Written by Yad Singh, Fencing Specialist at Top Class Fences & Gates — 10 years’ experience supplying pool fencing across Brisbane. Supplying Brisbane & QLD since 1982.
In Brisbane, pool fencing typically costs $90 to $600 per metre depending on the type. Galvanised steel mesh ($90–$130) and tubular steel ($100–$150) are the most affordable; timber ($125–$200) and aluminium ($130–$200 — the most popular) sit in the middle; and frameless glass ($300–$600) is the premium choice. Every pool barrier must meet Queensland’s safety standard and be signed off by a pool safety certifier. This guide compares the types, their real costs, and how to choose.
What types of pool fencing are there?
1. Tubular steel (flat-top) — best value & compliant
Vertical steel tubes with a clean flat top, powder-coated (Satin Black is the classic Brisbane look). Strong, low-maintenance and excellent value. (This is the style we supply — our panels are NATA-approved to the Australian Standard.)
- Pros: affordable, strong, low-maintenance, easy to install, compliant
- Cons: less “invisible” than glass
2. Aluminium — the most popular
Similar look to tubular steel but lighter and rust-proof, with more style options (loop-top, blade designs). The most popular pool fence type in Brisbane.
- Pros: rust-proof, lightweight, stylish options
- Cons: dearer than steel; dents more easily
3. Galvanised steel mesh — budget-friendly
A welded/woven galvanised mesh panel — the cheapest compliant option.
- Pros: lowest cost, durable, see-through
- Cons: plainer look; mostly labour cost (so DIY supply-only saves a lot)
4. Timber — natural look (expert install only)
A timber pool fence can look beautiful, but it must be built strictly to the pool safety standard — this is a job for an expert installer, not DIY. Key factors include:
- Correct gap between the rails (so they can’t be used as a ladder)
- No gaps between the palings that a child could climb
- Sometimes palings on both sides
- A self-closing, self-latching gate, with the latch 1600 mm above the ground
Pros: natural, attractive. Cons: higher maintenance; compliance is complex; needs a professional installer.
5. Glass — premium look
Toughened safety-glass panels — frameless (near-invisible) or semi-frameless.
- Pros: stunning, unobstructed view, modern
- Cons: most expensive; shows water spots; needs regular cleaning
How much does pool fencing cost in Brisbane? (2026)
| Pool fence type | Cost per metre | Material vs labour |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised steel mesh | $90 – $130 | 30% material / 70% labour |
| Tubular steel (we supply) | $100 – $150 | 50% material / 50% labour |
| Timber | $125 – $200 | 30% material / 70% labour |
| Aluminium (most popular) | $130 – $200 | 60% material / 40% labour |
| Glass (frameless/semi) | $300 – $600 | 60% material / 40% labour |
Why supply-only saves you money: mesh and timber are ~70% labour — so if you (or your installer) do the labour and buy the materials supply-only, you save the biggest chunk. Tubular steel is 50/50 and very DIY-friendly. See current prices on our pool fencing range »
What also affects price: total length, number of gates, sloped ground, glass thickness/framing, colour/finish, and removing an old fence.
Which pool fence type is right for you?
- Cheapest compliant option → galvanised steel mesh
- Best all-round value → tubular steel (what we supply — strong, low-maintenance, NATA-approved)
- Most popular / stylish & rust-proof → aluminium
- Natural timber look → timber (budget for a professional installer to meet compliance)
- Premium, near-invisible → frameless glass
For most Brisbane backyards, tubular steel and aluminium hit the sweet spot of safety, durability and price.
Don’t forget compliance
Every pool barrier in Queensland must meet the safety standard — minimum 1.2 m high, a 100 mm gap limit, a 900 mm non-climbable zone, and a self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch 1600 mm above the ground. Look for NATA-approved panels.
Importantly, your finished pool fence must be inspected and certified by a licensed pool safety inspector (pool safety certifier) — not a builder — before the pool can be used. Timber fences in particular must be installed by an expert to meet these rules.
👉 Read our full QLD Pool Fence Regulations guide » before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest type of pool fencing?
Galvanised steel mesh ($90–$130 per metre) and tubular steel ($100–$150) are the most affordable compliant options in Brisbane — cheaper again supply-only if you handle the install.
Which pool fencing is most popular?
Aluminium — rust-proof, lightweight and stylish — typically $130–$200 per metre.
Can I install pool fencing myself?
Tubular steel and mesh are DIY-friendly. Timber should be installed by an expert to meet the pool safety rules. Either way, the finished barrier must be certified by a licensed pool safety inspector before you fill or use the pool.
Who certifies a pool fence in Queensland?
A licensed pool safety inspector (pool safety certifier) — not a builder. They issue the pool safety certificate confirming your barrier complies.
Is your pool fencing compliant?
Yes — our flat-top tubular steel pool fence panels are NATA-approved (tested to AS 1926.1). Compliance also depends on correct installation (height, gaps, gate, non-climbable zone, latch at 1600 mm).
Get your pool fencing in Brisbane
Top Class Fences supplies NATA-approved, QLD-compliant pool fencing — flat-top steel panels, gates, posts, caps and brackets, ready for supply or pickup. Shop pool fencing » or get a free quote ». Supplying Brisbane & QLD since 1982.
