Understanding the Above Ground Pool Fence Regulations in Victoria

There’s nothing like a dip in the pool on a hot day with your family. Above-ground pools offer a cheap, quick solution to the heat and they provide a great place to gather. 

Recent above-ground pool regulations established in 2019 require you to protect your pool with a barrier in order to keep everyone safe. When you comply with these above-ground pool regulations, you can stay on the right side of the law and avoid any fines. 

Scroll down for more information on these new rules and what you need to know about your above-ground pool regulations in Victoria. 

Do I need to fence an above-ground pool?

The short answer is yes. If you have any above-ground pool with a depth greater than 300mm or 30cm, you must have a compliant safety barrier. The barrier needs to be in place so that no children can get into the pool without adult supervision. 

The same rule about a fence required for an above-ground pool also applies to in-ground pools and spas, inflatable pools and spas capable of holding 30mm of water or more, and anything indoors, including a wading pool. You want to make sure any and all pools are protected from small children, animals, or anything that might fall into the water.

Unfortunately, a lack of above-ground pool safety regulations resulted in several deaths families might have avoided with a simple gate or barrier. 

Since 2000, twenty-seven children have drowned in above-ground pools that did not have gates or barriers. These tragic deaths led to a reevaluation of safety requirements for pools and spas across Victoria.

Above-ground pool fence regulations

The fence around your above-ground pool needs to follow the standards set by the Victoria Building Authority. You can do a quick check on an existing fence or speak with your contractor about a new one that fits the following requirements.

• The legal pool fence height is 1200mm with a gap of 100mm or less from the stabilised ground below the base
• Your barrier cannot have anything climbable within 900mm of the outside edge, (no large tree branches, play spaces, etc)
• It cannot have anything climbable within 300mm of the inside edge, (ladders, patio furniture, etc)
• Your barrier can’t offer anything that might function as a foothold or handhold for someone trying to climb inside
• Any kind of mesh or perforated material barrier needs to be checked by an inspector to make sure it complies with the Victoria Building Authority

Once you know your new or existing barrier fits the rules of the above-ground pool fence regulations, you can contact your local council for a mandatory inspection. A certified inspector can cover any confusing or minute details of the new regulations with you to make sure you and your family don’t have to give up your pool this summer. 

But the inspection doesn’t stop at the fence, you also need a secure gate. 

Pool safety gate requirements

Your gate can keep out any unwanted visitors, keep your children from wandering into the pool area or from trying to climb over your new fence. The building authority has a set of clear standards you need to follow when you install your new gate. 

Here is what your inspector wants to see:

• Your pool safety gate needs to swing outwards, away from the pool. 
• When your gate closes, it needs to latch in the closed position automatically
• Your latch must require a manual release to open and not swing open on its own
• The latch can’t be locked in the open position or be easy to remove or adjust by hand
• A licensed inspector needs to check your hinges to make sure they are in line with the regulations

Pool safety gate requirements, along with the rest of your pool, are subject to a mandatory inspection from your council. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your above-ground pool and the new rules in Victoria, please contact us. We can help you do a check on your own, then send you one of our inspectors to ensure your pool complies with all the requirements. 

We want you and your family to have a safe and happy summer, so we work hard to help you make the most of your above-ground pool. Call us today for more information and to schedule your inspection.