Pool safety is paramount, particularly for households with young children or pets. In Victoria, the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018 outline the regulations for pool fencing, including rules for fencing, legal height requirements, and building permit requirements. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of these pool fence regulations Victoria to help ensure that your pool fence is compliant with the law.
Victorian Pool Fence Regulations and Requirements
The Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018 outline the regulations for pool fencing in Victoria. The regulations require that all swimming pools, including above-ground ones, be enclosed by a safety barrier that separates the pool area from the surrounding area. The barrier must be at least 1200mm high and comply with the requirements in the Building Code of Australia.
Pool Fence Height
The legal height for a pool fence in Victoria is at least 1200mm, measured from the finished ground level to the top of the barrier. This applies to all types of pools, including above-ground pools. It’s important to ensure the fence is tall enough to prevent young children and pets from climbing over it. Additionally, any trees, bushes, or other landscaping features that could be used to climb over the fence should be removed or trimmed.
Pool Gate/Materials
The materials that can be used for pool fencing include wood, glass, metal, and PVC. It’s important to ensure that the materials used are strong and durable enough to withstand the elements and prevent unauthorised entry into the pool area. The gate of the pool fence must be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch must be located at least 1500mm above the ground. The gate must also be designed to prevent children from being able to climb over it, avoid horizontal scalable bars and upstands that act as stepping platforms and reduce the preventive legal height.
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Direct Access
The pool fencing must not have any direct access points like steps, ladders, or handholds that could enable a child to climb over the fence. Additionally, the fence should not have any gaps or openings that a child could squeeze through. Any openings in the fence, such as for pipes or cables, must be less than 100mm wide and not be located below the legal height of the fence.
Clear Space
The pool fencing must have a clear space of 900mm around the pool to provide a minimum trafficable area for access and rescue. This clear space must be maintained around the pool’s entire perimeter and free of any obstacles or obstructions that could be used to climb over the fence. Additionally, any overhanging branches or other landscaping features that could be used to climb over the fence should be removed or trimmed. The pool fence could be abutting a tall wall or building which might be climbable, but the wall must be above 1800mm and the section directly abutting the pool fence must have a no climb zone of 900mm wide x 900mm height from finished floor level.
What Type of Pools Do Not Require a Pool Fence?
Pools less than 300mm deep, such as inflatable pools, wading pools, and spa pools, do not require a pool fence in Victoria. This is because they pose a lower drowning risk as they are not deep enough for a person to submerge. However, it is important to note that these pools still pose a drowning risk and should be supervised at all times. It is also important to note that even though these pools do not require a pool fence, other safety measures, such as pool covers, should be used when the pool is not in use. Other types of pools that do not require a pool fence include:
- Ponds and lakes, as they are not typically used for swimming or recreation
- Aquaculture pools as they are primarily used for commercial or research purposes
- Portable swimming pools, as they are typically only used temporarily and are not intended for long-term installation.
However, it is important to note that even though these pools do not require a pool fence, other safety measures, such as pool covers, should be used when the pool is not in use and always be supervised when in use. It’s also important to check with the relevant authorities for additional regulations or guidelines that may apply to these pools.
Pool Fence Building Permits and Approvals
A building permit is required for all pool fencing in Victoria. The permit must be obtained before the construction of the pool fence begins and must be issued by a building surveyor. Building permits are issued to ensure that the pool fence complies with the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018.
The building surveyor will inspect the pool fence and the surrounding area to ensure compliance with the regulations. The building permit application process can take several weeks to complete, so it is important to plan and allow sufficient time for the application process. Failure to obtain a building permit for a pool fence can result in fines and penalties.
How Close Can a Pool be to a Boundary Fence in Victoria?
The Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018 do not specify a minimum distance that a pool must be from a boundary fence in Victoria. However, it is important to note that if the pool is located close to a boundary fence, the pool fence must be designed and constructed to prevent unauthorised entry to the pool area. The pool fence must also comply with the regulations regarding the height and materials of the fence.
Additionally, installing additional safety measures such as pool alarms or child-proof locks may be necessary if the pool is close to a boundary fence. It’s also important to note that if the boundary fence is shared with a neighboring property, the neighboring property owner must consent before it can be used as a pool fence. It’s always recommended to check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations regarding the pool fence and the proximity to the boundary fence.
Can I Install My Own Pool Fence in Victoria?
Yes, you can under the following circumstances:
- The pool must be constructed by a contractor with the appropriate registration in terms of category or class.
- If you have attained an owner-builder certificate of consent from the Victorian Building Authority.
Wrapping Up
If you have any questions about pool fence regulations in Victoria or if you need assistance with your pool fencing project, please do not hesitate to contact us. Contact us today to learn more about pool fence regulations in Victoria and make the most of your pool area.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.
