Pool Regulations

 Keep up to date with all the latest changes in pool fencing regulations with Fencepac!

 

Pool fencing regulations have recently changed - to reflect one standardised set of regulations which now apply to ALL pool owners alike. Prior to the change in December 2010, each pool had to comply with the regulations that applied during the time period the pool and fence was installed.

 

 

 Did you know?

  

ö  You must obtain a Building Approval before construction of your pool fence, or for any works that require more than 2.4 meters of fencing or more than 2 posts to be installed?
ö  Before selling or renting a property, you are required to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate?
ö  If you are not selling or renting the property, you have until 30 November 2015 to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate unless you sell or rent within this time?

 

 

 Tips to check that your pool fence complies

 

  • Pool fence barrier is at least 1200mm high at all times
  • There are no gaps greater than 100mm along your pool fence (this includes the gap below your pool fence)
  • There are no fixed, climable objects within 900mm radius from the top of the pool fence (this includes powerpoints, taps, window-sills, garden beds, tree branches, pot plants, furniture or other items which have a surface area greater than 10mm) Fixed climbable objects must be shielded / protected or moved to make these pool compliant
  • There are NO doors leading from a building into the pool area (including all buildings which do not have at least one side of the building permanently open ie: patio or pergola) Doors must be seperated with an approved pool fence barrier
  • All windows that form part of your pool fence barrier are fitted with fixed security grilles, or can open to a maximum of 100mm and the sills are 1200 high
  • Gates should always open AWAY from the pool
  • All gates can self close and self latch from ANY position (including 5mm open to fully open)
  • Never tie back or prop open your pool gates
  • Gate latches are positioned no lower than 1500mm from the ground level
  • Any intercepting fences do not have any climable rails or foot-holds greater than 10mm within 900mm of the intercepting pool fence
  • There is a 300mm clear zone on the inside of your pool fence (if your pool fence has vertical bars or perforations spaced more than 10mm apart)
  • You must display a current Australian Resuscitation CPR chart near the pool
  • You may need to earth any pool fencing or metal structures (such as handrails or steps) that are within 1250mm of the pool's edge, by installing an equipotential bond (refer to page 31 of the Swimming Pool Safty Guidelines April 2010). This work needs to be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

 

 

'Quick Fixes' for non-compliant fences 

 

If you pool fence fails any of these simple tips, here are some suggested 'Quick Fixes' to bring your fence up to the required standard.

 

  1. Replace, adjust or oil your gate hinges and latch if these are no longer self-closing
  2. Move furniture items, pot plants or similar at least 900mm away from the pool fence
  3. Cut or remove any tree branches or non-compliant plants
  4. Protect any fixed climable objects (such as taps and powerpoints) with a 600 shield
  5. For non compliant areas / sections, you may use a perforated mesh that has perforated openings of no more than 13mm x 13mm to cover problem areas or foot holds
  6. You may use sections of flat polycarbonate sheeting or perspex to shield climable objects
  7. Replace any broken or missing panels and timber palings
  8. To protect timber fence rails, secure a 'timber wedge' - a 600 pine fence rail that can be screwed to the top of a timber rail to eliminate it as a 'foot hold'. These are usually 2400mm long