Glass fencing is the perfect solution for securing your pool area without obstructing your views or detracting from your outdoor space. Many people are put off by the assumption that glass pool fences require a lot of cleaning and maintenance, but this isn’t necessarily the case! We have a few tips, tricks and product recommendations up our sleeves that’ll help you keep your glass pool fence crystal clear with minimal effort.
Read on to learn how to clean glass swimming pool fencing the right way so that you can enjoy unclouded views of your glistening pool this summer.
Glass Pool Fence Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
The good news is that most glass pool fencing panels are elevated off the ground with metal fixtures, which means leaves and other garden debris can pass underneath it without building up. However, the glass panels can quickly become dusty and dirty, especially in hot, dry and windy Perth summers.
Our number one tip? Be sure to clean your pool glass regularly. By leaving it too long, you’ll have to put in more effort to get it sparkling clean, and you’ll risk hard water stains setting in. Here’s the process we recommend to keep on top of it.
Glass Pool Fence Cleaning: What Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy products or specific pool glass cleaners to keep your fence looking great. All you need is:
- A bucket of warm water with dishwashing detergent
- A sponge and/or non-scratch cleaning pads
- A soft indoor broom
- A bucket or hose with cold water
- Glass squeegee
- Dishwasher rinse-aid (optional)
- Glass or bathroom cleaning spray (optional)
The quickest, most fuss-free way to clean your fence is to give it a quick hose down, then go in with your bucket of warm soapy water and scrub down the glass with a soft indoor broom or large sponge. Rinse with the hose or a bucket of cold water and remove any excess water with a glass squeegee for a spot-free finish.
Of course, you can also use a glass cleaning spray or bathroom spray and a cloth to clean smaller areas of your fence. This method can get a little tedious when dealing with large areas or cleaning off heavy dust and grime, so using a broom is a great alternative.
Time-saving tip: for those who want to let their fence air dry instead of using a squeegee, try adding some dishwasher rinse-aid to your bucket of warm soapy water. This may help minimise any cloudy spots from forming as it dries.
What Cleaning Products Should You Avoid?
Harsh, abrasive scrubbing pads and metal scrapers/blades can leave unsightly scratches on your glass fence and should not be used. For any stubborn spots, try using a piece of scrunched-up newspaper with glass cleaning spray to scrub the surface instead – this won’t cause scratches.
Cleaning the Rails and Posts of Your Glass Pool Fencing
Most glass pool fencing rails, posts and fixings are made from sturdy marine-grade steel or aluminium. These can be easily maintained by scrubbing with warm soapy water and a non-scratch cleaning pad. You can clean stubborn spots with cleaning spray and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse off any soapy residue thoroughly.
If you want to avoid cleaning rails and posts, you can opt for an ‘invisible’ pool fence made with frameless glass. Check out our pool fence gallery for examples of our previous projects!
Removing Hard Water Stains from Your Glass Pool Fencing
If you notice marks on your pool glass that can’t be removed with regular cleaning, these may be caused by calcium and mineral deposits from hard water. Hard water stains require a more heavy-duty approach with a product like CLR, or you can hire a professional pool glass cleaner to tackle it for you. Just remember not to scrub with abrasive tools that can cause scratches.
Applying a protective coating to your pool glass is a great way to protect it from hard water stains – more on this later.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Fencing?
This depends on the conditions where you live. The most common issues with Perth pool fencing are damage from salty air near the coast or dirt and dust build-up due to our dry, windy conditions.
If you’re situated within 10km of the coast here in WA, your glass fence should be cleaned at least once a month to remove salt buildup. For more inland locations, cleaning once every three months should be sufficient. However, you should clean the glass whenever you notice a build-up – the longer you leave it, the harder it’ll be to clean!
Upon installation, our pool fence builders can recommend the most suitable cleaning frequency based on your location.
Glass Coating for Pool Fence: An Added Level of Protection
There are several glass coating products on the market that will significantly reduce the time you spend maintaining fence.
We use and recommend a product called EnduroShield – an invisible treatment that repels water and creates a non-stick surface for easier cleaning. It offers protection from salt, stains, hard water, dirt, dust and grime and will last 3 years from one application. By minimising dirt build-up, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and should find a quick hose and wipe down is all your glass fence needs.
Ask our contractors about adding EnduroShield glass coating for pool fencing upon installation.
Self Cleaning Glass Pool Fences
Looking for the most low-maintenance option? Self-cleaning glass pool fences actually exist! Self-cleaning glass is achieved by applying a special treatment that causes organic material to be broken down by UV light, and then washed away when it rains. This option is great if you want to spend less time and money on glass pool fence maintenance in Perth, where we’re especially exposed to the elements. Contact us for more information about self-cleaning options.
We hope this guide has given you more confidence in keeping your glass pool fence sparkling clean.
Team Work Fencing contractors are the Perth pool fencing experts. We offer glass pool fence repairs and installation across Perth and the South West, to create idyllic outdoor spaces for soaking up the summer sunshine. Request a quote today!
