Pool Fence Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you have a pool in your backyard, it is important to install a fence around it to keep your children and pets safe. Homeowners and builders must abide by rules and guidelines set out by the council. There are specific requirements that must be met in order for a fence to be considered compliant with pool safety regulations. It is important to note that these regulations are in place to help keep your family safe. By ensuring your pool fence meets the required standards, you can help reduce the risk of accidents occurring in and around your pool area.

In this blog post, we will discuss the standard requirements of a pool fence and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

When is a Pool Fence Required?

Firstly, if your pool or spa is more than 300mm deep then you are required to have a fence or safety barrier installed. If this is a glass fence, then you will need to adhere to further requirements other than standard pool fences adhere to. This includes:

Gaps and height of your fence

Regarding the gaps and height of your fence, there’s certain requirements you need to adhere to:

  • In NSW, the gaps in your pool fence cannot be more than 100mm. This is to prevent small children from squeezing through and getting into the pool area.
  • They must also be a maximum of 100mm gap from the ground to prevent anything from coming in underneath. 
  • They must also be 1200mm in height from the ground upwards. This will stop children from climbing over it.
  • Registered builders with the required certifications can also install safety barriers

You can find out more about these requirements on the NSW Swimming Pool Register.

Non climbable zones

There may be nearby obstructions surrounding your pool such as trees and furniture. You will need to ensure there is an established ‘non-climbable zone’ around your pool to further increase the safety of this area. This also includes a glass pool fence, even though there are no footholds and is not easily climbable. This is measured through an arc formation that measures from the ground up to the top level.

Latches and Gates

When it comes to the gate on your pool fence, you need to ensure that is closes on its own to prevent any unwanted access and injury. It is required that the gate opens outwards from the pool. The latch of this gate needs to be at least 1500mm high from the ground, unless you have a glass fence, then it needs to be at least 1200mm from the ground. These structures must also be 900mm away from anything that could be climbed.

Fence installation

Finally, it is important to get professional help when installing your pool fence. A professional fence installer will also be able to advise you on the best type of fence for your needs, and then install it to ensure that it is installed correctly and meets all the safety requirements.

Compliance Certifications

After a professional has installed your fence, you will need to get it inspected to confirm it follows all safety regulations. These are undertaken by accredited certifiers and local councils.

It is crucial that you adhere to these safety regulations and Australian Standards so that you can provide a secure outdoor space for yourself and anyone else enjoying the pool! 

Do you need a compliant pool fence for your home?

If you’re looking for a glass pool fence or an aluminium pool fence for your home don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and we can give you a free quote.