As we begin to head into the cooler months, it can be easy to become lazy with our pool safety and pool fence compliance. It’s easy to do. As we start using our pools less and less, it can simply be a case of out of sight out of mind.
Although, while pool drownings are more common in Summer and Spring, they can still occur in the cooler months as well. In fact, according to Royal Life Saving, almost one-third of drownings happen in Autumn and Winter.
As the weather starts to cool down and we head into winter, now is not the time to be complacent with your pool safety. It’s still as important as ever to make sure your pool is safely contained behind a permanent or temporary pool fence and is meeting all pool compliance requirements.
Pool Fence Compliance Laws
Last year we wrote an article about pool fencing compliance with an overview of the requirements to ensure your pool fence is compliant. This overview included all the legalities around pool fencing requirements and compliance as outlined by Fair Trading NSW.
However, in our experience, meeting these requirements can become a bit hazy when are faced with site conditions and elements such as sloping lots, retaining walls and other structures.
Fortunately, we are highly experienced and fully trained in installing temporary fencing around pools. And when we come face to face with challenging site conditions, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure your temporary pool fence is meeting or exceeding NSW regulations.
We have created this video outlining what to do when you are faced with a retaining wall close to your pool.
This particular property consisted of a retaining wall very close to the pool edge which posed a challenge when installing a temporary pool fence. If we installed a fence alongside the retaining wall, it would not be compliant as the distance between the top of the retaining wall and the top of the pool fence would be less than 900mm. This would make it a climbable zone.
The resolution is to restrict access to the top of the retaining wall by stacking the temporary fence panels in order to close the gap.
As you can see in the video, it’s also very important to not have any furniture or climbable objects closer than 900mm to the fence. Again, this creates a climbable zone and gives children the opportunity to climb over the fence.
Another area where pool fencing compliance can be compromised is the pool gate. Any movable element, such as a gate is prone to a higher degree of wear and tear and therefore requires closer attention and regular maintenance to ensure it’s doing its job adequately and keeping your pool secure.
To ensure pool fence compliance, all pool gates need to open outwards away from the pool and be self-closing and latching from any open position. The latch release mechanism also needs to be a minimum of 1500mm above ground level.
This video below shows clearly the requirements of pool fence gates.
Remember, all pool fence compliance rules need to be adhered to regardless of the season and if your fencing is a permanent fence or temporary fence. If your permanent pool fence is a little worse for wear or does not meet compliance, it is important to install temporary fencing in its place while it’s being repaired or replaced. The safety of your family should be a priority always.
As fully qualified, trained and experience temporary fence installers, all the Hire Rite team are up to date on the relevant legislation and requirements for pool fencing. If you have any doubt about your pool fencing or need to install temporary fencing around your pool, give us a call and let’s work together to keep your family safe.
Hire Rite Temporary Fence: Newcastle: (02) 4956 9060 | Central Coast: (02) 4311 9133 | Sydney: (02) 8332 1640 | Wollongong: (02) 4225 0176
