Installing compliant pool barriers in NSW is so necessary. If your pool fence is found to be non-compliant, you can get costly fines. On top of getting expensive penalties, an unsafe pool fence can cause accidents to kids especially below 5 years old.
To ensure your pool meets the compliance regulations, you should not only have compliant fence, but also have pool gates and windows that meet the safety pool requirement.
To help you become familiar with the necessary regulations of pool gates and windows, the essential guidelines for pool gates and windows are explained below.
- Gate should be self-closing from any position.
Kids should not be able to enter the gates easily. Consequently, it is very important that your gate is self-closing. This is not to keep the kids inside the pool. Instead, it is to keep them out by making sure that the gate closes after somebody passes through it.
- The gate should latch by itself.
Pool gates should automatically close and latch by itself with its release mechanism at the top of the gate. The latch should be out of reach of small children to avoid them from opening the gates by themselves.
- Latching device should be at least 1500mm above ground level.
Pool fence gates should be constructed with a latching device. The latching device should mechanically operate when you close the gate. The release mechanism should be located at a minimum height of 1500mm above ground level.
- The gate should open outwards (away from the pool).
Gates should open outwards and not facing directly to the swimming pool. If your gate opens inward, you should adjust it to make it swing to the required direction.
In this way, it increases the difficulty for kids to engage the latch and open the gate. This can also prevent children from running and jumping into the swimming pool after opening the gate.
- Windows should open not more than 100mm and should have a locking device.
Windows should only open to a maximum height of 100mm. It should have a locking device to prevent anyone especially the kids from opening. It should also be fixed to a structure in your house with fasteners that can only be removed using a tool, e.g., a screwdriver or spanner.
Ensuring Pool Compliance with Repair
If your pool gates and windows are not safe or you have got your non-compliant certificate, they should be repaired as soon as possible. Private certifiers are authorised to fix any non-compliance issues regarding your pool fence.
Conclusion
Many accidents can be avoided if you install gates and windows that meet the legal requirement. You should follow the minimum height requirements for your safety and prevent unnecessary penalties.
If you need assistance, call a qualified safety pool inspector for help. Apart from conducting inspections, they can also provide repair services to make your pool gates and windows compliant.
Pool owners should make sure the pool barrier is not climbable for kids. To meet the Pool Compliance Regulation in NSW, you should also maintain a Non-climbable zone in the pool area.
In other words, Non-Climbable zone (NCZ) in your pool has also its particular guidelines under Swimming Pools Act. As pool owners, you’d better know all these requirements, which will be explained in the next blog post.