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If you are opening up the pool for the summer months, now is the time to ask a simple question: is your pool fence summer ready. A pool fence that looked fine in winter can fail fast once kids are outside, guests are coming over, and pool gates are opening and closing all day. For property owners in Western Australia, pool safety is not just common sense, it is also law.
This guide helps you regularly check your pool barrier compliance in a practical way, so your pool area stays secure, your family and pets are protected, and your swimming pool is ready for summer.
Why Pool Fence Checks Matter In Summer
Backyard pools are a big part of life in Australia, but accidental drownings can happen quickly when access is not controlled. The Royal Life Saving Society and Royal Life safety messaging consistently reminds families that supervision is vital, especially with children ages 0 to 5 who are naturally curious around water.
A compliant safety barrier and self closing gate help prevent accidental drownings by restricting access, but they do not replace the need to supervise children. Your aim is simple: keep the pool area safe, keep the barrier in good condition, and watch children near water at all times.
Pool Fencing Regulations In Western Australia
Pool fencing regulations in Western Australia sit under the Building Act 2011 and the Building Regulations 2012. In general, all domestic private swimming pools and spa pools that hold more than 300mm of water need proper pool fencing and pool and spa barriers.
This includes many temporary setups, such as an above ground pool, inflatable pool, or portable pool, if it contains more than 300mm of water. If you are installing, altering, or rebuilding a safety barrier, a building permit is required.
Standards also depend on when the pool was built. Pools built after 1 May 2016 must comply with Australian Standards AS 1926.1-2012, and older pools may be assessed under earlier versions. If you are unsure, get further information from your local council or a qualified fencing specialist who can assess compliance.
Key Measurements That Most Pools Fail
Most compliance problems come down to measurable gaps, heights, and access points. Use this quick set of checks to protect your pool area and reduce risk.
Start with these key requirements:
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Minimum barrier height: Pool fences in Western Australia must be at least 1.2m high.
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Boundary fence as barrier: If a dividing fence is used as part of the pool barrier, it must be at least 1.8m high.
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Bottom gap to ground: The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground must not exceed 100mm.
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Vertical gaps: Vertical gaps between bars or panels must be less than 100mm.
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Non climbable zone: Maintain a non-climbable zone of 900mm around the outside of the pool fence.
These numbers matter because they remove footholds and squeeze points that can let children gain access.
Pool Gates Must Self Close And Self Latch
Pool gates are the most common failure point we see on site. A fence might be strong and stable, but one faulty latch can undo everything.
A compliant gate should meet these principles:
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The gate opens away from the pool.
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The gate is self closing from any open position.
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The latch is self latching and engages without force.
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The fence and gate hardware stays in top shape through regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance of hinges and locks is essential. If a hinge is loose, a closer is worn, or the latch does not catch cleanly, fix it immediately. Gate problems often show up after winter weather, general wear, or slight movement in the ground.
Climbable Objects And Vegetation Create Access Risk
Even a compliant fence can become non-compliant when the area around it changes. The most common issue is climbable objects placed too close to the barrier.
To reduce access risk:
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Remove items that assist climbing from the non-climbable zone, including chairs, pot plants, storage boxes, BBQs, and kids toys.
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Vegetation should be trimmed to avoid providing footholds near the pool fence.
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Check the ground around the barrier for erosion, raised pavers, or garden edging that changes the effective height.
This is one of the easiest wins for pool safety because it costs nothing but attention.
Material Checks For Glass, Metal, And Other Barriers
Different pool barriers fail in different ways. A quick material check helps you spot issues early and keep the safety barrier durable.
Regularly check these points:
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Glass: All glass panels should be checked for chips or cracks. Also confirm spigots and fixings are tight and stable.
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Metal: Metal fencing should be cleaned to prevent rust and corrosion, especially around fixings and latches.
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Timber: Look for swelling, rot, and movement, particularly near the ground where moisture sits.
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Mesh or tubular fencing: Check for loose fasteners, bent rails, and gaps forming at joins.
Keeping materials clean and maintained is essential for long-term compliance and to protect your investment.
Signs And Inspections You Should Not Ignore
A compliant CPR or resuscitation sign must be displayed near the pool. Make sure it is visible, readable, and not hidden behind furniture or plants.
Local councils in Perth conduct periodic inspections of pool barriers, typically every four years. Treat that as a minimum, not the only time you check. We recommend a quick monthly walk-around in summer, and a more detailed check at the start of the season.
If you are selling or leasing, a pool compliance certificate is often requested. A pool compliance certificate proves that your pool fence meets safety regulations and supports peace of mind, especially when there are questions about pool barrier compliance.
A Real Summer Fix We See Often In Perth
One common case we handle is a pool gate that “almost” works. The gate closes most of the way, then bounces on the latch or sticks because the ground has shifted. In one recent job, a family had a glass fence that looked great, but the gate closer was worn and the latch alignment had drifted.
We re-aligned the fence and gate hardware, replaced the closer, tightened the hinge points, and cleared climbable objects near the barrier. The gate then self closing and self latching correctly from every position. The result was a pool area safe for children, and a setup that stayed secure through daily use.
That is the difference between a fence that looks compliant and one that truly protects.
Summer Pool Safety Checklist You Can Do Today
Use this checklist to keep your swimming pool area compliant and secure:
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Measure fence height and confirm it meets minimum requirements.
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Check gaps at the bottom and between bars or panels.
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Test the gate self closing action from multiple open positions.
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Confirm the latch self latching action without force.
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Remove climbable objects from the non-climbable zone.
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Trim vegetation near the pool fence to remove footholds.
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Inspect glass for chips or cracks.
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Clean metal fencing and hardware to prevent corrosion.
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Confirm the CPR sign is displayed and readable.
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Supervise children any time the pool is accessible.
If anything feels uncertain, stop guessing and get a professional to assess it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Pool Fence For An Above Ground Pool Or Inflatable Pool?
Yes, if the pool holds more than 300mm of water, it generally falls under barrier requirements in Western Australia. Many above ground pool setups and portable pools meet that threshold, so treat them like any other swimming pool for compliance.
Can A Dividing Fence Be Used As Part Of The Pool Barrier?
It can, but it must meet specific conditions. A dividing fence used as a pool barrier must be at least 1.8 metres high, and the area around it must still meet non-climbable requirements to prevent access.
How Often Should I Inspect My Pool Fence?
Councils may inspect every four years, but you should regularly check your pool barriers yourself, especially in summer. Monthly checks during heavy use help keep the fence in good condition and reduce risk.
Can I Be Fined For A Non Compliant Pool Fence?
Yes. Safety regulations exist to protect life, and councils can issue notices or fines if your pool barrier compliance is not met. The bigger issue is safety, because a non compliant barrier increases the chance of accidental drownings.
Keep Your Pool Area Secure This Summer
Pool fencing regulations exist for a reason: to protect children, pets, and visitors by controlling access to private swimming pools and spa barriers. The most effective prevention is still supervision, but a compliant safety barrier, strong fence and gate hardware, and regular maintenance reduce risk dramatically.
If you want certainty, Foster Fencing can inspect your pool fence, identify compliance risks, and recommend repairs or upgrades using durable materials that keep your pool area in top shape. Call today to book an inspection and get practical advice so your pool is secure, compliant, and summer ready.
