Having a functional pool fence does not just add to the beauty of your pool, it is a critical factor to avoid accidental falls, with data showing most of drownings in private swimming pools involves children under 5. If the pool fencing is not done right, it becomes a liability more than a security factor. Therefore, those who are looking for pool fencing in Sydney should be aware of the safety requirements relating to pool fencing in New South Wales.
Pool Fencing Laws & Regulations in New South Wales
When you are looking to get a pool fence or gate in Sydney, it is important to know that the requirements for child-resistant pool fences and barriers are different. Based on when the pool was built and where the pool is located on the premises, it can be categorised into the following: pools constructed before 30 August 2008 (AS 1926-1986), pools constructed between 1 September 2008 to 30 April 2013 (AS 1926.1 – 2007) and pools constructed after 1 May 2013 (AS1926.1 – 2012).
When you are looking for a pool fencing company in Sydney, it is important to know that the fences or barriers will comply with the regulations.
Pool fence requirements & guidelines:
a minimum height of 1.2m from the ground
a maximum gap of 10 cm at the bottom
if a boundary fence is part of the pool fence, the barrier must be 1.8m high
a maximum gap of 10 cm between any vertical bars in the fence (usually in case of cast iron or metal, but frameless glass pool fences would not have this issue)
if containing horizontal climbable bars, they must be spaced at least 90cm apart
perforated or mesh barriers must have holes of a maximum of 13mm for fence heights of 1.2m
perforated or mesh barriers of 1.8m height with holes greater than 13mm must not exceed 100mm
And of course, the pool fence must be well maintained and functional.
What About Fencing for Spa Pools?
Any spa pool that does not have a securely fastened, child-resistant structure that prevents access to the spa when not in use requires pool fencing by law.
Doors Within Pool Fences
Some pool fencing companies offer barriers that include a door, in which case you must ensure that the door self-closes and latches. It is also required to have a manual release with the latching device at least 150cm off the ground, does not open towards the pool and other important rules that pool fencing specialists are well versed in.
Pool Fence and Gate Maintenance
It is important to ensure that your pool fence or gate is well maintained and in functional order, with all fence bolts, screws, and fasteners tight and any self-closing gate hinges, locks and latches sprayed and lubricated.
As a leading glass pool fencing company in Sydney, we ensure that any project we complete complies with the regulations in place for NSW. It is important to use this article as a guide only, as there are many variations and updates to the laws and regulations. We install pool fences and gates across Sydney and provide instructions on how to maintain your pool fence and gate. If you would like to request a quote, contact us today and we will guide you through everything you need for your project.
For further information or to organise a FREE measure and quote you can contact Sydney Frameless Glass on 1300 388 920.