3.  PURPOSE

To advise pool owners of the minimum standard of pool barrier design to restrict access of young children to the pool area.

4.  DEFINITION

5.  DESCRIPTION

There are a number of basic barrier design elements that must be considered when designing a barrier and selecting appropriate materials from which it is contrsucted.  These considerations must be made with a number of others. 

For examples:

• Land contour
• Proximity to residence
• Neighboruing property features

The following information is designed to inform the reader of these basic design elements that must be adhered with when all parts of the barrier are assessed for performance and compliance.

5.1  Height

The effective barrier height shall not be less than 1.20m, along the length of the fence measured to the finished ground level on the outside.

5.2  Vertical Members

Spacing between vertical members must not exceed 100mm at any point.(see diagram above)

5.3  Horizontal Members

5.3.1
Substantial horizontal surfaces such as rails and bracings that could be used as toe or foot holds for climbing (greater than 10mm), must be situated not less than 900mm apart.

5.3.2
If less than 900mm apart, the horizontal members must be on the inside of the fence with the vertical members spaced no more than 10mm apart.

5.3.3
The top surface of the highest of the lower most horizontals must be at least 1.10m below the top of the fence.

 

5.3.4
Any horizontal surfaces that are less than 900mm apart or 1100mm below the top of the barrier may still comply if the surface is modified to be 60 degrees or greater from horizontal.

5.3.5
The outside surface of a barrier must not have any projections or indentations on it greater than 10mm; that may provide a toe or foothold for a young child.  Where projections or indentations appear modifications may not be necessary if they are 900mm apart; and the highest of the low projections/indentations are at least 1100mm below the top of the barrier.

 

5.4  Types of Materials

5.4.1
Barriers may be constructed from any type of material.  The material must be durable when in place comply with the strength test requirements in Appendix A of AS 1926.1 1993 - Fencing for swimming pools. 

5.4.2
It is recommended that the type of material selected should permit viewing through or over the barrier so that the pool area may be supervised from commonly used vantage points.

5.5  Perforated Materials or Mesh

5.5.1
Openings must not be 13mm or less and not exceed 100mm.

5.5.2
Where openings are greater than 13mm, but less than 100mm, the barrier height must be a minimum of 2.40m.

5.5.3
Pet doors are not appropriate in doors or walls as they will not pass the performace test.

5.6  Above Ground Pools/Spas

The walls of the pool can be the barrier if they are not less than 1.20m in height and provide no climbable projections or indentations (horizontal surface) for climbing. However, a fence and gate is required to be installed around the pool entry/exit ladder and any filtration or plant equipment that is within 1.20m of the top surface of the above ground pool.

6.  References