add: make sure the mounting hardware is marine-grade stainless, or you’ll be chasing rust stains on your patio before long. Learned that one the hard way...
That’s a good point about the hardware—didn’t even think about rust stains until I started reading reviews. I keep wondering if glass is a pain to keep clean, though. Like, do water spots and fingerprints just drive you nuts over time? Aluminum seems lower maintenance, but maybe it just doesn’t have the same vibe.
I keep wondering if glass is a pain to keep clean, though. Like, do water spots and fingerprints just drive you nuts over time?
Having lived in a 1920s house with a pool for years, I’ve wrestled with this exact dilemma. Glass fencing does look stunning—there’s something about the way it frames the garden and lets the old brickwork shine through. But yes, water spots are real, especially if you have hard water. I found myself wiping down panels more often than I’d like, especially after rain or when the grandkids splash around.
Aluminum is definitely less fussy. It doesn’t have that same “invisible” effect, but it blends in well if you pick a color that matches your trim or landscaping. The vibe is different—less sleek, maybe a bit more traditional—but honestly, it’s been easier to live with day-to-day.
If you’re someone who enjoys the ritual of keeping things pristine (or has help), glass can be worth it for the aesthetics alone. But if you’re like me and sometimes just want to sit back and enjoy the view without grabbing a squeegee... aluminum might save your sanity.
I totally get where you’re coming from on the glass vs. aluminum debate. I’ve flipped a few houses with pools, and every time this comes up, I have to weigh the “wow” factor of glass against the reality of maintenance. Glass is gorgeous—no question. It makes the whole backyard feel bigger and more open, especially if you’ve got a killer view or some nice landscaping. But yeah, those water spots are relentless. Even with a so-called “self-cleaning” coating, you’ll still see streaks and fingerprints if you look close enough.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is just so much more forgiving. I know some folks think it looks a bit utilitarian, but with the right color and style, it can actually look pretty sharp. Plus, it’s basically zero-maintenance compared to glass. I had one client who went with black aluminum and honestly, it almost disappeared into their garden—way less obtrusive than they expected.
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried mixing materials? Like doing glass panels in the main sightlines and aluminum elsewhere? I’ve seen that done in a couple of higher-end flips and it seemed like a good compromise—get the clear views where you want them but don’t have to clean every single panel all the time.
Also, for anyone who’s stuck with hard water (like me), have you found any tricks that actually work for keeping glass looking decent? I’ve tried vinegar sprays, squeegees after every swim... even those fancy coatings. Still feels like a losing battle most days.
At the end of the day, I lean toward aluminum for sanity’s sake unless there’s a real reason to go all-in on aesthetics. But maybe that’s just because I’ve spent too many weekends scrubbing glass instead of enjoying the pool...
