In a city like Sydney, where backyard pools are almost a way of life, fencing is not a mere formality, it’s a common requirement and an important aspect of keeping your family safe. Not all fencing is built properly, however, if you are building a new fence or upgrading an existing fence, you should know what not to do.
There are a ton of simple, yet costly mistakes that homeowners regularly make that can cause safety concerns, compliance issues or costly repairs in the future.
If you are considering Swimming Pool Fencing Sydney, below we have discussed some main issues and how to get it right the first time.
1. Selecting A Fence That Doesn’t Meet Local Requirements
Australia has regulatory standards when it comes to swimming pool fencing. However, one of the most likely mistakes to occur is people not paying attention or misunderstanding those standards. Height, self-closure for gates, latch placements are all described within legislation. If your fence doesn’t meet code, you are not only putting safety at risk, there may also be hefty fines to pay or a complete re-do of the job.
What to do instead: work with someone who understands NSW pool safety regulations. A professional installer will help you not only make your fence look good and meet all the requirements to pass your inspections
2. Overlooking Gate Placement and Functionality
The gate is the most frequently used component of your swimming pool fence, yet it is also the most frequently neglected. A self-closing mechanism that does not work if the latch being placed at the wrong height and the gate swinging the opposite way are just some of the things that could make your swimming pool fence ineffective and hazardous to children.
How to rectify it: Your pool gate should self-close and self-latch every time, without assistance. The latch needs to be at least 1.5m off the ground to ensure it is out of the reach of children. If your existing (temporary) glass gate hardware is misaligned or damaged, you are best to speak to a team of professionals that deal with glass fixtures like Shower Screen Replacement Sydney services but always choose a service provider who deals with pool fencing.
3. Leaving Climbable Objects Too Close to the Fence
Plants, furniture, pot stands or even floats or pool toys can provide children an opportunity to climb over the fence. This is one of the simplest rules to ignore and one of the most dangerous.
smart idea: Maintain a clear, 900mm non-climbable zone helping to keep children safely on their side of the fence. This involves pruning trees and considering moving furniture or decorative features.
4. Using the Wrong Materials for Your Environment
Not all materials perform equally well in terms of durability for outdoor conditions. Metal fences in coastal areas of Sydney, for instance, can corrode severely if they are not coated well. Wooden fences can warp, whilst low-grade glass panels weaken over time.
What works best: Frameless glass fencing is still, by far, the most workable and first-rate type of pool safety fencing in Sydney, it is safe, looks modern and lasts weather-wise. On top of that, it provides clear sightlines to the pool area improving supervision. If you like that clean look, you may wish to explore Frameless Shower Screen Sydney options, as the style crossover works wonderfully in modern homes
5. DIY Installation Without Experience
Pool fencing can feel easy until it isn’t. Just a small mistake with spacing or height, poor anchoring or a poorly installed gate can lead to failing compliance. Most DIY kits fail to meet safety codes.
Better solution: Use licensed installers that can promise aesthetically pleasing and legally compliant installations. Professionals also have the right tools and techniques, particularly for grading or sloped areas.
6. Delaying Repairs on Damaged Panels or Fixtures
A single loose panel or rusted latch may seem inconsequential but when an emergency occurs that’s all it takes for something to go wrong. Damaged glass panels can present a double risk in that they pose not only the risk of lack of containment but injury from broken shards.
What to look out for: Regular inspections should be conducted, especially after storms or accidents. For minor fixture problems, some providers that complete Shower Screens Repairs also complete glass pool fencing just to ensure that they are experienced for outdoor installations.
A backyard pool should be a place for relaxation without worrying about anything. When your fencing is poorly planned or installed, it can create a chance for safety hazards and compliance issues. And by avoiding these common mistakes, you not only protect your family, but also save time, money and frustration long term.
Whether you are going for a new build or need to fix an existing build, Trident Glass Services provides glass pool fencing for Sydney customers that is safe and stylish with compliance to standards. We offer everything from frameless pool fencing installations to repairs or replacement. We do it and we do it right from the beginning.
