Swimming Pool Fences

Pool Safety Barriers

Swimming pools must be separated from a residential dwelling by a child resistant barrier constructed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard. The construction requirements vary depending on when the pool was constructed. Checklists for the various dates are provided below which will assist you in checking if your pool complies with the relevant construction requirements. 

Alternatively you may wish to apply for a Compliance Certificate from council who will then undertake the required checks. See  Certificate Compliance section for more information.

The keys dates and construction requirements are as follows:

Before 1st September 2008, swimming pools constructed or completed before this date the barrier must comply with Australian Standard 1926~1986 ‘Fences and gates for private swimming pools’.

Self Assessment Checklist - 7a. Pool built installed before 1September 2008(PDF, 70KB)

Between 1st September 2008 and 30 April 2013, Swimming pools that commenced construction after this date must have a barrier that complies with Australian Standard 1926.1~2007 ‘Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools’.

Self Assessment Checklist - 7b. Pool built or installed between 1 September 2008 and 30 April2013(PDF, 71KB)

From 1 May 2013 to present Swimming pools that commenced construction after this date must have a barrier that complies with Australian Standard 1926.1~2012 ‘Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools’.

Self Assessment Checklist - 7c. Pool built or installed after 1 May 2013(PDF, 93KB)

NOTE

1st July 2010, swimming pools located on properties which are waterfront, on land over 2 hectares or on very small properties (230m2 or less) can no longer use the automatic exemptions from the Swimming Pools Act 1992 (Act).

Previously, pools located on the abovementioned properties could use the dwelling as the swimming pool barrier. This required all doors and windows from the dwelling to be made child resistant in accordance with the Australian Standard. Existing exempt properties may continue to use the exemption but only if the barrier is continuously kept compliant with the Australian Standard. If the barrier is found to be non-compliant, the Council may remove the old exemption and require compliance with the current Australian Standard.

Self Assessment Checklist - 3. Property over 2 hectares(PDF, 93KB)

Self Assessment Checklist - 5. Small property 230sqm or less(PDF, 93KB)

Prefabricated and inflatable pools

Prefabricated and inflatable pools capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more may require an approval but more importantly, require child-resistant barriers to prevent access to the pool by children

Self Assessment Checklist - 6. Portable Inflatable Pools(PDF, 93KB)

Spa pool safety

Spa pools are also covered by the legislation and should be separated by a child-resistant pool safety barrier in accordance with Australian Standard AS1926.1-2007.

Self Assessment Checklist - 2. Spas(PDF, 93KB)

Australian Standard

Hard copies of the Australian Standard AS1926.1-2012 "Swimming pool safety, Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools" are available for viewing at Councils Administration building located at 198 Dowling street Dungog. Please note due to copyright restrictions, copies of the documents are unable to be made.