Home Pools - Fencing Requirements

What needs to be fenced?

For the purposes of the Act a swimming pool is defined as any excavation, structure or product containing water over 400mm deep that is used or is capable of being used for swimming, wading, paddling or bathing and includes spa and inflatable pools.

All pools must be fenced.  Pools must remaining empty until an approved complying fence is installed.  Contact your local council for more details.

It is recommended that where possible pools and the immediate pool area are surrounded by isolation fencing to prevent throughfare of young children from the house to the pool.

The fencing must comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and the Building Code.

Cut the risk before you have to count the cost.

Fencing that complies with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 is a critically important part of having a safe home environment for children. You can cut the risks even further by:

• maintaining the fence and gate in good condition;
• always supervising children in or near a pool;
• always making sure the gate to the pool is safely shut;
• setting rules of behaviour around the pool;
• covering the area around the pool with a non-slip surface;
• clearing away toys and flotation aids when they are not being used;
• making sure children and adults alike understand that they must NEVER prop open the pool gate;
• making sure there are no objects near the pool fence which a child could use to climb up or stand on to get over the fence;
• learning first aid and resuscitation.

Ask yourself: Is your pool safe?

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