A pool fence is the one fence on your property that is checked by law. Since December 2019 Victorian pools and spas must be registered with the local council and have their barrier certified by a registered inspector, then re-certified every four years. This is a general guide only; your council and inspector have the final say.
The main requirements
- Height. The barrier must be at least 1200 mm high, measured on the outside.
- Gaps. No more than 100 mm between the ground and the bottom of the fence, and no more than 100 mm between vertical bars.
- Non-climbable zone. A 900 mm clear zone on the outside of the fence with nothing a child can climb — no horizontal rails, planters, BBQs, pool pumps or tree branches.
- Gates. Must open outward, away from the pool, be self-closing from any position and self-latching, with the latch release at least 1500 mm above the ground.
- Boundary fences used as part of the barrier generally need to be 1800 mm high on the pool side with the same non-climbable zone.
Where steel fencing does well
Flat-top steel pool fencing with vertical bars at compliant spacing is a straightforward way to meet the standard. It is rigid, so it does not sag and open up gaps over time, and the gate hardware (hinges, closers and latches) bolts to solid posts rather than timber that shrinks and moves.
Common failure points at inspection
- A gate that no longer self-closes because the hinges have dropped.
- Garden growth or new landscaping inside the 900 mm zone.
- Pot plants and furniture stored against the fence.
- Ground that has been built up or eroded under the fence, changing the gap.
Planning a new pool fence?
We measure the site, design the barrier to the applicable standard and fabricate the panels, posts and gate to fit. If you already have an inspection report with defects listed, send it through and we will quote the fix. See our fencing page for more.
