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Swimming Pools and Spas - Fencing Requirements

Fencing requirements

Pool fencing must comply with AS1926.1-2007.  The requirements are:

  • minimum height 1200mm.
  • minimum 900mm separation between the upper and lower horizontal members to maintain non-climbable zone.
  • maximum 100mm gap under the fence.
  • maximum 100mm gap in vertical members including any flex in material.
  • non-climbable zone extents from the barrier 300mm into pool area and 900mm outside pool area.
  • alternative boundary fence design is available where above can not be complied with.  See Australian Standard for details.
     
    Australian Standard 1926.1-2007 provides details on a variety of barrier situations such as retaining walls, cliff faces, balconies etc. 

Prefabricated self installed pools

Prefabricated pools capable of being filled with water to a depth 300mm or more require approval but more importantly require child-resistant barriers to prevent access to the pool by children.
Before buying a prefabricated pool request additional information from Council on 98065000 and ask to speak to council’s duty planner.

Pool safety barriers

Pool safety legislation commenced in 1990.  Pools constructed prior to the legislation were required to be upgraded to comply with the new legislation by 1992.
16 years on – Does your Pool Comply? Pool Safety Barriers must comply with AS1926.1-2007 including boundary fences used as part of a pool safety barrier. 

General Requirement - Pools must be separated from residential buildings and adjoining public or private properties by child-resistant barriers in accordance with the Regulations and AS1926.1-2007. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching and open outwards from the pool.   

Exemptions to the general requirement - Pools built prior to 1 August 1990 and small properties less than 239m2 in area (non waterfront properties). The child-resistant barrier surrounding the pool is not required to separate the pool from any residential building situated on the premises so long as the means of access to the pool from the building are at all times restricted in accordance with AS1926.1-2007.

Waterfront properties and properties larger than 2 hectares - The pool is not required to be surrounded by a child-resistant barrier so long as the means of access to the pool from any residential building situated on the premises is at all times restricted (child-resistant door) in accordance with AS1926.1-2007.

NOTE: Both the above exemptions fail to provide protection to young children once past the door.  The above exemption also fails to provide protection to adjoining private or public properties.

In the interest of preventing child drowning/ injuries owners are encouraged to comply with the general requirement. 

Pool gates

  • Gates must be self-closing and self-latching and must be closed at all times. 
  • Gates to open outwards from the pool area. 
  • No double gates are permitted.
  • Latch release mechanism to be 1.5-metres above the ground except  where a shield is used.  If a shield is used the latch is positioned on the pool side near the top of the gate.  The shield makes it necessary to reach over the gate to release the latch mechanism.
  • Gate width is to be kept to a minimum (no more than 1-metre) to minimise the possibility of the weight of the gate causing the gate to drop with the self-latching mechanism failing.
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