7 Essential Pool Fence Safety tips for Australian pool owners

* Ensure you check with your state, council and Australian Standards AS 1926 about specific local rules for your swimming pool. Below is a general guide to having a safe pool area.

1. Ensure the Fence Is at Least 1.2 Metres High

All swimming pool barriers in Australia must be a minimum of 1.2 metres high from the finished ground level.

Why it matters:

This height significantly reduces the risk of young children climbing over the fence.

Expert tip:

Check for landscaping, pot plants, or retaining walls that may have raised the ground level and unintentionally reduced the effective fence height.

2. Keep Vertical Gaps Under 100mm

The spacing between vertical fence bars must not exceed 100mm.

Why it matters:

Children can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

Expert tip:

Timber fences can warp over time-regularly measure gaps, especially after hot summers or heavy rain.

3. Maintain a Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ)

Pool fences must have a clear non-climbable zone of at least 900mm on the outside of the fence.

This means no climbable objects such as:

• Chairs or pot plants
• BBQs
• Pool pumps or filter units
• Trees, trellises, or boundary fences

Expert tip:

Many compliance failures happen here-especially when new equipment is installed near the fence.

4. Ensure the Gate Is Self-Closing and Self-Latching

Pool gates must:

• Open away from the pool
• Self-close and self-latch from any position
• Latch at a minimum height of 1.5 metres (or shielded)

Why it matters:

Most pool drownings occur when gates are left open.

Expert tip:

Test your gate monthly. If it doesn’t fully latch every time, it’s not compliant.

5. Never Prop the Pool Gate Open

Even temporarily propping the gate open-during parties, cleaning, or BBQs-is extremely dangerous.

Why it matters:

It only takes seconds for a child to access the pool area.

Expert tip:

If you’re entertaining, assign one adult as a “water watcher” at all times.

6. Regularly Inspect Hinges, Latches & Ground Clearance

Over time, gates can sag and hinges can loosen.

Key checks:

• Gate must close freely
• Latch must engage fully
• Ground clearance under fence must not exceed 100mm

Expert tip:

Seasonal changes can cause movement-inspect at the start of summer and after storms.

7. Never Rely on the Fence Alone

A pool fence is a barrier, not a guarantee.

Always combine fencing with:

• Active adult supervision
• Swimming lessons for children
• CPR training for adults
• Pool alarms or covers (where appropriate)

Expert tip:

The strongest safety system is layers of protection, not a single measure.

Final Word from a Pool Safety Expert

In Australia, pool fences save lives, but only when they are compliant, well-maintained, and respected. Regular checks and good habits can prevent tragic accidents and most importantly is Adult supervision at all times.