A backyard pool will make your summer come alive, with all kinds of parties and even tranquil late-night dips. Surrounding the pool is a structure that most people cease paying attention to within the first week of installation. The steel pool fence fulfils its primary function discreetly, and the consequences are devastating when it does not.
Why the Fence Is Crucial?
Children naturally find water intriguing, and without a steel pool fence, the danger of drowning is instantaneous and usually silent. A young one could disappear while a parent answers the door or turns the sausages on the grill.
According to the NSW Government, drowning in swimming pools is one of the main causes of preventable deaths among children below five years of age. This fact alone is enough to justify why pool barrier regulations are so critical in Australia.
A legal fence will not substitute for active supervision by adults at any time. What it provides is time.
The Rules Vary, Depending on Where and When
Pool barriers in Australia are tied to a specific standard, AS 1926. But each state and territory then throws in its own rules on registration, inspections and certification. So it’s not just one set of rules; it’s multiple sets.
The standard you’ll be working with can also depend on when the pool was built; it’s not like it’s one set of rules that never changes. A good example is New South Wales; they recognise three versions of the standard, 1986, 2007 and 2012. But if you modify the barrier, including through house or yard renovations, then the newest rules will usually come into play.
The NSW requirements give you a fair idea of what you’ll be up against:
- Pool fences have to be at least 1.2 metres high, from finished ground level.
- There can’t be more than 10 centimetres between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
- The vertical bars have to be no more than 10 centimetres apart.
- The horizontal climbable rails need to be at least 90 centimetres apart.
- And if a boundary fence forms part of the pool fence, you’re looking at a barrier of 1.8 metres.
Keep in mind that the other states will probably have some of the same requirements, but they might differ in other ways, so you still need to do your research. Get in touch with your local council or check state guidelines before you start building.
Gates: The Weak Link in the Chain
A fence is only as good as its gate. And gates are where most of the problems turn up. When it comes to gates, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First off, the gate should swing out, away from the pool area.
It needs to automatically close from any position you leave it in, so you don’t need to push it shut. And when it does close, it needs to latch on its own, and the latch should be out of reach for small children.
One thing you should never do is prop the gate open, even just for a little while. That completely defeats the point of having a pool barrier in the first place, and it’s one of the easiest things to get right.
Steel vs Glass and Aluminium Fences
Now, steel’s a great option if you want something that can withstand a few knocks. It’s more robust than lighter materials, and families with hyperactive kids or large dogs will appreciate that.
To make steel last longer, you can also get it galvanised and powder-coated; that helps protect it from rust.
But glass fencing has its own advantages; for one thing, it gives you a great view of the pool area. Though it does come with a higher price tag and needs regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Aluminium is lighter and cheaper, but it may not feel as solid over time.
If you live in a coastal area, you’ll need to give a bit more thought to your choice of material. Salt air can speed up corrosion, so you’ll want to look for marine-grade finishes and make sure you’re rinsing your steel regularly with fresh water.
Design Choices That Still Turn Your Backyard Into a Garden
A pool fence doesn’t have to be a total eyesore. You can get tubular steel designs that have a clean, modern look perfect for your place. Or go for the flat-top style, super tidy and understated, or if you’ve got a heritage place, go for a decorative style fence that really brings it all together.
Colour can make a bigger difference than people often think. If your fence is black or charcoal, it tends to just fade into the background, so your plants and water feature get all the attention.
When it comes to landscaping, you’ve got to factor the fence into your plans. In NSW, there’s a 90 cm no-go zone around the barrier, and you’ve got to keep any footholds and handholds clear of plant pots, barbies, chairs and the like. So no leaving your snack table right up against the fence or letting that tree branch grow right over it.
Keeping Your Fences Safe and Compliant
Installation’s just the start; it’s not the end. Hinges and latches will wear over time, and if your gate doesn’t close properly, well, that’s not just annoying; it’s a real safety issue.
Testing the gate is super easy. Just give it a bit of a run from different angles and see if it shuts and latches every time.
You should also keep an eye on things the rest of the time with:
- A regular tightening of loose screws and bolts.
- Making sure your hinges and locks get a bit of oil every now and then.
- Checking for any gaps in the soil at the base of the fence panels; these can erode and leave a gap, which is no good.
- Clearing off any outdoor furniture, toys and potted plants after you’ve had a party.
Portable pools need some love too. If you’ve got a pool that’s over 30 centimetres deep, in NSW, you’ve got to have the same safety fence as if it was a permanent pool.
A good steel fence is all about form and function; it’s strong, it looks good, but what it’s really about is keeping your kids (and pets) safe. Make sure to give it a bit of maintenance each season to keep it ticking over; it’s not a lot of work, but it’s peace of mind.
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