If you live in Australia, you’ll know that there’s no escaping the long, scorching summers that the country is so well known for. Armed with this knowledge, you can either see yourself hiding out in your air-conditioned home all summer or you can go outside and embrace the heat. What better way to do this than with a pool in your backyard?
Installing a pool comes with its own set of safety concerns, especially if you have small children and pets who could wander off into the pool area. Fortunately, installing the quality glass pool fencing Albury residents rely on will assure you that your new pool area is both safe and stylish. This post explores the myths commonly associated with using glass pool fencing.
What is a Glass Pool Fence?
Have you already made up your mind to turn your dreary back yard into a fun, outdoor haven complete with a pool? If so, the first aspect to know is that Australian laws (AS 1926) make it mandatory to have a safety for all swimming pools and spas with an average depth of 300mm or more to have a safety fence.
With this in mind, you have several options to choose from, with the most popular being glass pool fencing. Simply put, panels of glass are combined with metal posts to create a stylish and transparent barrier around your pool area. Modern glass barriers are typically made using 10-12mm thick tempered (toughened) safety glass.
In compliance with strict Australian safety standards, glass pool fences are designed to be non-climbable, weather-resistant, and durable. This makes them ideal for your pool area, decks, patios, verandas, and even balconies. Not only is glass pool fencing robust, but it’s also regarded as being stylish and adds a luxurious resort-type feel to your outdoor space.
Stylish Alternative to Traditional Fencing
Glass has become the superior choice for pool fencing all across Australia, regarded by many as the gold standard for modern décor and aesthetics. Despite its popularity, though, many new pool owners have their reservations about adding glass to an already risky feature.
Our team of experts have compiled a list of the more common myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of glass. We’ll also share the facts that make glass a durable and safe option well worth considering.
Myth #1: Glass Fencing Breaks Easily
The number one myth surrounding glass fencing is that it will break easily. This is possibly because people tend to associate the fragility of their glass kitchenware with how all glass is made. Here, you want to keep in mind that the glass isn’t as thin as a window pane.
Modern glass pool fencing panels are constructed from tempered safety glass, with frameless versions being as thick as 12mm. To temper, or toughen the glass, it’s heated to over 600 degrees C and then rapidly cooled. This process makes the glass as much as five times more robust than normal glass.
Myth #2: The Australian Sun Will Shatter it
Another myth that our experts have encountered is that the extreme Australian climate will shatter or weaken the glass. Tempered glass is designed to withstand the most extreme temperature fluctuations, which means it will easily measure up to the Aussie weather.
Our experts do warn that improper installation or inferior, non-certified glass can be prone to breakage. This makes using an Australian-certified glass fence installer a non-negotiable.
Myth #3: Glass Isn’t Safe for Use Around Kids
People with kids don’t want glass pool fences for the same reason that they avoid glass coffee tables. There’s always the fear that a child may run into it or fall through it. The reality is that glass fencing’s tempered properties make it almost impossible for a child to fall through it. Since there are no sharp edges, your kids also won’t be at risk of getting cut.
More good news is that the unobstructed view created by glass allows parents to keep an eye on their children without having to be right by them. There are no blind spots created by metal panels or thick steel pillars. Glass is also smooth, with no space for toddlers to get a foothold to climb over.
Myth #4: Glass Gets Dirty Quickly
Another myth that stems from how people view glass in general is how clean it will stay. The thought of installing glass outside, near the pool where it can be touched and splashed on, leaves many homeowners thinking they’re going to spend more time cleaning.
The reality here is that many modern glass panels are specially coated, usually with an enduro-shield or hydrophobic coating. This ensures that the glass’s basic water and dirt don’t stick to it. Keeping your glass pool fencing clean is as simple as rinsing it off with the hose.
Final Thoughts
With the many benefits associated with glass pool fencing, it’s easy to see why it’s the preferred choice for Australian homeowners. Opting for quality tempered glass fencing that’s installed by certified professionals will give you peace of mind that your kids and pets can safely play near the pool without the risk of injury. Safeguarding your pool area couldn’t be easier!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.