Cleaning glass pool fence panels and spigots
A glass pool fence looks best clean, and cleaning is a good time to check it over.
What builds up on glass pool fencing
Water spots, pool chemical splashes, salt, dust and sunscreen marks all build up on glass. Hard water marks are the most common, because pool and sprinkler water dries on the glass and leaves spots.
How to clean the glass
- Rinse the panels with fresh water to remove loose dirt.
- Wash with warm water, a little mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse again, then dry with a clean microfibre cloth or a squeegee to avoid new spots.
Do not use metal scrapers or abrasive pads, because they can scratch glass.
How to clean the spigots and hardware
- Rinse off salt and chemicals with fresh water.
- Wipe with a soft cloth, and dry it.
- Avoid harsh cleaners on metal parts. Ask your fence supplier what suits the hardware, because the finish matters.
Check the fence while you clean
- Look for chips, cracks or edge damage in the glass. The QBCC says glass panels should show no signs of fracture.
- Check no panel has shifted or dropped, which the QBCC notes can happen when the ground moves.
- Check the gap under the barrier is 100mm or less.
- Open and close the gate and check it latches by itself.
See the glass pool fence requirements.
Touch-ups and maintenance
If surrounding walls or fences need touch-ups, protect the glass first, as in painting near a glass pool fence. Brushworks Painters, who also do touch-up and maintenance work, lists maintenance among its services in NSW, where conditions differ from Queensland, so check what applies where you live.
Common questions
How do I get hard water marks off glass pool fencing?
Wash with warm water and mild detergent, rinse, and dry with a microfibre cloth or squeegee. Avoid metal scrapers and abrasive pads, which can scratch glass.
How often should I clean a glass pool fence?
As often as it looks dirty, and rinse the hardware regularly if you live near the coast. Use cleaning as a chance to check the fence over.
What should I check while cleaning the fence?
Chips or cracks in the glass, shifted panels, the gap under the barrier, and that the gate closes and latches by itself.
General information only. This is practical advice, not a compliance check.