Understanding Pool Fencing Regulations: A Quick Guide
Table of Contents:
What the Rules Say: Important Regulations for Pools in New South Wales
Signage: It’s Required
If you own a pool in New South Wales, it’s not just about keeping the water clean and having fun in the sun. There are strict pool fencing regulations you need to follow to keep everyone—especially young kids—safe. Whether it’s a new swimming pool or a portable pool in the backyard, a compliant pool barrier is a must.
This guide breaks it all down in plain language: what you need, what to avoid, and how to stay on the right side of pool safety laws.
Why Pool Fencing Matters?
Pool fencing is a lifesaver, and it saves lives in the simplest of ways. Drowning is one of the most common causes of unintentional death for children younger than five years of age. Private swimming pools are the primary setting for these unfortunate incidents.
Consequently, your local council has safety standards regarding pools which must be followed.
Every pool or spa within your property borders requires an uninterrupted safety barrier at all times. This includes above-ground swimming pools, inflatable pools deeper than 30cm, and spa pool setups.
Your backyard swimming pool can be a source of joy, and having a compliant pool barrier is important to make things safer and prevent accidents.
What the Rules Say: Important Regulations for Pools in New South Wales
Fencing pools in New South Wales is taken very seriously and comes with strict regulations for protective reasons.
Here’s what your pool fence needs to have: Minimum height, gap size, non-climbable zone, self-closing gates, and latch positions, as outlined in the swimming pool fencing requirements in Australia.
• Minimum Height: The height should be no lower than 1.2 meters from the ground.
• Gap size: Should not exceed 10cm space underneath the fence.
• Non-climbable Zone: Fenced area requires a 90cm gap devoid of trees, chairs, or anything that can be climbed.
• Self-closing gate: The pool gate must not be assisted in the closing process.
• Latch Position: Nothing below 1.5 meters, regarded as being within reach for young children, should be within touchable distance for a latch.
Yes, this does apply to spa pools, both above ground and of a new kind. All kinds of pool barriers that are found on a person’s property are the individual’s responsibility.
What About Windows and Doors?
If you're home is right beside the swimming area (such as if you have a sliding door that leads directly to it), it still needs to meet the pool safety laws:
Windows must be repaired or stoppers must be installed to keep them from being opened more than 10cm.
Doors shouldn't allow people to proceed directly to the swimming area unless they close and secure themselves.
This all ties into having a compliant safety barrier that can’t be accidentally bypassed.
Pool Safety Standards: Learning About AS1926.
The rules aren't random—they are derived from Australian Standard AS1926.1 for pool safety which specifies what safety equipment you must use for all swimming pools and spas.
It forms part of the Building Code of Australia and specifies what safety equipment you must use for all swimming pools and spas. If you own a house that has a pool or are planning to install one, you must follow this code.
The newest version, AS1926.1- 2012, encompasses everything from how to design a swimming pool safety gate to how to install your entire pool environment.
Boundary Fences and Your Pool
If your boundary fence doubles as a pool fence, it must meet certain height and safety standards. Explore residential fencing solutions that help meet these regulations.
If it forms part of the pool barrier, it should be at least 1.8 metres high.
There must continue to be a no-climb zone on the pool side.
If it is part of a retaining wall, the height requirement still applies.
Overall, you have to verify local council regulations regarding boundary fencing prior to incorporating it into your pool design.
Different Rules for Different Pool Ages
Not all pools were just installed yesterday, and in NSW, there are regulations based on when you installed your pool or spa.
Pools Built Before 1 August 1990
These don’t automatically need to be fenced off from the house—but access must be restricted by other means (like doors with compliant locks).
However, installing an actual fence is the best bet. You could consider timber fencing options to maintain a natural look while ensuring safety compliance.
Pools Built Between 1 August 1990 and 1 July 2010
These need to be fenced, but there are exceptions based on the property size and layout.
Pools Built After 1 July 2010
A fence must be placed between all new swimming pools and the house, garage, or yard.
Planning a pool? You must first obtain permission to construct the pool. After that, a qualified pool safety inspector will inspect everything once it is completed.
Portable and Inflatable Pools
Many people are unaware that inflatable pools and portable spa pools must also comply with pool fencing laws if they are more than 30 centimetres deep.
Yes, your inflatable pool from the store may require:
A barrier that conforms to pool safety laws
Rules for gaps and height that must be followed
Safety features that must be included in pool gates
Inflatable swimming pools also need clearly marked warnings about the dangers of drowning. When you set one up, it’s wise to check with your local authority about the dos and don’ts.
Spa Pools
Spa pool owners have additional items to maintain. Regardless of whether it is a portable swimming pool or a built-in spa, it will require:
A suitable safety barrier (unless it has a lockable cover that complies with the regulations)
To be included in the list of swimming pools for NSW.
To be regularly checked and looked after.
So you need to ensure all spa pool covers are appropriately secured so children can't access them. Otherwise, you’ll need to install a fence like that for ordinary pools.
Maintenance and Inspections
No matter how good a pool security fence is, it can't do its job if it is either broken or blocked. Broken or blocked fences can be an invitation for children to go into the pool area when they shouldn't.
It is very important to either do regular pool inspections yourself or have a licensed pool safety inspector do them. When doing such an inspection, pay attention to the following:
- Gates that do not close by themselves
- Hinges that are rusty or loose
- Items that can be climbed near the fence
- Fence panels are becoming detached
In New South Wales, pools that are already in existence must be examined when the property is being sold or rented. If your pool or spa does not comply, you can be fined on the spot.
Common Compliance Mistakes
Pool owners can be caught out by a few things, such as:
- Ensure that chairs, pot plants, and ladders are left outside the area where climbing is not allowed.
- Not repairing a faulty latch
- Allowing spaces open up beneath the fence.
- Failing to update the fencing following the installation of a new swimming pool
If you're still unclear about your pool's setup, let's schedule a pool inspection. It's much safer to solve minor problems now than to deal with risks associated with them later, especially the risk of incurring fines or having an accident that can lead to injury or even death.
Signage: It’s Required
A CPR sign needs to be placed close to your swimming pool or spa.
Visibility must be achieved from a distance of 3 meters.
The steps for resuscitation must be clearly outlined and easy to follow.
For all pools constructed after May 2016, it is a legal requirement.
Even for temporary swimming pools, private swimming pools or above-ground spa pool pools, signs for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are a must. They aren't just there to keep you in compliance with regulations—they could actually help save a life.
In A Nutshell
If you have a new or an existing swimming pool, or if you are considering a portable spa, the regulations governing pool safety in New South Wales are straightforward:
- Your pool barrier must be compliant.
- Regular checks and maintenance are necessary.
- And you must be accountable for its security.
Everything about your pool should be fun and allow you to relax, taking you away from the stresses of life.
Enhance your space even more with outdoor living and landscaping services.
Greg Hair, owner of Slide Living, has over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality landscaping and outdoor living solutions across Albury-Wodonga and surrounding regions.
Known for his attention to detail and great customer care, Greg has transformed hundreds of properties, specialising in everything from fencing, decking and home irrigation.
SLIDE Living is fully licensed and insured, ensuring top-notch workmanship and customer satisfaction on every project.
