Pool Fence Compliance – Your Winter Maintenance Guide 2021

Winter may not be the best time for pool parties, but that doesn’t prevent curious toddlers from trying to access the other side of the pool fence.

So, even though you’re not enjoying your pool during winter, you still need to keep young kids out and safe.
That’s why we’ve put together a winter pool fence maintenance guide [2021] to help you ensure your pool continues to comply with pool fence regulations and keep the youngsters out this winter.

• Ensure your fence height is at least 1200mm high from the finished ground level, which must be a permanent, stable surface.
• Check the bottom of the fence for any erosion that may have occurred during the rainy season. The gap must not exceed 100mm.
• Horizontal rails must be at least 900mm apart.
• Check all screws, nails and fixings and replace any that aren’t secure or have rusted.
• Make sure that you cannot easily push over fence posts.
• If you have glass as infill panels, check that they are securely in place.
• Ensure that there’s no furniture, pot plants or toys around the 900mm non-climbable zone of the fence.

Pool Gate:

• Check that your pool gate opens away from the pool area.
• Is your gate latch on the inside of the pool area? It also needs to be at least 150mm down from the top of the gate so that little ones can’t reach it.
• Most importantly, the gate must close and latch shut without bouncing, by itself from all positions.

Doors and Windows:

• Doors with direct access to the pool need to be permanently disabled. Child-resistant doors are no longer compliant with outdoor pools.
• Windows with direct access must open no more than 100mm.

CPR Signage:

• Make sure that your CPR sign is a minimum of 300 x 300mm and made of durable weatherproof material. The sign must be visible from anywhere in the pool area and must show an emergency number. The sign must also not be faded.
• Your CPR sign must indicate two breaths / 30 compressions according to the latest regulations.

Lastly, check that your pool safety certificate is valid. A valid certificate gives you peace of mind that your pool is safe and compliant with Qld pool regulations. If it’s expired, get a QBCC licensed pool inspector to inspect your pool to renew your certificate.

Before booking your inspection, take a look at our pool safety certificate checklist for some of the major points we inspect when doing your pool safety certificate inspection, including ensuing pool fence compliance with Qld pool regulations. This could help you save time and money.

For more information on QLD pool safety give us a call on 0457 445 197 and speak to one of our experienced pool safety inspectors.