Building Fact Sheet
Frankston City Council
SAFETY BARRIERS FOR POOLS AND SPAS
Victoria is subject to three different legislative requirements, pending on the age/approval
date of the swimming pool or spa. The most recent change being the adoption of AS1926.12012 – Safety barriers for swimming pool, effective as of 01 May 2013.
This fact sheet generally makes reference to the current standards and code requirements.
Any excavation or structure containing water that is used primarily for swimming, wading,
paddling or the like, including a bathing or wading pool or spa, is defined as a swimming
pool. Safety barriers must be provided to all swimming pools or spas exceeding 300mm in
depth.
Do I need a Building Permit?
YES. A ‘Building Permit’ and associated ‘Certificate of Final Inspection’ must be obtained
prior to the installation or placement of any swimming pool exceeding 300mm in depth. This
includes swimming pools, spas, any safety fencing or barriers, pools of a temporary
nature(eg: inflatable), and any alterations to pools, fencing or barriers.
The Building Regulations 2006 are designed to protect children from gaining access to the
swimming pool or spa area to maximise the safety of children, especially those under the age
of 5 years.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
NEW SWIMMING POOLS ALTERING EXISTING SWIMMING POOL
CONSTRUCTED OR APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 01 2010.
Barriers for swimming pools and spas constructed on or after 01 May 2010 must comply with
the requirements of the Australian Standard AS1926.1 – 2007 which is the current national
standard for swimming pools and spas.
DOORS, WINDOWS AND GATES; FITTINGS AND LATCHING DEVICES FORMING PART
OF THE POOL/SPA BARRIER.
Direction of opening
Gates shall be hung so that they only swing outwards, i.e.
away from the pool area. (BCA 2010, Clause 3.9.3).
Gates
Self-latching and self closing devices are required on all gates
and doors that lead into the swimming pool/spa enclosure.
Doors
Doors from a dwelling are not permitted to be used.
The swimming pool/spa must be fenced independently
from the dwelling as from May 2013
Windows
Where the sill height of the window is at or below 900mm from
the floor level or any fixture, the windows is to either have
securely fitted metal fly wire screens or have a permanent
fixture restricting the opening of the window to 100mm or less.
Self-closing devices
All doors and gates leading into the swimming pool enclosure
must be fitted with a device that will return the door or gate to
the closed position. The self-closing device must operate the
latching device from any position (including resting against the
lock of the latch) from a stationery start without the application
of manual force.
Self-latching device
All doors and gates leading into the swimming pool enclosure
must be fitted with a device that will automatically latch on the
closing of the gate or door and will prevent the gate or door
from being re-opened without being manually released. The
self-latching device must be located not less than 1500mm
from the finished ground/floor level.
Clearance
There must be a non-climbable zone (NCZ) within a 900mm
quadrant from the top of the safety barrier. Eg Trees, filters or
heating equipment, fences, rails, play equipments, etc.
Refer to attached applicable diagrams.
Vision
We recommend that full vision be provided to the pool
enclosure area. There should not be any blind area or hiding
spots. eg. behind sheds, etc. It should be possible to see
children at all times.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
TYPES OF FENCING
There are several different types of fencing that can form part of a swimming pool or spa
barrier to achieve compliance with the Building Regulations. Some examples are as follows:Post and Rail
For fences constructed of palings, galvanised steel, fibre cement, aluminium or similar
profiled or flat wall materials, the significant dimensions are as follows:
• Effective height of the fence must be at least 1200mm; and
• Rails, if on the approach side or outside of the fencing, are not to be less than 900mm
apart measured between the top surfaces of the rails. Refer to attached diagrams.
• The height of any opening between the bottom of the fence and the finished ground
level must not be greater than 100mm.
• A NCZ of 900mm externally and 300mm internally (if gaps greater than 10mm
(internally only)) to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Perforated materials, wire mesh or fabric fences
The significant dimensions for such fences are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Where the material has apertures greater than 13mm, but less than 100mm, the
effective height shall not be less than 1800mm.
Where the material has apertures not greater than 13mm, the minimum height is
1200mm.
Material with openings greater than 100mm must not be used.
The height of any opening between the bottom of the fence and the finished ground
level shall be not greater than 100mm.
Fencing using mesh must include a strainer wire (retains tension) at the top and
bottom of the fence.
A NCZ of 900mm externally and 300mm internally (if gaps greater than 10mm
(internally only)) to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Fabricated Metal fences
Fences constructed of small section steel, aluminium or other suitable metals. The significant
dimensions for such fences are:
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•
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Effective height of the fence must be at least 1200mm.
Vertical members are to be spaced not more than 100mm apart.
Horizontal members are to be placed a minimum of 900mm apart vertically. Refer to
attached diagrams.
The height of any opening between the bottom of the fence and the finished ground
level must be no greater than 100mm.
A NCZ of 900mm externally and 300mm internally (if gaps greater than 13mm
(internally only)) to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Infill Panel Fences
For fences constructed of glass fibre, reinforces plastics, reinforced glass, timber, ply wood,
exterior grades of hardboard or other sheet products in framed ledge or panel construction,
the significant dimensions are as follows:
•
Any potential climbing holds to be at least 900mm apart vertically.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
•
•
•
The height of any opening between the bottom of the fence and the finished ground
level shall be no greater than 100mm.
It will be necessary to ensure that any sheet material used is sufficiently rigid and
adequately attached to its frame.
A NCZ of 900mm to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Masonry
For fences constructed of bricks, blocks or other masonry, the significant dimensions are as
follows:
•
•
Any projections, indentations, or a combination of these having a depth greater than
10mm are to be spaced at least 900mm apart vertically.
A NCZ of 900mm to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Brushwood Fencing
The significant dimensions for such fences are:
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Brushwood must be tightly packed.
Wires on the outside of the fence must be interwoven into the brushwood in order not
to provide a foothold for young children.
A NCZ of 900mm to the swimming pool/spa must be achieved.
Retaining Walls
Where a vertical, or near a vertical non-climbable retaining wall not less than 1200mm high
supports the pool and the projections on the face of the wall comply with those for masonry
fences, a fence complying with the standard is not required on the top of the wall.
A retaining wall on the high side of the pool shall have an effective height not less than
1800mm.
Above Ground Pools
For above ground pools, the walls of the pool can be an effective barrier if they are not less
than 1200mm in height and comply as a pool fence, with compliant gates and latches.
Fencing must be provided (in accordance with AS1926.1) around the access ladder and any
climbable objects such as pumps and filters.
Boundary Fences
Boundary Fences (paling) can be used as safety barriers where the height of the fence is at
least 1800mm high with a ‘NCZ’ of 900mm, measured from the top of the fence inside or
outside of the pool area.
Paling fences must be kept in good condition with no loose or rotted palings or fixings which
may make the fence unable to meet the strength requirements (must withstand a load of
250N without permanently deforming the fence).
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.
EXISTING SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS CONSTRUCTED OR APPROVED
BETWEEN 8 APRIL 1991 AND 30 APRIL 2010
Fencing for swimming pools and spas constructed or approved between 8 April 1991 and 30
April 2010 must comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 2006 and the now
superseded Australian Standard – AS1926.1-1993. Further information can be obtained
from the Building Services Unit.
The main differences are summarised as follows:
Doors from a house were able to open into the swimming pool area; and
Non-climbable zones (NCZ) was previously 1200mm; and
Non-climbable zones did not include an arc over and above the barrier; and
Boundary fence NCZ was measured outside of the pool area on the adjoining
allotment; and
Retaining wall height and mesh fencing compliance was an effective height of
2400mm on the high side.
SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS CONSTRUCTED OR APPROVED PRIOR TO 8
APRIL 1991.
Fencing for swimming pool and spas constructed or approved prior to 8 April 1991 must
comply with the Building Regulations 2006. Further information can be obtained from the
Building Services Unit.
The main differences may be summarised as follows:
Solid paling fencing or imperforate fencing (gaps less than 10mm) to a height of
1500mm was deemed accepted for as a safety barrier; or compliance with AS1926.1;
and
Windows were required to be 2400mm above the ground or paving level immediately
external to the window and 1500mm above the floor of a room containing a window;
and
The openable part of the window was not permitted to exceed 125mm unless it was
fitted with a secure fly-wire screen.
Note: The above information in this fact sheet is a guideline only, and is by no means
exhaustive. Additional requirements may be necessary in order to achieve compliance with
AS1926.1 to satisfy the assessing building surveyor or building inspector.
For further information contact Frankston City Council’s Building Services Unit on 9784 1900.
Disclaimer:- Although the information contained in this fact sheet has been researched and presented with due
care and attention, Frankston City Council accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions which may have
occurred within the publication. The reader is to ensure that they obtain a Building Permit and accurate advice
from a Registered Building Surveyor/Building Commissions (9285 6400 / www.buildingcommission.com.au) prior
to proceeding with any work June 2010.
Building Department Civic Centre Davey Street Frankston Victoria Australia 3199
Telephone (03) 9784 1900 Facsimile (03) 9784 1087 Email [email protected]
PO Box 490 Frankston Victoria Australia 3199 DX 19913 Frankston Web site: www.frankston.vic.gov.au.