Protection around swimming pools is very important, especially for children. Thus, home owners should abide by the government regulations regarding pool fencing.
Pool accidents remain a significant threat to children. One of the main causes of this tragedy is pool fencing deficiency. Hence, action must be taken by every pool owner as soon as possible.
Home owners must ensure that pools are enclosed by securing child-resistant barriers. It can prevent kids from possible injuries and damages. Accordingly, owners must check that these barriers fulfill the pool fencing requirements.
What are the requirements in pool fencing?
According to the NSW laws, these are the some requirements to guarantee that the fencing is safe. Pools are all different to it is important to have your barrier assessed by a professional that knows each standard well and can advise where the fencing is deficient.
The pool barriers must be at least 1200mm high all the way around outside of the pool.
The boundary fence must be at least 1800mm high inside of the pool.
The bottom of the fence and the ground gap should be no more than 100mm.
Vertical or near vertical bars on the fence and gate must be less than 100mm apart.
There should be no objects within 900mm on the top of the pool fence in any direction.
There should be a 300mm clearance on the barrier inside the pool area.
Swimming pool gates must open outwards and should be self-closing from any open position.
A CPR sign should be displayed directly around the pool area. It should be readable from a distance of 3 metres.
Barriers must have a NonClimbable Zone (NCZ) of 900mm on the outside of the pool fence all the way around. Trees, shrubs or other objects near the fence should not intrude into the NCZ area. Objects like pot plants, toys, ladders and barbecue stand must be outside this area.
To further ensure the reliability and safety of pool barriers, it should undergo maintenance.
This is to avoid unexpected failures that may occur any time. Additionally, it can helps your barrier to last longer.
Maintenance of the Pool Barrier
Maintenance of the Pool Fence includes but is not limited to the following:
Regularly check Gate functions as intended
Inspect and adjust Latching Device as needed
Examine fencing panels for correct gaps, rust, and others
Regularly check that all fence bolts are tight and in good order
Pool fence must be in a good state of repair (eg no holes, broken rails)
Even though maintenance is important, it is not enough to assure the safety of pool barriers.
It is hereby regarded that pool owners must conduct proper inspections. This is to verify that pool barriers passed all the obligatory qualifications stated previously. However, these requirements can be observed within specific circumstances.
When can the swimming pools be inspected?
Pools can generally be inspected in these conditions:
When the inspection is enforced because of the property type (multi-occupancy or tourist and visitor accommodation)
Prior to the sale or lease of the property
As part of a local council’s implemented inspection program
As per request by the owner
The Government has provided the pool owners a self-assessment checklist. Owners must find the right checklist applicable for their specifications. This is to identify whether pool fencing requirements are met. Nevertheless, it is the greatest responsibility of the proprietors to make sure that their pools are safe for everyone.
How to make sure pool fencing is safe?
Remember, your pool safety depends on your compliance with the law. If you are not sure about your pool barriers, you may ask for assistance from a reliable authority. A certified pool safety inspection company can perform the proper assessment and necessary actions for your pool fencing needs.