Pool Glass Fencing Regulations: What You Need to Know

When it comes to pool safety, regulations are in place to ensure that everyone is kept safe. Pool glass fencing is one of the most popular options for pool safety, as it provides a secure barrier between the pool and the rest of the property. But what are the regulations for pool glass fencing? In this article, we'll take a look at the standard requirements for glass fences, as well as the regulations for pool safety in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and New South Wales. According to the standard requirements for glass fences, barriers must be at least 900 mm away from objects that can be climbed. For your peace of mind, your authorized installer will advise you on the best solution to minimize the risk of unwanted entry.

A pool fence must be 1200 mm high. Measurements are taken from any point considered at ground level. The fence must be installed before a new pool fills with water. If you sell your property with a pool or spa pool, you are responsible for ensuring that the current safety requirements for pool safety are met. This may mean that you have to improve fences or barriers.

Talk to our glass pool fence experts today and calculate what products you need for your fence and how much it will cost. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death—or permanent and disabling injury—in young children. Most drownings and related injuries occur in home pools. You can reduce the risk of accidents occurring in your pool or spa pool by installing appropriate safety barriers for the pool and ensuring that young children are supervised at all times.

Swimming Pools in South Australia (SA)

Swimming pools in South Australia (SA) must comply with development regulations. Please note that, for the purposes of our summary, the words fence and barrier have the same meaning. Where barriers may be inclined or staggered, the Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ) must be maintained at all times.

When the spacing between vertical members is 10 mm or less, scalable objects, including horizontal components, are allowed if they are inside the barrier, as a child would not be able to reach them. Boundary fences that are part of the pool area must also have an NCZ located on top of the inside of the fence to discourage a young child from easily accessing the pool area from the adjoining property by going down the border fence and pool area. In addition, the latch device must be at least 150 mm (15 cm) below the top of the door if a hand hole is not provided, or at least 150 mm (15 cm) below the edge of any hand hole opening if a hand hole is provided.

Australian Building Code Compliance

This Standard (AS 1926.2 — 200) refers to many of these cases in detail. Swimming pools in South Australia (SA) must show CPR signaling. CPR is an acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

It's a crucial first aid response that can save lives. It is recommended that someone on the property have resuscitation skills.

Pool Safety Fences in South Australia (SA)

Pool Safety Fences in South Australia (SA) Must Have CPR Signs Attached. Eligible CPR signage may be available at your local pool store, council, St. John Ambulance, branch of the Australian Red Cross or Royal Life Saving.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

To especially protect young children (up to age) from the risks of serious injury and drowning, the ACT Government regulates and enforces strict safety compliance requirements for pool fencing in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

All ACT pools or spas that retain water to a depth greater than 300 mm (30 cm) must have a pool safety barrier. Pool safety fence must be certified according to Australian standards by a building surveyor (also known as a “building certifier”) licensed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). And a Certificate of Occupancy & Use issued under the Building Act of 2004 is required. The Australian Building Code (BCA) is used as a reference for inspections and certification of swimming pool safety barriers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Compliance with The Australian Building Code

Compliance with The Australian Building Code (BCA) is required for all pool safety fencing in The ACT Where barriers may be sloped or staggered, The NCZ must be maintained at all times. BUT, The NCZ should be located at The top, inside The fence, to prevent a small child from easily accessing The pool area from The adjoining property by going down The border fence and pool area.

CPR Signaling

Post CPR signs on your pool safety fence Check with your pool supplier or local safety professional, as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) signage may already be a requirement in your region.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you place CPR signs on your pool safety barrier, even if it is not required by law. The sign must be readable from 3 meters and always kept in good condition. CPR signs can be purchased at your local pool shop or council, and from community organizations such as St John Ambulance, The Australian Red Cross, or Royal Life Saving.

Swimming Pool Safety in New South Wales (NSW)

Swimming Pool Safety in New South Wales (NSW) is managed, regulated and enforced by The NSW Government — Fair Trade. Due to The large number of drownings and permanent injuries of young children in home pools, compliance with Pool Safety Fence Regulations in New South Wales (NSW) is strictly enforced and violators can be severely penalized.

In New South Wales

In New South Wales, Pool Fence Legislation, Regulations, Laws, Compliance and Safety Records revolve around The construction date of your Pool. Then Standard AS 1926-1986 applies Fences and Gates for Private Swimming Pools.

Please note that for The purposes of this summary The words Fence and Barrier have The same meaning.

Additional Regulations

In addition to The three standards described above on this page for Pool Safety Fencing in New South Wales (NSW), there are also additional regulations.

CPR Signaling

CPR Signaling is mandatory in New South Wales (NSW). CPR is an acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation; a vital first response activity in The event of an accident or medical emergency. In New South Wales The law requires you to have a CPR sign near your swimming Pool i.e. On The Fence of The Pool and Gate. The sign must be in good condition and easily readable from 3 meters. You can purchase a CPR sign from your local Pool Store Council or Community Organizations such as St John Ambulance The Australian Red Cross or Royal Life Saving.

Australian Building Code Compliance - NSW Pool Safety Fencing

NSW Pool Owners have a duty and responsibility to comply with The stipulations of The Australian Building Code.

The NSW Government — Fair Trade regulates enforces and monitors compliance with Pool Safety Fencing Regulations throughout New South Wales.

Conclusion

Pool glass fencing provides an attractive solution for keeping your family safe around your swimming pool while still allowing you to enjoy its beauty. However it's important to make sure that you comply with all relevant regulations when installing glass fencing around your swimming pool so that you can ensure maximum safety for everyone who uses it.

Lucy Robinson
Lucy Robinson

I'm a writer experienced in writing about current events and career development advice in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.