Tried the “all glass” look at our last place and honestly, I regretted it after the first summer.
That’s not an exaggeration. I was out there every other weekend with vinegar and squeegees, and it still never looked as good as the day it went in. If you’re not into maintenance, that gets old fast.“those water spots are no joke. I’ve seen neighbors try every trick in the book to keep their panels spotless, and it’s just... constant.”
When we moved, I went with aluminum everywhere except the side facing the patio, where I wanted a view. It’s not as “wow” as full glass, but it’s way more practical. Less cleaning, less stress. Plus, with the money saved, we actually upgraded our landscaping.
I get what you mean about frosted glass looking dated too. I think trends come and go, but the upkeep is what really sticks with you. If you’re watching your budget, mixing materials just makes sense. No shame in picking function over form sometimes.
Can’t count the number of times I’ve stood in my pajamas, coffee in hand, glaring at those streaks on my neighbor’s glass fence. I’ve got a 1920s place and went aluminum—less drama, more time for, well, not cleaning fences. Anyone actually enjoy scrubbing glass in July? Didn’t think so.
Anyone actually enjoy scrubbing glass in July? Didn’t think so.
Honestly, I hear you. Glass looks slick in the magazines, but in real life? It’s a streak magnet and a bird collision hazard. Aluminum’s underrated—less fuss, more time for actual living. Plus, if you pick recycled aluminum, you’re doing the planet a favor too. I get the appeal of that “invisible” pool look, but I’ll take low-maintenance over high-gloss any day.
- Glass looks great, but the cleaning is nonstop—smudges, water spots, you name it.
- Aluminum just needs a hose-down every now and then.
- Price-wise, aluminum’s way easier on the wallet, especially if you DIY.
- Honestly, I’d rather spend cash on a pool float than fancy glass panels.
Glass looks amazing until you realize it’s basically a full-time job keeping it streak-free. I swear, every time I turn around, there’s a new fingerprint or some mystery splash. Unless you love cleaning more than swimming, it’s a hard pass for me.
Aluminum isn’t winning any beauty contests, but it gets the job done and doesn’t care if you’ve got sunscreen all over your hands. Plus, you can put the money you save toward something fun—like a giant inflatable flamingo. Or, you know, actual pool chemicals.
If you’re into eco stuff, aluminum’s also easier to recycle down the line. Glass is recyclable too, but hauling out big panels isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. I’ll take “easy to hose off” over “needs a squeegee” any day.
