It is easy to imagine how a wrought iron pool fence could be a great option for security purposes. Iron is a strong and heavy material, meaning it would be difficult for a child or pet to break through the fence when properly installed. As you might imagine, wrought iron pool fences are one of the most popular options on the market, in large part due to the security they provide.

However, it’s not all about security when going in this direction. It also happens that wrought iron pool fences can look great when designed to match the surrounding landscaping and décor. This is a completely different look from something like a mesh pool fence, but one does not have to be considered better than the other. If you like the look of iron, and it fits with your existing design choices, it just may be the best bet for your needs.

Iron Fence Material Choices

While all of the fences in this category have been classified as ‘wrought iron’ because of their look, there are actually some different materials to pick from here. You can stick with traditional wrought iron, which is strong and heavy, or you can opt for another choice like galvanized steel or aluminum. Some homeowners opt for aluminum in this situation because of its light overall weight, which is particularly nice if you are going to be installing the fence yourself. Keep in mind, aluminum can be less affordable than heavier, stronger metals.

Decorative Wrought Iron Fence Components

Of course, your wrought iron pool fence is going to be a little more complicated than just a big piece of iron set in position around the pool. There are a variety of parts involved in the finished product, including the following.

• Pickets – These are the vertical pieces which make up the bulk of the fence, and do the actual work of separating people and animals from the pool. It is common to see ½’’ square tubing used for pickets, but there are more decorative options available as well.
• Between the pickets, there will need to be posts which will give the fence stability along the way. These posts will need to be securely installed in the ground so that the fence can provide reliable performance for years to come.
• Of course, all fences need gates, and the same is true for your wrought iron pool fence. The pool fence gate needs to have a reliable latch which can keep it from opening at the wrong time, and it will need to have quality, self-closing hinges or spring as well.
• Other various parts. There are a few finishing details that will need to be covered too with regard to parts, such as post caps and decorative inserts. These bits don’t really do anything for the performance of the fence, but they complete the look nicely.

Continue reading our components of an iron fence guide to further understand the parts used to create an iron pool barrier.

Freedom of Fence Style – Within Limits

With a metal fence, the sky is virtually the limit with regard to size and style. You could go wild when thinking of fun ideas for your fence, but the problem is that you need to live within the realities of a pool fence setting. Therefore, you can still be creative with style, but you also have to be practical at the same time.

For instance, there are codes which govern the size of a pool fence in most jurisdictions. Also, the fence needs to be designed in such a way that it is not easy to climb. In the end, a successful wrought iron pool fence can have plenty of personal style as long as it also still functions properly as a pool safety feature.

Iron Pool Fencing Finishes

To finish your wrought iron pool fence, you will want to pick out a coating. Your two main options are powder coating, and paint. As you would guess, paint is usually the cheaper of the two, and you can pick from just about any color under the sun. Also, it is easier to touch up paint as time goes by, and you could do that work yourself. However, any paint which is used needs to be well-suited to the material you are applying it to, and the paint also needs to be able to hold up to outdoor conditions.

For many people, powder coating is going to be the preferred method even though it is usually more expensive. Powder coating your fence will give it a great look, and the finish is going to last longer than a plain coat of paint. You can also have powder coating completed in a number of different colors, so while you might not have as many choices as with paint, you should still be able to find something you like.

Before you settle on your final pool fence color choice, take some time to review pictures of various wrought iron fence installations. This option can look beautiful when done properly, and it certainly has the strength needed to serve as a security barrier. Countless homeowners through the years have been quite pleased with their choice of a wrought iron pool fence, and you could be next.