What You Need to Know About Pool Fencing

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What You Need to Know About Pool Fencing to Choose the Right One

Buying new pool fencing is a big investment. So you want to be sure the one you pick is right for you and your family.

To do this, you need to take into account a range of factors such as: safety, design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. By doing so, you can quickly narrow down your options and settle on a fence that fits your needs and budget.

To start with, let’s cover safety…

1. Get up to speed with the Australian Standard

Almost every state and territory in Australia – which includes Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the ACT – must adhere to the current Australian Standard AS1926-2012 – Safety Barriers for Swimming Pools.

The only exception is Queensland, which has its own modified version of AS 1926-2007 combined with a state standards QDC MP3.4.

While there are some differences in how the standard is interpreted across each state and territory, the rules are very similar.

As an example, the pool fencing requirements in NSW are as follow:

Minimum height of at least 1.2m (measured from the ground up)
Gaps of no more than 10cm between each vertical bar
No gap larger than 10cm between ground level and the fence
Horizontal climbable bars must be spaced at least 90cm apart
Pool fencing must be maintained often and in proper working order
Any ‘climbable zones’ (i.e. trees, barbecues, pot plants, toys, or ladders) must be within a 90cm radius of the boundary.

Aside from being good knowledge to have, you can also use this info to confirm that your installer is familiar with the Standard too.

2. Know the pros and cons of each material

Pool barriers can be constructed from a range of materials. Which one is right for you will depend on your personal taste, budget, and property style. Visibility is also another important consideration.

To help you make an informed choice, here’s a breakdown of each pool fence option:

Glass fencing: With clear glass panels and a lack of borders, the transparency of a glass fence makes it easy to keep an eye on your loved ones and admire the view. Plus, the minimal design of a glass fence adds timeless elegance to any property.
Steel fencing: Despite being hard and sturdy by nature, steel fencing can be personalised to your hearts’ desire. You can choose from over 30 designer colours, custom lengths and heights, and your choice of a Capped, Crimped, Reverse Crimped, or Cranked Design.
Aluminium: If you want to enjoy the look and feel of steel at a reduced upfront cost, then aluminium is for you. Aside from being easier on your wallet, aluminium is highly durable and requires very little maintenance to keep its good looks. Plus, many aluminium fences can be made from recyclable materials, which helps reduce your environmental footprint.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure which one is right for you yet. When you ask for a quote from a fencing specialist, they can help you make the right choice.

3. Have it installed by a licensed professional

How do you like to spend your weekend? Watching TV and playing games or doing odd jobs around the house? If the latter, then you may be tempted to erect a pool fence on your own.

After all, it could save you a bit of money. You might find the project fun. And you could get a heap of satisfaction from doing it.

While these are all valid points, there are downsides to consider. Depending on your level of construction experience, you could get stuck halfway through and leave the project in limbo. Also, the time spent on erecting a fence could be better spent elsewhere, perhaps with friends or family.

Last, but not least, you have to be certain the fence meets current Australian Standards. If not, you could be issued a Certificate of Non-Compliance and forced to amend the faulty installation. Which, in the long run, could cost you just as much as a professional installation in the first place.

So, if you’re on the fence about doing the task yourself – leave it to the experts to get it right the first time.

4. Prepare for some maintenance

Routine maintenance is vital to keeping your pool fence safe to use and compliant with relevant standards. To keep your pool fencing in great shape, be sure to follow the maintenance plan that fits your type of fence, looking out for signs of damage such as:

If you discover any of the above damage, have it repaired immediately. Otherwise, your pool fence may be issued with a Certificate of Non-Compliance, and you could even be fined.

Fortunately, any repairs or adjustments that do need to be made, can be carried out by your local fence expert. They can repair faulty parts, replace irredeemable parts, and share maintenance tips to keep in mind for the future. This way, your fence will stay in great shape for longer – without you lifting a finger.

For a FREE quote on pool fence installation, contact Dunn & Farrugia today.