Pool Barrier Certifications

There are 3 different safety standards for pool fencing/barriers in NSW, which are determined based on when the pool was constructed.

• AS 1926-1986, fences and gates for private swimming pools which applies to pools constructed prior to 1 September 2008
• AS 1926.1 - 2007, swimming pool safety, Part 1 safety barriers for swimming pools which applies to pools constructed between 1 September 2008 to 30 April 2013
• AS1926.1 - 2012, swimming pool safety, Part 1 safety barriers for swimming pools constructed after 1 May 2013

At Elite Building & Pest Services, we will determine the age of your pool and apply the correct laws in line with its construction date. For more information about the specifics of relevant pool fencing laws in NSW, visit Fair Trading NSW.

Drowning in swimming pools is a leading cause of preventable death in children under five. It’s a confronting statistic, but a compliant, certified pool fence can go a long way towards preventing these tragedies.

It’s essential that your pool fence is certified:

• When you’re leasing a residential property
• When your property is used for short-term accommodation, such as Airbnb or holiday rentals
• When you replace or modify any part of your pool fencing

We also strongly recommend a pool barrier inspection when you’re selling your property, and whenever children will be visiting or living there.

Despite inflatable pools being temporary fixtures, when installed, they must also still comply with NSW pool fencing laws. Warning labels must be observed and attached to the side. Pool water, even when shallow should be regularly emptied to avoid contamination of stale and pools should be stored away when not in use to avoid potential drownings.

In NSW, a pool fence must:

• 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 or 1.2m high for Pools built or installed before 1/9/2008
• 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 gaps 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

It is essential that all pool fences contain reliable and functioning gates and latches to protect from unauthorised entry. Always check your pool gate and latch when leaving to ensure:

• is never propped open and is always kept shut
• swings outwards (away from the pool area). If it does not swing outwards, the gate must be re-hung so that it does.
• shuts automatically from any open position, without having to forcibly close it.
• automatically locks (self-latches) when it closes.

All pool fences and gates should be regularly maintained to comply with Australian Standards and Building Codes. Manufacturers will provide written instructions on how to properly maintain your structure, but you can get certification provided by experts, Elite Building & Pest Services.