If you’re considering frameless glass pool fencing, one of the biggest unknowns is the installation itself.

People worry about:

• How disruptive it will be

• Whether it’s complicated

• If it can actually be installed cleanly on their site

• What can go wrong

That uncertainty alone is enough to delay a decision.

So let’s remove it.

Below is a clear, step by step breakdown of how frameless glass pool fencing is installed properly, and why the installation process matters just as much as the materials used.

Step 1: Site inspection and compliance assessment

Every quality installation starts before a single hole is drilled.

A proper site assessment looks at:

• Pool layout and shape

• Ground surfaces such as concrete, tiles, pavers, or decking

• Changes in height or slope

• Gate positioning and swing direction

• Nearby climbable objects

• Compliance with Australian pool fencing regulations

This stage determines whether standard panels can be used or if custom sizing is required.

Skipping this step is how mistakes happen later.

Step 2: Accurate measuring and layout planning

Frameless glass fencing leaves no room for guesswork.

Installers must:

• Measure panel widths precisely

• Account for expansion gaps

• Plan consistent spacing between panels

• Ensure correct gate clearances

• Align panels for clean sightlines

Because there are no posts to hide inconsistencies, accuracy here directly affects how the finished fence looks and performs.

Step 3: Ground preparation and fixing method selection

How the fence is fixed depends entirely on the surface.

Common fixing methods include:

• Core drilling into concrete

• Surface mounting onto slabs

• Specialised fixings for tiled areas

• Reinforcement for decking installations

The goal is the same every time. A solid, stable base that prevents movement over time.

Poor groundwork is one of the main reasons fences become non compliant years later.

Step 4: Installing the spigots

Spigots are the foundation of a frameless system.

They must be:

• Installed perfectly level

• Fixed securely

• Spaced precisely

• Aligned consistently

High quality systems use stainless steel spigots designed for long term exposure to water and weather.

If spigots are even slightly misaligned, it affects panel stability, spacing, and gate function.

Step 5: Positioning and levelling the glass panels

Once spigots are set, glass panels are installed one by one.

Each panel is:

• Carefully placed into position

• Checked for vertical alignment

• Adjusted for consistent spacing

• Secured according to manufacturer guidelines

This stage requires patience and experience. Rushing here leads to uneven lines and future issues.

When done properly, the fence looks seamless and solid, not floating or uneven.

Step 6: Gate installation and calibration

This is the most critical step of the entire process.

Pool gates must:

• Open away from the pool

• Self close from any open position

• Self latch every single time

• Sit at the correct height

Installers will test gates repeatedly, adjusting hinges and latches until performance is reliable.

If a gate doesn’t close perfectly, the fence is not compliant. Full stop.

Step 7: Compliance checks and spacing verification

Before sign off, installers must verify:

• Fence height meets requirements

• Panel gaps are within limits

• No climbable zones exist

• Latch height is correct

• Gate operation is consistent

This is where experience shows. Professionals check for issues that homeowners would never notice until inspection time.

Step 8: Final adjustments and clean up

Once everything is installed:

• All fixings are rechecked

• Panels are cleaned

• Gates are tested again

• The area is left tidy

A quality install should feel complete, not rushed.

You should walk away with a fence that feels solid, aligned, and effortless to use.

How long does installation usually take?

For most residential pools, installation is typically completed within:

• One to two days for standard layouts

• Slightly longer for complex or custom installations

Timeframes depend on:

• Pool size

• Surface conditions

• Number of panels and gates

• Custom requirements

A longer install is not a bad sign. It often means the job is being done carefully.

Common installation mistakes to watch out for

These issues usually trace back to rushed or cheap installs:

• Gates that don’t self close consistently

• Uneven panel spacing

• Panels that move or flex

• Misaligned sightlines

• Hardware that loosens over time

These problems are not normal. They are signs corners were cut.

Why installation quality matters long term

A frameless glass fence should:

• Stay compliant

• Feel solid

• Look the same years later

• Require minimal adjustment

When installed properly, it becomes something you never think about again.

When installed poorly, it becomes a constant source of frustration.

Final thoughts

Frameless glass pool fencing is not difficult to install, but it is unforgiving of poor workmanship.

Precision matters.
Compliance matters.
Experience matters.

When those are handled properly, the result is a safe, compliant, and visually stunning fence that lasts for years.