In New South Wales, owning a swimming pool is not just a convenient lifestyle, but also a significant commitment. There are safety measures to take to comply with the state’s laws about pool barriers, which must be followed by any pool owner.
Installing the correct fence is not only legal compliance; it’s part of providing a safe environment for everyone, especially children, pets or guests. Whether you are looking to upgrade existing fences or install pool fencing Sydney for the first, knowing the fundamentals will allow you to remain safe and legally protected.
Why Pool Fence Safety Matters
Drowning is still one of the highest causes of accident-related deaths to children in the age group of 0-4 in Australia and most drownings occur in backyard pools, and the lack of proper fencing is a major contributing factor to this.
A compliant fence acts to create protection or barrier that provides children a safe area away from the pool and property owners can be assured it has reduced the possibility of a pool entry without supervision, but also protected the property owner’s peaceful enjoyment of their home and in compliance with NSW’s safety obligations.
What many don’t understand is even if the fence is not compliant for safety, there is the additional risk a property owner could be held liable legally and suffer financial penalties or legal issues.
If they have an unsafe pool area. Any non-compliance comes with possible fines or risk of being found liable under NSW regulations for any unsafe area or condition. Installing a fence to comply with regulations is an obligation and safety precaution.
Minimum Fence Height
NSW regulations state that pool fences must be a minimum height of 1.2 metres. This would help to ensure that children cannot climb over so easily and even being a few centimetres short could make your fence non-compliant. Accuracy in these kinds of installations is essential. Always measure from the finished ground level (not the grass or temporary surfaces) to avoid problems later.
Gap and Clearance Rules
It is not only the measurement in overall height they also look at:
NSW law states:
- A gap no greater than 100mm between the bottom of the fence and ground.
. - They also look at the distance of vertical gaps in the fence structure being equal to or less than 100mm.
- In addition to this any horizontal climbable components should not have a space greater than 900mm from one climbable component to the next, so no child can use it as a ladder!
Many of these small details are what actually make the difference, in turning the fence from being a passive to an active fence.
Gate Requirements
Pool gates have strict rules:
- They must self-close and self-latch.
- The latch must be higher than 1.5 meters from the ground and out of reach of children.
- Gates must swing outward, away from the pool area, limiting the potential for accidental pushes that would allow access.
An incorrectly installed or broken gate can then undo the safety of the entire safety system, so it is important to check for maintenance regularly!
CPR Signage
All NSW pools must have a resuscitation (CPR) sign, which is easy to see from poolside. This is not just a checklist requirement, it gives guidance if an emergency occurs. The sign must be consistent with current Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
Keeping the Surroundings Clear
Even with the most robust fence in place, a variety of objects can quickly become places to climb over the fence. New South Wales regulations specify a 900mm non-climbable space around the outside of a swimming pool fence. In practical terms, this means keeping pot plants, tables & chairs, barbecues and all sorts of transient items well away from the pool barrier.
Overhanging branches of neighbouring trees must also be trimmed, or any footholds created must be removed. Likewise, outdoor furniture which are usually moved about for parties, outdoor dominos etc. can often create a risk space.
It’s also good to regularly scan the area to identify new hazards like new decorative pieces, ladders or just a few things you have stored temporarily! All these aids can greatly assist in maintaining a clear safety zone around your swimming pool.
Inspections and Compliance Certificates
In New South Wales, numerous local councils will undertake random pool inspections, and the responsibility of ensuring ongoing compliance accordingly rests totally with the property owner. If you lease a property containing a swimming pool or sell such a property, you are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance or Non-Compliance from the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
This makes regular self-inspections and professional inspections very appealing to avoid penalties/charges.
Choosing the Right Fence
Although safety and compliance are paramount when it comes to your pool fence, the material you choose can establish the visual appeal of your home. For example, glass pool fencing has become immensely popular as it looks good while maintaining durability. Because of the diminished visibility glass fencing provides, it goes a long way to provide peace of mind when children are swimming as parents can see everything while also keeping an eye on the pool area.
At Trident Glass Services, we have many high-quality glass fencing solutions available to meet all NSW safety compliance. Whether you’re replacing an old pool fence or installing a new one, we will ensure that your pool area is safe, compliant and aesthetically pleasing.
Pool safety starts with the pool fence and is a shared responsibility for NSW homeowners. A pool fence must maintain a specific height, have particular gaps, properly installed gates and CPR signage.
It’s important to consider that staying compliant not only saves lives but also saves you from fines! If you’re planning to install or upgrade your pool barrier and you want to employ an expert, Trident Glass Services has you covered with their expert solutions in glass balustrade Sydney. A safe pool is a smart investment for your family and your peace of mind.
