Pool Fencing Laws in Australia

Despite the many efforts of the Australian government during the last decade, there was still an alarming number of tragic accidents involving children who drowned in their backyard swimming pools. Some of the causes of these terrible accidents include the natural curiosity of children, low supervision or total negligence from adults, and lack of pool safety equipment.

That is why back in 2012, updated pool fencing laws in Australia were enacted to totally eradicate children’s death by drowning in home pools.

If you have a swimming pool at your home or if you are planning to have one, make sure that you abide by the following Australian Standard for swimming pool fencing:

1. All pools with a depth of 300 mm and above must be fenced regardless of its size and shape.
2. A pool fence should be made out of sturdy, durable and non-climbable materials.
3. A pool fence should be permanently installed and is at least 1.2 metres high from the ground outside the fence enclosure.
4. The fence should not contain gaps that exceed 100 mm between vertical panels and should have a non-climbable zone of at least 900 mm radius.
5. The gate should be self-closing, self-latching, opens outward and has a child safety lock.
6. A door is not allowed to be a part of the pool barrier unless it is permanently shut.

All of these requirements are designed to keep children from accessing the swimming pool without adult supervision. They are applicable anywhere in Australia. However, different states and territories have their own additional guidelines when building a pool fence.

• Queensland – swimming pool fences should pass an inspection of a licensed inspector and must receive a pool safety certificate.
• New South Wales – Aside from passing inspection, pool fences should be registered with NSW Swimming Pool Register.
• Victoria – A building permit must be obtained for pool fencing. Fences are allowed to have windows provided that they are less than 1 meter-wide when opened.
• Australian Capital Territory – Pool fences must also comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) specifications.
• Northern Territory – Pools that were built before 2003 must with the new Australian Standard or the Community Safety Standard. For those that were built from 2003 onwards, they must abide by the new Australian Standard and must be Pool Safety Advisor certified.
• Western Australia – All pool barriers that were built pre-May 1, 2016 may consist of fence, wall or gate, and must comply with Australian Standard. All pool barriers that were built after May 1, 2016, should comply with Australian Standard and BCA.

In order to comply with the Pool Fencing Laws set by American Standard and Building Code of Australia, you must choose a reputable pool and barrier builders just like Burleigh Pools. We build pools and fences according to the laws and regulations of the Australian government. Contact us for any swimming pool or spa needs in Queensland and New South Wales.