Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless Glass Pool Fences [Compared]

Glass pool fencing is one of the most popular options for keeping your pool in line with safety regulations while maintaining a beautifully designed backyard.

This type of fencing is available in both frameless and semi-frameless designs, but what are the main differences between the two?

In this article, we will compare frameless vs semi-frameless pool fences and discuss how they are alike and different in terms of aesthetics, maintenance, costs, and durability.

What Are The Differences Between Frameless And Semi-Frameless Pool Fences?

Appearance

The biggest and most obvious difference between these two fencing types is their appearance.

Semi-frameless glass pool fences include fence posts between each panel of glass. These posts are typically made out of metal, and will only marginally obstruct your view when looking through the fence.

Alternatively, frameless glass pool fencing does not have fence posts. Instead, each panel of glass is supported entirely by steel brackets that are attached to your pool’s coping.

Frameless glass fencing offers the least obstructed views as the spaces between each glass panel are left open entirely.

While both of these styles are sleek alternatives when compared to more traditional fencing, frameless glass is considered to have the most modern and luxurious aesthetic of the two.

It is also the preferred fencing option in tight spaces because it is effective at providing the illusion of open space.

Maintenance

Although the required maintenance between these two styles of glass pool fence is fairly similar, many sources propose that frameless fencing is easier to clean than semi-frameless.

While you will have to clean the glass panels on each design regardless, frameless fences do not have posts that will need to be cleaned in addition to the mounting brackets.

Fence posts for glass fencing are typically composed of stainless steel, therefore they require a different cleaning solution than glass panels.

Cleaning solutions for metal elements can sometimes be greasy, which may create some smudging on adjacent glass. If this does occur, your glass cleaner should remove it easily.

Costs

Semi-frameless glass pool fencing is the most budget-friendly of the two types, costing around 20% less than frameless styles.

Per each metre of fencing, you can expect to pay around $95 for semi-frameless glass fencing or $120 for the frameless option. These prices include estimated labour costs.

Prices can vary depending on the contractor you hire to install your fence. For the most accurate price estimates, reach out to companies you are considering, as many of these teams can provide obligation-free quotes that are unique to your situation.

Alternatively, use our free pool fence cost calculator to get a rough estimate.

Durability

Although frameless glass fencing may look particularly fragile, it is composed of tempered safety glass. This glass is manufactured using special techniques, giving it an incredibly high resistance to breakage, shattering, or cracking due to heat.

Frameless glass tends to be thicker than the semi-frameless variety.

It is sometimes proposed that steel fence posts lower the durability of glass fencing, but because this material itself is tough and weather resistant, it is unlikely that the fence posts will fail.

Despite this being suggested, both frameless and semi-frameless glass pool fences are comparably durable. The presence of fence posts does not significantly affect this quality.

Both types of glass fences are prone to exploding, due to the presence of nickel inclusions.

Conclusion

Both frameless and semi-frameless glass pool fencing make durable and aesthetic choices for your pool.

Although they are fairly comparable in terms of required maintenance and durability, frameless pool fencing tends to be the preferred option in terms of aesthetics and is more expensive than semi-frameless glass.

Do you have any questions about pool frameless vs semi-frameless pool fences? Get in touch with us with any remaining queries you may have; we’ll do our best to help you out!