Pool fencing

Pools deeper than 30cm need a fence and require approval

Under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Swimming Pools Regulation 2008, all swimming pools must have a compliant child-resistant barrier to restrict access. 

While fencing is required, supervision is essential. Children can still drown in fenced pools. 

Which pools need to be fenced?

Any structure that:

  • can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more (about the length of a standard ruler)
  • is used for swimming, bathing, wading, paddling or similar activities must have a compliant barrier. 

Pool barrier exemptions

Between 1 August 1992 to 30 June 2010, the Swimming Pools Act 1992 provided an alternative to the general requirements regarding the location of pool child-resistant barriers. These are referred to as exemptions.

Eligible exemptions

These exemptions apply to the following pools, so long as the means of access to the pool are at all times restricted in accordance with the exemption:

Ineligible exemptions

These exemptions do not apply for the life of the pool. In some cases, pool owners may need to upgrade their pool barrier to meet current standards.

 

Your pool will be assessed against the current standard (AS 1926.1 – 2012) if:

  • The pool barrier or access to the barrier has been modified, altered, or rebuilt, or
  • You cannot provide documentary evidence confirming:
    • The pool and barrier in place as at 31 August 2008, and
    • That it was fully compliant at that time with AS 1926 (1986) and Part 2 of the Swimming Pools Regulation 1998.

The exemption no longer applies where:

Why pool barriers are important

Child resistant barriers save lives. As a pool owner, you are responsible for:

  • installing a compliant barrier
  • keeping it well maintained
  • ensuring it meets the applicable Australian Standard (based on when the pool was built) 

Non-compliant barriers are the leading contributing factor in child drownings at home. 

Council may:

  • direct owners to carry out repairs or upgrades
  • issue fines for non-compliance
  • in some cases, enter the property to make the barrier compliant 

Key safety requirements 

  • Pool gates must:
    • open outwards (away from the pool)
    • be self-closing and self-latching from any position 
  • Keep the fence area clear of climbable objects:
    • toys, furniture, bikes, pot plants, trees
  • Pool fences must meet height and gap requirements:
    • internal fence: minimum 1.2 metres high 
    • boundary fence: minimum 1.8 metres high on pool side
    • gaps: no more than 100mm
  • Display an authorised CPR (resuscitation) sign clearly in the pool area
  • Regularly check your fence for:
    • damage, rust or instability 
    • working gates, doors and locks

Apply for a Certificate of Compliance

You must apply to obtain a Swimming Pool Certificate of Compliance to confirm your barrier meets the required standard. 

Applications are now completed online only, apply here. Only the property owner can submit an application.

Certificates are generally valid for 3 years. 

Requirements for selling or leasing your property

If you are planning to sell or lease your property, your swimming pool must be registered and you must obtain either a:

  • Certificate of Compliance, or
  • Certificate of Non-Compliance

For sales:

  • A Certificate of Compliance or Non-Compliance must be included with the contract of sale.
  • If a Certificate of Non-Compliance is issued, the new owner has 90 days after settlement to bring the pool barrier into compliance.

For leases:

  • A valid Certificate of Compliance must be in place before the property is leased and remain valid for the duration of the tenancy.
  • A Certificate of Non-Compliance cannot be used for leasing purposes.

Apply for a Swimming Pool Certificate of Compliance. 

A secure pool is no substitute for responsible adult supervision

Children in or around the water must be watched at all times. No matter what their swimming ability, children always need to supervised. Training in resuscitation techniques will give adults the skills required for emergency situations.

Ensure your children learn how to swim from an early age.

  • Campbelltown Council conducts regular Learn To Swim classes at all of our swimming pools.
  • To find out more, contact our Aquatics, Fitness and Indoor Sports team on 02 4645 4915.

Where to find more information

If you would like to learn more about the pool safety requirements introduced by the NSW Government please visit the Swimming Pool Register website.

Copies of relevant Australian Standards can be viewed at:

Related Information

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