Owning a pool is a fantastic luxury for you and your family, especially in the sunny climate of Brisbane. Who wouldn’t want to go for a swim on a hot humid summer’s day? However, with this luxury comes the responsibility of ensuring the safety of your family and visitors, particularly those with young children. This is where pool fencing regulations come in. In Australia, there are strict regulations in place that all pool owners need to abide by. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the specific requirements for Brisbane. If you’re outside of Brisbane City Council be aware there may be other local regulations you must abide by.
Pool Fencing Regulations in Brisbane
To keep your pool area safe and compliant, you need to follow these specific regulations for your pool fence:
Fence Height Requirements
Your pool fence should have a height of at least 1.2 metres. This height is crucial to prevent children from easily climbing over the fence. If your fence is part of a property boundary, its height must be at least 1.8 metres or higher to provide enough protection for neighbouring properties.
Material Requirements
When it comes to building a pool fence, you must take into account the local weather in Brisbane. The materials you should use must be highly durable and able to withstand the elements. Commonly used materials include metal, glass, and wood (for boundary fences). Each of these must meet specific safety standards to ensure that they are effective barriers. Metal fences must be rust-resistant, glass fences should be shatterproof, and wood fences must be resistant to termites and rot to prevent splintering.
Non-Climbable Design
Your pool fence should be designed to prevent climbing. Avoid fences with horizontal bars or footholds that children can use to climb over. Opt for vertical bars that are spaced close enough together to prevent a child from squeezing through. Solid panel fences (like glass pool fencing) are also a good option as they provide no footholds for climbing.
Non-Climbable Zones
The area around your pool should be kept clear of any objects or structure that can be used to climb over the fence. This is called a non-climbable zone and it prevents children from accessing the pool area by climbing. When installing a pool fence, there must be at least 900mm of non-climbable zone around it. Make sure not to place any garden furniture near the fence and remove trees or shrubs within this zone. For more detailed specifications, refer to this swimming pool barriers guide.
Gates and Latches
Tighten the security of your pool fence further by putting additional layers of security to your gate and latch. All pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be located at least 1.5 metres above the ground to prevent young children from reaching it. This ensures that the gate will not be left open unintentionally, maintaining a secure barrier at all times. Make sure that the gate also opens outwards from the pool area to add an extra layer of security.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many homeowners unintentionally make mistakes when it comes to pool fence regulations. Here are the most common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
- Placing objects near the fence. Always keep items such as furniture, potted plants, and toys that can be used to climb over the fence. Remember the non-climbable zone that needs to be kept clear.
- Improper gate maintenance. Regularly check your gate and latch to ensure that it remains secure. Check if the self-closing mechanism works smoothly and that the latch clicks securely in place every time.
- Incorrect fence height. Double-check if your fence height meets the minimum height requirement of 1.2 metres. If unsure or you find that it doesn’t follow the requirements, consult with an experienced pool fence contractor who can rectify the situation and ensure your pool fence is compliant..
- Neglecting proper maintenance. Depending on the material of your pool fence, it can deteriorate, misalign, or wear out over time. Regular and proper maintenance is important to ensure that your fence remains compliant.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with pool fencing regulations can result in serious consequences. Understanding what non-compliance entails can help homeowners be aware of the importance of following these regulations to maintain a safe pool environment.
Legal Penalties
Regulatory bodies in Brisbane Northside conduct regular inspections to ensure that your pool fence meets the required standards. If found non-compliant, you could be fined as a penalty. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the violation. You can face hefty fines especially if the violation is severe or you have a history of being non-compliant.
Increased Risk of Accidents
A non-compliant pool fence increases the chances of accidents happening in your pool area. Pool fences are designed to be a safety feature so if it doesn’t meet the safety standards, its ability to protect household members is compromised. With a non-compliant pool fence, young children have a higher risk of drowning. This is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children so it’s best to keep your pool fence up to standards all the time.
Problems With Insurance
Many insurance policies require that pools meet safety standards. If your pool fence is non-compliant, your insurance provider may deny claims related to pool accidents. Without insurance, you’ll shoulder all medical costs for any damages or injuries.
Impact Property Value
If potential buyers see that your pool fence is not up to safety standards, they may choose to look elsewhere. Non-compliant pool fences reduce the attractiveness of your property as they are a sign that there’s less security in your home. As a result, potential buyers may negotiate for a lower price than what you intend to.
Keep Your Pool Up to Safety Standards
Following pool fencing regulations are not just a legal obligation, but also a key step in ensuring the safety of your family and visitors. Proper pool fencing reduces the risk of accidents and keeps your property a safe and fun place to relax and enjoy. Maintaining a compliant pool fence is a great investment in the safety and well-being of everyone in your home.
Enjoy your pool with a peace of mind, knowing that you’ve created a safe and compliant environment. By prioritising safety, you can make the most out of your pool area while protecting those who matter most.
