If you're putting in a pool in Albany, the fence is part of the plan from the start. The Albany-Dougherty zoning ordinance says all swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high, and it requires a permit application to build a pool.
Picking the fence
| Material | Why people choose it | Per foot (national) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Open view of the pool, no rust | $17 to $90 |
| Vinyl | Privacy around the pool, no paint | $15 to $40 |
| Wood | Lowest-cost solid fence | $10 to $45 |
| Chain link | Budget enclosure | $8 to $40 |
Gates are the weak point
A pool fence only works if the gate closes. Self-closing hinges and a latch out of a child's reach are standard safety features on pool gates; ask the inspector what Albany expects on yours. Gates should also open away from the pool so a child pushing on them doesn't get in.
Climbability
Horizontal rails on the outside, decorative cutouts and chain link mesh can all work like a ladder. Choose a design with nothing to climb on the outside face.
Existing fence as the enclosure
If your back-yard fence already surrounds the pool, check that it's at least 4 feet everywhere, that every gate closes and latches, and that no section has gaps or footholds.
Sources
- Zoning Ordinance of the City of Albany & Dougherty County, Georgia, Title Three: Miscellaneous Regulations (2/2/2009), Sections 1.06, 1.11, 1.16 and 1.20
- Angi: How Much Does Fence Installation Cost? (national survey data, checked November 2026)
Checked November 10, 2026. Codes and price surveys are revised; the linked source governs.