Pool Fence Compliance
For pool owners in Sydney and across New South Wales, understanding pool fencing regulations is vital for safety and compliance. NSW regulations, under the Swimming Pools Act 1992, Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, and Australian Standard AS1926.1 – 2012, focus on preventing accidental drownings. This guide outlines key regulations, materials, maintenance tips, and trusted resources for compliance.
Children are curious and love to swim, attracted by the fun of the cool, blue water in the backyard swimming pool. The pool fence can help keep children out of the pool and
ensure pool safety.
3 quick checks for pool fence compliance
Local councils also have laws around the type and features of pool fencing to safeguard everyone. There are hefty penalties for non-compliant pool fencing so these easy checks can keep your family and friends safe.
1. Check the Pool Fence
The height of the fence should measure a minimum of 1200mm, from the ground level to the top of the fence.
There should also be a gap of less than 100mm from the ground level to the bottom of the fence.
Any horizontal rails should be at least 900m apart and where there is no gap between these rails, they must be on the inside (pool side) of the fencing and not to exceed 10mm in width. Vertical rungs should be no further than 100mm.
These standards are to prevent children from climbing over or through the pool fence to enter the pool area unsupervised.
2. Check the climbable zones
A pool fence works well in deterring children from entering the pool, however, there should be no fixtures within a certain distance of the pool fence, that can be used to climb over it.
For pool fencing that is less than 1800mm in height, the climbable zone is 900mm from the outside of the fence. This means that items that can be used to climb onto the pool fence such as BBQ’s, pot plants, tree branches, and outdoor furniture need to be more than 900mm away from the pool fence.
In instances where the vertical rungs are more than 100mm apart, there is an additional climbable zone of 300mm measured from the inside of the pool fence.
Special attention needs to be taken on properties with retaining walls, or uneven ground levels that they can’t be used as a booster to climb over the pool fence.
3. Check all gates used on the pool fence.
Gates should have self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. The latch must be on the inside of the pool fence and at least 1500mm from ground level or 1400mm from the bottom horizontal rail, to prevent young children from reaching the latch.
The gate must open outwards (away from the pool area).
Any gate hinges that are wider than 10mm, must be 900mm apart from each other or covered with non-climbable hinge covers. These are available from your local pool fence supplier.
4. For up-to-date details
see the NSW Fair Trading site, which set and monitor standards:
5. Compliance Inspections and Registration
In NSW, pool owners must register pools on the NSW Swimming Pool Register, and any property with a pool requires a Certificate of Compliance before being sold or leased. Councils conduct inspections periodically to ensure that fences remain compliant.
For registration and compliance details, visit:
Keeping your pool fence in line with NSW regulations is essential for legal and safety reasons. By adhering to local requirements, choosing quality materials, and performing regular maintenance, you can create a safe and stylish pool area. For the latest guidance, consult the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Fair Trading, and the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Staying informed helps you maintain a compliant, beautiful pool area that enhances the safety and value of your property.
Still not sure if your pool fence is compliant? Call Modular Glass now, we’re happy to pop around to double check your pool fence is safe from children and you are compliant with your local council regulations.
