If you have swimming pools in your backyard, it is not enough just to fill it with water and have a good time. As pool owners, there are certain responsibilities and things you need to know.
Pool owners must ensure that everyone who comes close to the pool (especially the kids) is safe. With that, a child-resistant pool barrier is needed to be installed.
If you are planning to properly install a pool fence for your swimming pool, there are a few things that must be considered. To guide pool owners, here is a quick guide on pool safety fence installation.
Planning your pool fence
When planning to install a pool barrier, there are some things that pool owners must take into consideration. One of these is to choose the pool fence style.
The style and looks of the pool fence is a personal decision of the pool owner. They can pick from these pool fencing styles:
Glass fencing – from this type of pool fencing, you can choose if you want it to be frameless or semi-frameless. This type of pool fence is perfect for those who want to make their pool fence more sophisticated.
Stainless steel fencing – this type of pool fencing is durable, cost-effective and will only require little maintenance.
Removable mesh pool fencing – this is one of the most efficient types of pool fencing since it is transparent, fully removable and easy to use.
Vertical bar fencing – this is the most versatile and most common type of swimming pool fence. This can be made from wrought iron, wood or aluminium depending on your preferences.
Colorbond fencing – this type of pool fencing is being recognised in Australia slowly because it is stylish and instantly recognisable. It may obscure the view of your pool but this type of pool fencing can last for a long time.
Aside from the style, pool owners must follow certain pool safety compliance regulations in NSW.
Pool fence legislation requirements
According to the Swimming Pool Act, all pools that can be filled with 300mm of water is required to have a compliant child-resistant pool barrier. Here are the important pool fence requirements in NSW:
1. The pool fence must be at least 1200mm in height.
2. The fence should have a gap of 100mm from the bottom of the fence to the ground.
3. If a boundary fence is used as part of the pool fence, it should have a minimum height of 1800mm. There should be no handholds or footholds around the fence that will allow kids to access to the pool.
4. For pool barriers with vertical bars, the vertical gaps should not be more than 100mm apart.
5. For pool fence with horizontal bars, the gaps should be 900mm apart.
6. Pool gate must be self-closing from any position and should latch by itself.
7. The pool gate should open away from the pool.
8. A non-climbable zone should be maintained within 900mm. This means that there should be no potential foot holds such as shrubs, chairs, ladders, pot plants, etc. that will enable children to access to the pool within the zone.
9. CPR and resuscitation signs must be displayed in the vicinity of the pool area. It must be read from a distance of 3m.
When installing the pool fence, it is crucial to make sure that your pool fence follows all the safety requirements discussed above.
Important reminders for pool owners
Below are some reminders that pool owners should keep in mind when installing pool fence.
1. Make sure to follow all the pool safety compliance regulations.
2. Be reminded that pool compliance requirements in Australia are different from each state.
3. Pool owners must register their pools at the NSW Pool Register. This can only be done online. Failure to register their pools can be charged up to $220.
4. A pool inspection is needed to assess your pool and see whether it is compliant or not. This pool inspection may cost from $300 for the initial inspection.
5. Get a good and reliable pool certifier for your pool inspection.
6. After a comprehensive pool compliance inspection, a certificate of compliance will be issued when the pool is found to be compliant. However, if it is not compliant, a certificate of non-compliance is issued.
Why are there so many pool safety fence installation failed in Australia?
One of the most common struggles of pool owners in Australia is that they failed at pool safety fence installation. This mistake is often made because some tradesmen or installers of pool fence do not understand the compliance regulations in NSW.
To solve this, it is important to find a pool compliance inspector who does not only provide inspection services but also selling pool fence and installing them properly.
Conclusion
Installing a safe and compliant pool fence is very crucial. If you don’t pay close attention to installing your pool fence properly, the safety of your kids might be at risk.
If you are still in doubt when it comes to pool safety fence installation, don’t hesitate to call My Pool Safety. They can assist you with your pool compliance needs including pool safety barriers installation, pool inspection and pool fence repair services.