How to Install a Frameless Glass Pool Fence Using Core Drill Spigots

If you’re eager to prioritise pool and water safety without compromising on style and landscaping design, glass pool fences may have piqued your interests – for good reason. Their main feature is timeless glass that elevates every garden design style, from country chic, urban contemporary to traditional federation homes. But did you know, they’re rated as one of the best pool safety barriers due to their high, unobstructed visibility? Their transparency makes them one of the safest outdoor fences for kids and animals, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden.

You can also clean and maintain this pool fencing as you would your glass windows and doors for a pristine finish every time. Another benefit of this popular fencing material is that it’s easy to install on your own, so you can save money on installation costs.

While it can be tempting to go in blind, following professional guidance ensures longevity in your fence and can boost the value of your rural property. In the video and blog below, we walk you through exactly how to install frameless glass pool fencing, so grab your tools and follow along for our step-by-step fence installation guide.

Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Fence Layout

Preparation is incredibly important when it comes to a quality end result in all fence installations. Before touching a tool, start by measuring the area where your pool fence will go, head to our glass pool fencing page and hit the link to the Fence Builder Calculator.

This tool lets you input your dimensions, gate positions and layout preferences. It’ll tell you exactly:

• How many glass panels and gates you need
• How many spigots are required
• The spacing between panels
• A printable layout plan to take to the job site

As well as using it for ordering the correct quantity and size of pool fencing materials, make sure you print yours out – it makes life much easier on-site.

Step 2: Mark Out Your Fence Line

Once back on-site, mark your fence line using a chalk line. If you have a home built in the bush, make sure your fenceline isn't close to growing vegetation where roots could uproot the pavers. Snap a straight guide from one end to the other, keeping it parallel to your pool's edge or feature.

Then, with your tape measure and printed fence plan, begin marking the positions of each glass panel and the spacing between them, using a pencil on pavers to avoid permanent marks.

Step 3: Mark Spigot Hole Positions

Next, it’s time to mark where your core-drilled spigots will go. Use this formula to determine the distance:

Panel width ÷ 4 = Spigot distance from edges of the panel

For example, a 1550mm panel would have spigots placed 387.5mm in from each side (rounded to 390mm to make things easier). Once marked, use a permanent marker to mark where you’ll secure the core drill. Don’t worry, these marks will be removed during drilling.

Step 4: Core Drilling the Holes

This step is the most important because you don't want to drill in the wrong spot on the paving and have to replace it, or drill an unsuitable hole that the spigot won’t fit in. Make sure you have all the correct tools and equipment before you begin. To drill the cores, you’ll need:

• A 76mm core drill bit (we prefer this for extra playroom)
• A core drill with a stand for precision
• Timber base to protect tiles
• A hole template (optional but helpful)
• A wet/dry vacuum (you can find these at Bunnings for around $100)

Mark your core drill bit at 110mm depth to ensure consistency. That depth will deliver the strength needed to maintain fence integrity and hold its neat style, helping you perfect the art of functional landscaping. As you drill, apply a little wiggle at the end to break off the core for easy removal. If it’s stuck, we recommend using a metal coat hanger with a hook to lift it out. Use the wet/dry vac to suck up the water from the core drill and keep the holes tidy and dry before grouting.

Step 5: Install Spigots and Panels

Glass pool fence panels sit on spigots, which gives them a floating look and contributes to them being one of the best low-maintenance fencing styles, as you can easily clean all sides of the panels.

Once your holes are ready, place your spigots in position on the glass panels. Remember to divide the panel width by four to place the spigots correctly, and that distance is where the centre of each spigot will come in on the side of the panels Tighten the grub screws firmly using an Allen key. Then you can slide the cover plates onto the spigots and tape them in place — this keeps them secure during grouting.

Now comes a game changer — we no longer use timber bracing and weights. Instead, we use Glass Mates. These tools hold glass panels in place before grouting and allow for height adjustment and fine-tune tilt with threaded rods. This makes getting a perfectly aligned, straight fence line much easier.

Step 6: Align and Adjust Panels

Start from one end and place your first panel in position. Use your eye first and then a level to line up the base with your chalk line. Continue placing and adjusting panels using the Glass Mates to align height and tilt. This may be a tedious phase in the process, but establishing a perfectly aligned fence looks fantastic and is one of our top pool landscaping tips for executing your design. 

Once everything looks spot on, time to grout!

Step 7: Mix and Pour Grout

We use Polaris Ready Set Grout — a non-shrink, fast-setting grout that’s ideal for this job.

• Mix it to a runny, pourable consistency (not too dry)
• Pour it into each spigot hole so it fills evenly around the spigot
• Use a sponge and wet/dry vac to clean as you go

You need to work with this grout quickly because it goes off within 15 minutes. Leave the grout to set for about an hour, then carefully remove the Glass Mates by loosening them until they can fall on their sides, and you can slide them out. If there are any minor adjustments needed, you can make them using the grub screws.

Step 8: Install the Polaris Soft-Close Gate

Now that your panels are in place, it's time for the finishing touch: the gate. We used the Polaris Soft-Close Gate. These gates are a step up from standard kits, with smooth, self-closing hinges for safety and style. Soft closing gates put far less pressure on the glass panels, transforming them from potentially brittle to a top durable fencing style.

They’re easy to install, but we recommend watching Polaris’ official installation video first and reading the instructions in the box. Once installed, the gate should swing and soft-close like a dream.

Cleaning Up and Kicking Back

Do a thorough final clean with your vacuum, sponge and hose, then step back and admire your perfectly aligned, crystal-clear glass pool fence. Like other contemporary pool barriers, such as perforated pool fencing, glass pool fences are great for the style and safety-conscious homeowners. With a bit of work to keep it clean, you’ll have a pool fence that looks beautiful year-round and keeps the whole family safe.

If you still have questions or want to get started, head to our website to find tools, calculators, and all the parts you need for your frameless glass pool fence project. You can also get in touch, and we’ll be happy to answer any fence installation questions before you get started.