Legal Requirements for Pool Fencing in South Australia
In South Australia, pool owners must comply with the Australian Standard AS1926.1-2012, which sets out the minimum safety requirements for pool barriers, including fences and gates.
These regulations are designed to ensure that pool fencing is high enough, secure, and non-climbable to prevent unauthorized access by young children.
Below are the key requirements for pool fences in South Australia:
Minimum and Maximum Height of Pool Fences in Adelaide
Minimum Height: The pool fence must be at least 1.2 meters (1200mm) high around the entire pool perimeter. This height is considered adequate to prevent young children from climbing over the fence and reduce the risk of accidental access to the pool area.
Maximum Height: While no specific “maximum” height is set for pool fences, any fence that forms part of a boundary between properties must meet a minimum height of 1.8 meters (1800mm). This ensures that the fence is high enough to prevent climbing or access from neighbouring properties.
Non-Climbable Zones and Pool Fence Design
The design of the fence must prevent climbing. To achieve this, the regulations specify a Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ).
The top of the pool fence must be at least 900mm away from climbable objects such as trees, pergolas, barbecues, or toys that could give children a foothold.
To avoid climbing risks, nearby structures must not be within arm’s reach of the pool fence.
Pool Gates and Safety Latches
The gate leading to the pool area is one of the most critical components of the safety barrier. To ensure maximum safety:
The gate must “open outward” away from the pool area to prevent children from pushing it open easily.
It must have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism that works automatically when the gate is used. This ensures that the gate remains securely closed even if someone forgets to latch it manually.
Continuous Barrier Requirement for Pool Fences
South Australia mandates that all pools have a continuous safety barrier around them. This means the fence cannot have gaps or openings that would allow children to pass through. The fencing must surround the pool completely, restricting access from all sides.
In South Australia, a minimum distance is specified for gaps in pool fencing. According to the Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012, the gaps between vertical members of the fence should not exceed 100mm (10cm). Additionally, the gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground cannot exceed 100mm.
Boundary Fences as Pool Barriers
Sometimes, a property’s boundary fence may be part of the pool’s safety barrier. If so, the fence must meet the same requirements as regular pool fencing. Specifically, it must be at least 1.8 meters high and have no climbable features, such as protruding rails or footholds, within 900mm of the top.
This regulation ensures that even if the boundary fence is used, it provides the same level of safety as a purpose-built pool fence.
Inspection and Certification of Pool Fencing
In South Australia, a qualified professional must inspect newly installed pool fences to ensure they meet the required safety standards. Failing to comply with pool safety regulations can result in penalties, including fines.
Moreover, in some cases, local councils may require pool owners to seek certification confirming their pool fence complies with safety standards before the pool is filled with water.
Maintenance of Pool Fences
Pool fences can degrade or become less effective over time due to weathering, wear and tear, or damage.
As a pool owner, you are responsible for ensuring that the pool fence remains in good condition and continues to meet the safety standards. This means regularly checking that gates latch correctly, that there are no gaps in the fencing, and that the fence is not climbable.
Adhering to pool fencing regulations in South Australia is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial step in ensuring your family’s and others’ safety.
The minimum height for pool fencing is 1.2 meters, with boundary fences requiring a height of at least 1.8 meters. Pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and the fence should not have climbable objects within 900mm of its top.
Complying with these regulations will help prevent accidents and keep your pool a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
If you require any additional information about the pool safety recommendations for your state check out the resources available from SPASA (Swimming Pool and Spa Association).
For more information on how to ensure your pool fencing meets South Australian safety regulations, contact Fidus.
ABOUT US
Fidus Pool Fencing is a South Australian owned pool fencing company with over 10 years trade experience.
Here at Fidus, we are committed to giving our customers the highest quality in pool fencing installations, offering a variety of products such as frameless glass pool fencing, aluminium tubular fencing, batten fencing, temporary pool fencing and frameless glass balustrades. We use only the best methods of installation to ensure a safer and stronger finish.
Trust Fidus Pool Fencing to provide quality pool fencing solutions that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
For more information about us or your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
