Owning a pool is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer, but it also comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to privacy, safety, and local by-laws. A properly built fence not only protects your pool area but also enhances your backyard space, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the water.

While there are many fencing options available, a privacy fence is hands down the best choice for pool owners. Here’s why.

1. Privacy: Enjoy Your Pool Without Feeling Exposed

Most people don’t want their neighbours or people on the street watching them while they’re lounging by the pool. A privacy fence creates a secluded retreat where you can relax in peace.

Keeps prying eyes out – Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or hosting a backyard party, a tall privacy fence ensures that your time by the pool stays private.
Minimizes distractions – A privacy fence helps block out noise and distractions from the street or nearby homes, creating a more enjoyable poolside experience.
Enhances aesthetics – A well-built wood fence adds warmth and character to your backyard while complementing landscaping, decks, and outdoor structures. This makes your pool area feel like an extension of your living space rather than a detached feature.

Unlike chain-link fences, which offer little to no privacy, or vinyl and metal fences, which can feel cold or industrial, a wood fence naturally blends into your backyard, making it feel like an inviting, cozy haven.

2. Safety: Protecting Kids, Pets, and Guests

A pool fence isn’t just about privacy—it’s a crucial safety feature.

Keeps children safe – If you have kids (or live in a neighbourhood with them), a secure pool fence helps prevent accidents by restricting access to the water. Accidental drownings are tragic, but a secure fence can help you keep your family safe.
Contains pets – Many pet owners use a backyard fence to keep their furry friends safe. A solid wood fence ensures that your dog doesn’t wander near the pool unsupervised. It also keeps pets from making a mess by jumping in and out of the water.
Deters trespassers – A strong, locked fence discourages uninvited guests from entering your pool area, reducing liability risks.

When it comes to safety, a pool fence should be built to meet local regulations. This typically includes:

A non-climbable design – The fence should be built without horizontal rails or footholds that kids (or intruders) could use to climb over. A wood privacy fence naturally meets this requirement, especially when built with vertical boards.
Self-closing, self-latching gate – Pool gates must close automatically and latch securely to prevent unauthorized access, especially by young children.

At MKW Services, we ensure all pool fences are built to these safety standards, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.

3. Durability: Why Pressure-Treated Wood is the Best Choice

Since a pool fence is constantly exposed to water and moisture, choosing the right materials is crucial for longevity. Pressure-treated wood is the best option because:

It resists moisture and rot – Properly installed pressure-treated wood holds up well against humidity and splashes from the pool. Plus, it’s naturally resistant to the harmful effects of pool chemicals, making it a durable choice for your pool area.
It’s strong and sturdy – A wood privacy fence can withstand wind, rain, and general backyard activity better than lightweight materials like vinyl. This ensures that your fence will continue to stand strong even in bad weather.
It can be maintained for long-term durability – With proper care, a wood fence can last 15 or more years. Applying a sealant or stain can further extend its lifespan, making sure it looks great year after year.

To maximize strength, we set our 6x6 fence posts 4 feet deep into 12-inch concrete footings, ensuring a rock-solid foundation that won’t shift over time. This foundation ensures that your fence will stand the test of time, even in our harsh Canadian weather.

4. A Smart Investment: Adding Value to Your Home

A well-built pool fence isn’t just functional—it adds value to your property.

Boosts curb appeal – A stylish, well-maintained wood fence makes your backyard look polished and inviting. Not only does it improve the look of your property, but it also adds to the overall look of your pool area.
Increases property value – Many home buyers see a fenced-in backyard as a must-have, especially if they have kids or pets. A solid wood privacy fence can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
Meets insurance requirements – Insurance policies require a pool to be enclosed with a fence. Having one in place can help you avoid issues and even possibly reduce insurance premiums. It’s a win-win for both safety and savings!

When choosing a fence, it’s worth investing in quality craftsmanship. A poorly built fence can sag, warp, or require constant repairs—costing you more in the long run. That’s why we build our fences with a long life in mind, using 6x6 posts and 2x6 framing for extra strength.

5. Low-Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Fence Looking Great

To get the most out of your wood privacy fence, here are a few maintenance tips:

Inspect the fence regularly – Walk along your fence and check for any loose boards, cracks, or shifting posts—especially after storms. This helps you spot issues before they become bigger problems.
Maintain proper drainage – Heavy rain can lead to excess moisture around fence posts. Ensuring good drainage will help prevent the posts from rotting, extending the life of your fence.
Consider sealing or staining – While pressure-treated wood is built to last, applying a protective stain or sealant every few years can help preserve its look and lifespan. It’s an easy way to keep your fence looking great while protecting it from the elements.
Check and replace gate hardware as needed – Since pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, inspect the hinges and latch regularly to make sure they function properly. This ensures your fence remains both safe and secure.
Install metal post caps – This simple addition protects the tops of your fence posts from moisture and extends their lifespan. We prefer metal caps over plastic or wood, as they’re more durable and resistant to cracking.

Final Thoughts: A Pool Fence is a Must-Have for Every Backyard

If you own a pool, installing a wood privacy fence isn’t just a good idea—it’s required. It provides privacy, safety, durability, and value, making your backyard a more enjoyable and secure space.

At MKW, we specialize in building high-quality pressure-treated wood privacy fences designed to stand the test of time and backed by an unbeatable warranty. Whether you’re installing a brand-new fence or replacing an old one, we’re here to help you create the perfect poolside retreat.

Thinking about adding a pool privacy fence? Contact us today to discuss your options or get a quote right from our website!