Why Pool Fencing is a Requirement?

Pools can present a significant danger if left unattended, especially to young children and small animals. The best way to avoid an accident is to limit access to the pool when unattended, and that is where pool fencing comes in. Quality fencing also acts as an additional barrier against slipping and falling.

Pool Fencing Rules and Regulations 2020

Australian states and territories differ in their regulations and rules around pool fencing but the Australian Standard AS1926.1-2012 is effective in many Australian states. It covers key aspects of the swimming pool fencing; the fence itself, any gates or windows, and how a non-climbable zone should be defined.

Fencing

• 1.2m in height (measured from the ground) or 1.8m in the case of a boundary fence
• No more than 100mm between the ground and the start of fencing
• Vertical bars or support struts should not have a gap of more than 100mm
• Horizontal bars should be 900m apart minimum
• Any holes in the fencing design should not be larger than 13mm
• The fencing should be in good condition without any unintended holes

Gates and Windows

• Gates should be fitted with a unidirectional self-closing mechanism
• Gates should be fitted with a self-latching system
• Latches should be 1.5m above ground level
• The gate should open away from the swimming pool
• Windows should have a secure locking mechanism and not be allowed to open more than 100mm

A Non-climbable Zone

A non-climbable zone should be defined around the pool fencing to prevent animals and young children from easily climbing over the pool fencing. The non-climbable zone should be measured in an arc shape from the fencing and should cover 900mm minimum. The non-climbable zone should not contain any items which can be used as hands or footholds to climb the fence. Finally, there should be at least 300mm between the fencing and the pool on the poolside, and clear warning signage (i.e. CPR signage) should be posted.

Certificate of Compliance

A certificate of compliance is issued by either a council inspector or private certifier to prove that the pool fencing and safety have been examined and found to be up to standards. If any issues are found with your swimming pool, then the inspector, either council or private, will issue advice on what the issues are so that you know the relevant steps that must be taken to bring the pool up to code. You should also make sure to get this advice in writing, rather than relying on verbal advice from the inspector as it will allow you to better communicate what needs to be done with the pool builder.

You can always check the status of a pool’s certificate of compliance on the Government swimming pool register website.

CPR Signage

In the event of an accident, CPR can help in the crucial minutes before medical help arrives. Placing CPR signage in a prominent area near the pool (easily readable from 3m away) can serve as a vital reminder on both what should be done and how. Good and compliant signage should remind people of the DRSABCD system:

Danger? – Check for danger to yourself, the patient, and bystanders.

Response? – Check the patient for response by talking (i.e. ask name) and touching (i.e. squeezing shoulders).

Send for help – if unresponsive send for help by calling triple zero (000). Stay with the patient until qualified personnel arrives.

Airway – open the airway and ensure it is clear. If not, roll the patient onto their side and clear the airway.

Breathing – Check for breathing (look, listen and feel). If the patient is not breathing normally then start CPR.

CPR – Start CPR (30 chest compressions: 2 rescue breaths) and continue until help arrives or the patient recovers.

Defibrillator – Apply if available and follow prompts.

How Narellan Pools Can Help

Narellan Pools is an iconic Australian business with almost 50 years of experience creating high-quality fibreglass swimming pools for our clients. We complete all our pool construction and installation work to a level exceeding industry standards and legal compliance. When you commission a fibreglass swimming pool from Narellan Pools, you can be assured that you are getting the benefit of decades of experience in providing quality, safe, legally compliant swimming pool solutions.