The current Australian Standard AS1926-2012 (the standard) is in place as the standard in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the ACT. In these jurisdictions, the standard is called up by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and in many cases, there are local variations effected under legislation. Northern Territory operates under AS1926.1 – 1993.

Queensland has its own standard in place which is a modified version of AS 1926-2007 combined with a state standard QDC MP 3.4.

Key pool fence requirements

• Be at least 1.2m high (as measured from the finished ground level)
• Not leave a gap at the bottom bigger than 10cm from the finished ground level
• If a boundary fence is part of the pool fence, the barrier must be 1.8m high
• Not have gaps of more than 10cm between any vertical bars in the fence
• if containing horizontal climbable bars, have these spaced at least 90cm apart
• Perforated or mesh barriers must have holes no greater than 13mm for fence heights of 1.2m
• Perforated or mesh barriers of 1.8m height with holes greater than 13mm must not exceed 100mm
• The pool fence must be well maintained and in good working order

Yes. It’s a requirement that whilst you are installing a pool it must be made secure with a compliant temporary barrier.

If you are the owner of the property note it is your responsibility to put up a sign saying “this swimming pool is not to be occupied or used”

Depending on what pool you have, varies on the type of fence you should install. If you have a salt water based pool – it’s recommended to install an aluminium fence to avoid corrosion. 

If your pool is chlorine based, it’s safe to install a steel fence around it. If you need clarification or a better understanding of what’s best suited for your place, give us a call or pop into one of our showrooms.

All pool fencing should include an appropriate and clear warning sign. 

In case of an emergency the law requires that you have a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign displayed near your pool. The sign must be in good condition and able to be read easily from 3 metres.

To ensure your gate meets the standards your gate;

Must swing outwards (away from the pool area) 

Has a self closing hinge, so that when the gate is opened it automatically closes without force

Automatically locks (also known as a self latching) when it shuts.