5 of the Best Pool Deck Railing Ideas
Warm weather means pool time. If you’re one of the lucky people who has one at their home, we imagine it’s a hot spot (no pun intended) during the warm weather months. Furniture and a diving board might be some of the features you add to make the space more enjoyable, but have you considered deck railing? We have five pool deck railing ideas to add to the already relaxing aesthetic, keep the area more secure, and add privacy. Explore some of our top options for pool deck railing below.
Why You Should Consider Pool Deck Railing
We understand that when you think of your pool area, deck railing isn’t one of the first thoughts that come to your mind. Let’s dive into some incredible benefits of using pool deck railing.
- Safety first. One of the most significant benefits of using deck railing around your pool area is it can help prevent accidents. Railing can be another barrier to preventing accidental falls into the pool area. It can also help keep unwanted critters and animals from entering your pool.
- Potential for more privacy. While pool areas are meant for fun and relaxation, you don’t want them exposed to neighbors and passersby if privacy is important to you. Putting up deck railing around your pool will help block sightlines into your pool area.
- Keep it clean. Having a pool is already a ton of upkeep. Pool deck railing can act as a barrier to grass, leaves, and other debris from entering your pool, reducing the time spent skimming and cleaning it.
Now that you have some ideas for how pool deck railing can help improve your pool experience, you need to decide which deck railing option will best suit your needs. Let’s explore those options below.
The Best Pool Deck Railing Infills and Materials
A well-designed pool deck is an excellent place for relaxation and entertainment. One of the most under looked elements of a pool deck is the utilization of a railing system. If you’re considering pool deck railings, we have several solutions for you to explore. Let’s walk through the benefits, features, and considerations to help you make the best choice for your pool deck railing.
Top 2 Pool Deck Railing Infill Options
These railing infill options are among our favorites for pool deck areas. Let’s explore them.
Cable Railings: If privacy isn’t your priority and you want unobstructed views, cable railing is an excellent choice. Its contemporary, minimalistic designs make it sleek and stylish for pool decks. Its elegant, industrial appeal makes it a favorite among modern homeowners looking to maintain a seamless view of their outdoor space.
Not only is cable railing incredibly stylish, but it’s also strong. Cable railing is commonly required to carry a load of at least 200 lbs. Under the ICC, cable railing infills need to pass a 500lb load test to meet code acceptance. If you’re considering cable railing for an outdoor living project, it’s essential to check with your local residential codes.
If a low-maintenance railing is essential, choose this pool deck railing option. Cable deck railing requires very little maintenance compared to other options like glass.
It’s important to note that cable deck railing is complex to install. You will more than likely want the assistance of a professional in installing these rails.
Read our Complete Guide to Cable Deck Railing blog to learn more about cable railing.
Glass Slats: Choosing our glass slats for your pool deck railing will give the same unobstructed view as cable rail but with a more high-end look. Glass slats are a great choice if you want versatility and work with many different aesthetics. You can even use our glass slats with different infills and have specific sightlines with more privacy, and others can use the slats to view your surroundings. One of our favorite features of glass slats over glass panels in pool deck areas is the increased airflow, which helps create a more open and inviting atmosphere around your pool area.
Check out our guide if you want to know more about the advantages of choosing our glass slats over glass panels.
Top 3 Pool Deck Railing Materials
Vinyl Railing: A popular choice for pool decks because of their affordability and simple maintenance is vinyl railing. Vinyl is perfect for pool decks because it’s resistant to moisture and UV exposure making it a perfect long-lasting and cost-effective option. This railing is designed to withstand Mother Nature without warping, cracking, or fading. Upkeep is minimal, with only the need to use soap and water to keep them looking brand new.
Within our Fairway Railing Collection we have four vinyl railing options that can be paired with several different infills to achieve the perfect look for your pool deck space. Our Vinyl Railing offers a classic look and is easy to install when you use our LockFit™ balusters. Our new Modern Vinyl features smooth lines and the option for a drink rail. Designer Vinyl can accommodate nearly any style and is kitted for easy installation. And our TimberLux™ Traditional Vinyl has a variegated color finish.
You can’t go wrong with any of our vinyl railing collections, each offering different infill options (like cable railing) and colors.
Aluminum Railing: Aluminum railing should be a top contender as you decide on the perfect solution for your pool deck railing. Its sleek and stylish style, paired with its versatility, make it an excellent choice. Our Designer Aluminum railing has a two-piece top rail for easy in-rail lighting installation, allowing you to light up your pool deck for use all day (or night)! You also have the option to add a drink rail, perfect for those who enjoy entertaining. Six infill options, including cable rail and glass slats, plus three color choices, will give you the flexibility to design the perfect space for your pool deck.
Composite Railing: Crafted using our Tri-Layer Technology™, our Traditional Composite Railing is built for strength and rigidity. While this railing is often installed in beachfront locations, it would be perfect for pool areas. The hard outer layer is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Plus, our recent introduction of cable rail and glass slats (as well as round aluminum and horizontal balusters) make this railing material a winner in our book for your pool area.
Choosing the Right Pool Railing for You
Whether you prioritize aesthetics, affordability, or low maintenance, we have a railing solution that will fit your needs. If you didn’t find the infill, explore our revamped railing collections to find the style, post, and accessories that will suit your pool space. We have the variety to make this space exactly what you want!
Our products are Designed for Style and Built for Performance and will make your pool area the envy of all your neighbors. Order samples of our vinyl, composite, or aluminum railing to get started today.
