Does My Pool Need Fencing?

A common question that typically comes up is, “Does my swimming pool need a fence?” when they are thinking about investing in this amenity. With regulations fluctuating it’s easy to be bewildered as to whether your pool necessitates a pool fence or not.

Backyard swimming pools can be a great addition to any home, in which families and friends can come together and splash around, keeping everyone active active in the warmer seasons.

Nevertheless, even if you aren’t using one, the dangers of swimming pool accidents are constant. This is why safety is a major consideration when constructing a new pool or remodeling an existing one. In this post, it is going to answer your question “Does my swimming pool need a fence?” and some professional advice when it comes to integrating fencing into your swimming pool design.

Swimming Pool Law

To avoid accidental drowning and possible tragedies, it is essential and a legal requirement to have a swimming pool fence installed. Pool fencing is a structural barrier encircling a pool, restricting access to only adults. The primary objective is to keep children from entering the pool without supervision, consequently helping in the prevention of pool tragedies.

Pool owners are also required to register their pool or spa with their local governmental body or local council registrar. Swimming pool owners who fail or decline to do this could be liable for instant fines or court issued penalties.

Having peace of mind is also a considerable factor. Therefore, yes, is the answer to your question “Does my swimming pool need a fence?”.

Why Pool Safety Is Vital

Between the summer of 2002 and the summer of 2015, 83 private swimming pool accidental drowning deaths of children under five were reported. The main results related to proper supervision, pool fencing and emergency treatment.

Consequently, pool owners must prioritize pool safety and adhere to regulations, in addition to being educated on pool safety’s best practices.

Every home swimming pool fence should:

• Not having any gaps that are wide enough for a small child to fit through.
• Not have any climbing or handholds footholds.
• Be at the minimum of 1.2m high, with no more than 100mm of ground clearance.
• Be strong and rigid enough that a child cannot force an opening in the bars or mesh.
• Have materials and welds durable enough to sustain heavy knocks.

Whose Responsibility is it to Guarantee Safety Adherence?

Whereas local governments and councils provide legislative frameworks to guarantee a high pool fencing standard, the responsibility in the end lies with pool owners to adhere with this.

For instance, every swimming pool and spa on residential properties with a depth greater than 30cm are required to be surrounded by a pool fence. Pool owners need to also guarantee that accommodating barriers are constantly in place and keep swimming pool gates closed and locked to guarantee that children are inaccessible to the pool without supervision. They also are required to make sure fencing adheres to the required measurements. This is going to prevent small children from being capable of squeezing under or between gaps, or capable of climbing over it.

Pool & Spa Fencing Requirements

If your spa does not have a fence around it, you must either have one installed or cover and secure the spa with a lockable childproof structure like a door, grille, lid, or mesh when it’s not being used. Pool fencing also applies to transportable pools.