Honestly, I drooled over those frameless glass fences when we started our pool project, but my wallet just laughed at me. They look amazing, no doubt, but the price tag is something else. Plus, I’ve got a slightly sloped patio—no way was I about to mess with shims and laser levels for days. I went with black aluminum and haven’t regretted it. It’s sturdy, looks decent, and I don’t have to stress every time the kids kick a ball near it.
I get the appeal of glass, especially if you want that “resort” vibe, but for me, cleaning fingerprints and water spots all summer would drive me nuts. Aluminum’s not as flashy, but it does the job and doesn’t break the bank. Maybe if I win the lottery someday...
I totally get the glass envy—it’s hard not to want that sleek look. We almost went that route too, but after seeing my neighbor constantly out there with a squeegee, I bailed. Aluminum’s been way less hassle for us, especially with our dog barreling into it every other day. The only thing I sometimes wish for is a bit more of an open view, but honestly, peace of mind wins out.
I hear you on the dog factor—ours treats the backyard like a racetrack, and I’d be nervous about glass with his track record. But I keep circling back to the visibility thing. I love being able to see the pool from the kitchen, especially with kids around. Has anyone tried those hybrid fences with glass panels just in certain sections? Wondering if that’s a decent compromise or just ends up being double the maintenance...
Hybrid fences with glass panels can work, but yeah, you’re not wrong about the extra maintenance. The glass spots always seem to attract fingerprints, water spots, and dog nose prints (if your mutt is anything like mine). Aluminum’s a breeze by comparison—hose it down and call it a day.
That said, if visibility is your top concern, having glass sections where you need the sightlines—like facing the kitchen—actually makes sense. I’ve installed setups like that for families with kids and it does the job. Just be ready to clean those panels a lot more often than the rest. It’s not double the maintenance, but it’s definitely not zero. And if your dog’s a real wild card, maybe skip glass on his favorite corners... trust me, you don’t want to be replacing panels after a zoomie session.
- Glass looks amazing, but yeah, you’re gonna notice every smudge—especially after a rain or if you’ve got kids with sticky hands.
- Aluminum’s definitely lower maintenance, but it doesn’t have that same “wow” factor.
- One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone tried recycled glass panels? Curious if they hold up better or worse than standard ones for pool fencing...
