Swimming Pool Safety Barrier and Fence: What are the Basic Requirements?

June 28, 2021

Swimming pool barrier and fencing requirements for Melbourne and the surrounding areas are structured to help ensure pool area safety. If you own a home with a backyard pool, you must be certain that your pool boundary barrier meets the current safety requirements. 

Your pool area fencing must also comply with regulations for good security at all times. This is to help prevent any accidents or deaths that may occur if intruders should access your swimming pool at night or when you are away from home. It also aids in preventing any tragic events that can occur if children can access your pool when alone. 

Basic Requirements for a Swimming Pool Barrier and Fence In and Around Melbourne

The regulations about swimming pool barriers and fencing can vary somewhat in different Australian states. However, primary requirements for a safe swimming pool barrier and fence in Melbourne and surrounding areas include the following: 

1. Safety Barriers. Any swimming pool or spa that contains over 30 centimetres of water must have a safety barrier. This barrier must comply with current pool safety regulations. Both portable and inflatable pools must meet these requirements along with built-in, stationary pools. Children's play and paddling pools are also included. Ponds, dams, fountains and birdbaths are not included.
2. Fencing and Gates. Pool fences should be made from sturdy, durable materials. These materials must not contain holes, cracks, crevices or other damage. Fencing gates must be self-closing models that have self-locking latch designs. They should swing open in an outward direction from the pool. 

The gate latch should be installed on the inside of the gate and positioned so that pool users reach over the gate to unlatch and open it. If the latch is placed on the outside of the gate, it is required to be no less than 1.5 m. high. Gates should never be propped open since the regulations prohibit unlatched gates. 

3. Barrier and Fence Height. Boundary barriers and pool fencing should measure 1.8 metres in height, and pool fencing must be no less than 1.2 metres high. Be aware that ground levels can shift over time, which can result in non-compliant barriers and fences.

4. Other Requirements. Pool fences and barriers should be free of footholds or ledges that encourage children to climb up and enter the pool area. Trees, large plants and deck furniture should be placed away from pool barriers and fencing. 

This helps to prevent anyone from accessing the pool area during the night or when the homeowner is away. There should be no gaps between the panels, palings or between the ground and the fencing bottom that are greater than 10 cm. All barriers, fencing and gates must be maintained in good condition during all seasons of the year. Any weak areas or damage that may occur must be repaired immediately to comply with state regulations. 

By consulting our experts at Delorenzo Pools located in Skye, Victoria, and serving the entire Melbourne area, you can obtain excellent advice concerning the basic requirements for swimming pool safety barriers and fences. Our experienced professionals will guide you in installing the ideal barriers, fencing and gates to meet all regulations for your state and locale.

 

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