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Understanding the Basics of Pool Fencing Regulations in South Australia

pool fencing regulations South Australia

Swimming pools are a source of enjoyment for families and kids. It is a place where you can enjoy a nice leisure time bonding with your loved ones. For kids, swimming pools can be a place where they can spend some quality fun time playing around with the family. Keeping this scenario in mind, there can be possibilities of unintentional accidents or injuries around your backyard swimming pool. Incidents such as slipping, falling, or tripping can occur.

Are you concerned about the fencing regulations that you need to follow for your backyard swimming pool? If yes, do not worry, this blog will help you to acquire basic ideas about pool fencing regulations in South Australia. This will help to keep your swimming pools safe for your kids and other family members. Some basic methods can be teaching your kids some pool and water safety measures that can minimise the chances of unfortunate incidents.

Pool Fencing Regulations in South Australia

Regulations regarding pool fencing are mandatory to get a pool compliance certificate from the local authorities and it will also make your swimming pool safe in South Australia. Here are a few of the general regulations:

  • The fencing around the pool should have a minimum height of 1.2 metres when the same is measured from the outside part of the fencing.
  • The boundary should be 1.8 metres in height or more.
  • Materials used for fencing the pool should be such that no one can breakthrough.
  • In case there are gaps in the fencing, then the size of the gaps should be small enough to deny children trespassing the same.
  • The gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence should be less than 100mm.
  • The design of the pool fencing should be proper so that it can prevent children from scaling the fence.
  • Avoid the use of self-closing as well as self-latching gates to the pool to prevent the entry of children into the pool area without supervision.
  • Preferably that latches must be installed in the inner part of the fence so that children are not able to open the same.

You need to maintain all the above-mentioned regulations to successfully get the pool safety certificate or pool compliance certificate. Apart from compliance norms, pool fencing will help you to supervise people who can enter your pool area. In addition to this, fencing around the pool will be safe for the children as they will not have any unsupervised entry near the water. Several fencing options will not only make your pool area safe but also aesthetically pleasing.

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How to Comply with the South Australia Pool Fencing Regulations in 2021

pool fencing regulations South Australia

The most recent swimming pool regulation and associated standard updates in 2018 that applies to swimming pool compliance in South Australia (SA), has left many individuals confused even to these days in 2021. The legislation states that it is highly dangerous to own a pool that is non-compliant with the pool fencing regulations in your South Australian property. You will find yourself self-insured if a child gets into your pool enclosure and there is an incident, and even worse, an accident or death, unless you have told your insurer that you do not possess a compliance certificate as per your duty of care. Whether you are aware of the legislation or not, all pool enclosures must comply with the SA swimming pool compliance requirements.

So, as a pool owner what can you do to escape the possibility of fines resulting from your local council’s spot check and as well as guaranteeing a safe swimming environment for your family?

Leasing or Selling Properties with Pools

There are a few points worth discussing and the liability may have quite an impact if not addressed.

  1. First and foremost, without first organising and obtaining a certificate of compliance, you cannot lease out your property with a pool or spa under the new updated pool safety laws and legislation in South Australia. Land managers ought not to be advertising houses, and having a tenant to live in the property without obtaining a current certificate of compliance within the rental contract.
  2. There are unique laws in SA for properties with swimming pools available for sale or rental purposes. It became mandatory in 2013 for all swimming pools to be included in the SA Swimming Pool Registry. The first move is to arrange registration if your pool or spa is not registered. How do you know if it is registered or not?
  3. Book an inspection with an approved certifier. This is necessary for landlords with expiring compliance certificates and where tenants have given notice. Without a current compliance certificate, tenants should not enter into a new contract. Owners who sell have the option of selling with a non-compliance certificate, but an accredited certifier must be called for pool fencing regulations compliance inspection.

Are You Planning to Purchase a Pool House?

Most buyers tend to purchase a house where the pool has been certified with a Compliance Certificate, since this ensures the buyer can rest assured knowing that the pool enclosure is safe and compliant. We are meeting several new owners who have no idea how to correct the problems because they have not been explained to them. This is where you can help with recommendations unique to your pool enclosure from your Certified Certifier.