Pool Fencing Requirements

All swimming pools and spas in NSW must have a child-resistant safety barrier that complies with the Swimming Pools Act 1992, the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, and Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012. These laws are in place to help prevent children from accessing pools unsupervised.

Council inspects pool fencing as part of its role in community safety and compliance.

General Requirements

  • Pool barriers must fully enclose the pool area and separate it from dwellings and neighbouring properties.

  • Barriers must be maintained in good condition at all times. Broken or damaged fences and gates must be repaired immediately.

  • A resuscitation sign (CPR sign) must be displayed and visible from the pool area.

Fence Heights

  • Internal Pool Fence: Must be at least 1.2 metres high when measured from the outside ground level.

  • Boundary Fence (if forming part of the pool barrier): Must be at least 1.8 metres high, measured from inside the pool area.

Non-Climbable Zones (NCZ)

To reduce the risk of children climbing over fences, the following non-climbable zones must be maintained:

  • NCZ 1: A 900 mm vertical space on the outside of the pool barrier, measured upwards from the top of the fence.

  • NCZ 2: A 900 mm vertical space on the outside of any horizontal climbable surface within 900 mm of the barrier.

  • NCZ 3: A 900 mm arc on the outside of the barrier, measured downwards from the top of the fence.

  • NCZ 4: A 300 mm inward arc from the top of the fence, measured inside the pool area.

  • All zones must remain free of climbable objects such as furniture, pot plants, BBQs, trees, shrubs, toys or ladders.

Fence Construction and Gaps

  • Vertical gaps between fence posts and rails must be no more than 100 mm.

  • The space between the bottom of the fence and the ground must also be less than 100 mm.

  • Horizontal rails should be spaced at least 900 mm apart to prevent footholds for climbing.

  • Mesh or perforated fencing must have openings no larger than 13 mm (if less than 1.8 m high).

Gates and Access Points

  • All pool gates must:

    • Open outward – away from the pool.

    • Be self-closing and self-latching from any position.

    • Have latches located at least 1.5 m above ground level, or otherwise made child-resistant.

  • Gates and access doors must remain closed at all times except when entering or leaving the pool area.

  • Doors opening directly into a pool area are generally not permitted under current standards.

Additional Notes

  • Spa pools must also have a complying child-resistant barrier or a securely fitted, lockable spa cover.

  • Pools constructed prior to certain dates may have different rules, but all pools are required to meet safety standards if inspected by Council.

  • Non-compliant pools must be upgraded to meet current legislation before a Compliance Certificate can be issued.

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether your pool fencing complies, you can apply for a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate through Council.
An inspection will be arranged, and you’ll be advised of any safety issues that need to be fixed.

For advice or to book an inspection, contact:
Planning & Development Team
☎ 02 6930 1800 | ✉ eplanning@coolamon.nsw.gov.au