Recently purchased a new house with a pool? Good times are coming! But before you allow the kids to splash around or have your first-ever pool party, there is one crucial thing to do: get the pool safety fencing sorted out. In Australia, it is the law. And since drowning is one of the major causes of accidental deaths among small children, a safe and compliant pool fence is more than necessary.
Here is how to select the most secure pool fence for your home.
Select durable materials
Your fence must be able to resist inquisitive children as well as the harsh Australian weather. Here are some common materials:
- Aluminium: It is rust-free and It is also easy to maintain.
- Steel: It is durable and safe. However, it requires more maintenance to keep it free of corrosion.
- Frameless or semi-frameless glass: It is stunning and does not interfere with your sight of the pool. However, it requires frequent cleaning.
- Mesh fencing: Usually temporary or preferred when extra security is required. However, it must still comply with Australian Standards if it is permanent.
Regardless of the choice of materials, ensure that they are to standard as stipulated by AS1926.1 and only installed by professionals.
Height and spacing matter
The height of your pool fencing in Australia should be at least 1.2 metres measured above the finished ground level. In addition, it should not have gaps greater than 100 mm between the vertical bars or under the fence. Horizontal rails should be spaced so as to discourage climbing. Generally, they should be separated vertically by no less than 900mm.
If your fence can be climbed or the actual height is lowered by nearby structures such as garden beds or furniture, it is a major risk and may fail inspection.
Safety, latching gates are a priority
Your pool gate must:
- Open outwards (outside of the pool area)
- Be self-closing/self-latching
- Be out of the reach of a child, at least 1.5 metres off the ground. Otherwise, covered and childproof.
Pool fence gates can be the first point of failure in the fence system, so make sure that yours is in excellent working order. The gate should never, under any circumstances, be left open, not even for a minute.
Have clear visibility
You should be able to take glimpses of the pool area at all times, particularly the house or outdoor entertaining areas. This has made glass panels and open fencing aluminium popular options due to their good visibility with no compromise in regard to safety.
Solid fencing, like timber or colorbond, may block your view. Consequently, you may want to install a pool alarm or camera where there is low visibility.
Consider your state laws
Just like freight laws, the rules of the pool fencing slightly differ in each state and territory of Australia. However, the majority of them are based on AS1926.1. Ensure you are compliant with your local council or state government when installing.
The bottom line
A swimming pool is like a dream come true, but with responsibilities. A good fence provides safety, peace of mind, and compliance. Make it right the first time, and you can safely enjoy your pool.
We hope you found this blog post on How To Choose The Safest Pool Fence For a Home. Be sure to check out our post on Choosing the Ideal Pool: Above-Ground Vs. In-Ground for more great tips!
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