Having a private pool in your backyard is a delightful luxury that many Melbournians cherish. However, with that luxury comes the responsibility of adhering to pool fencing regulations, especially when the pool is close to a property boundary. Victoria has stringent laws in place to ensure the safety of all, particularly where pools and property boundaries intersect. This guide aims to shed light on the specifics of boundary pool fence regulations in Victoria.

The Basics of Boundary Pool Fence Regulations

In Victoria, pool fencing laws are predominantly found in the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018. When discussing boundary pool fences, it’s crucial to be aware of the specifics.

Distance From the Boundary

While many homeowners wish to maximise their space by placing pools close to boundaries, there are restrictions. A pool should not be located closer to the boundary than the depth of the pool. Meaning if your pool is 1.8 metres deep, it should be at least that far from the boundary.

Boundary as a Barrier

If a boundary acts as part of the pool barrier, specific criteria must be met. This includes the height of the boundary fence (at least 1.2 metres), and there should be no climbable objects within a 900mm non-climbable zone on the neighbour’s side.

Additional Considerations

Pool Fence Ideas

While ensuring compliance, there’s still room for aesthetics. Glass panels, tubular steel, and timber are some popular materials. However, always consult with experts like “Pool Safe Inspections Victoria” before making a choice to ensure safety doesn’t compromise style.

Sheds and Other Structures

If you’re considering placing a shed or any other structure near the pool fence, it’s vital to ensure that it doesn’t provide a climbable point for children. The structure must not compromise the non-climbable zone or the fence’s integrity.

FAQs

How close can a pool be to a boundary in Victoria?
A pool’s proximity to a boundary in Victoria is determined by the pool’s depth. For instance, a pool 1.8 metres deep should be at least that distance away from the boundary.

How close to the boundary wall can I build a pool?
The same rule applies; the distance between the pool and the boundary wall should be no less than the pool’s depth.

Can you have a shed next to a pool fence?
Yes, but it’s crucial that the shed or any other structure does not compromise the fence’s non-climbable zone or offer a potential climbable point.

How close to the pool edge can the fence be?
The fence should be at least 1.2 metres away from the water’s edge to prevent direct access after climbing over.

How close to the property line can a pool be?
In Victoria, a pool should not be closer to the property line than its depth, ensuring safety and minimising potential disruptions to neighbours.

Conclusion: The Importance of Expert Guidance

While understanding regulations is essential, the nuances can be intricate. “Pool safe inspections Victoria” boasts a wealth of experience in helping homeowners navigate these complexities. Our professionals ensure that your pool not only becomes the oasis of relaxation you envisioned but also adheres strictly to Victorian standards. Remember, with pool ownership comes responsibility, and nothing is more important than the safety of your loved ones. Ensure your pool’s compliance today and dive into a world of safe enjoyment.

On our inspections a common find are changes to neighbouring fence boundary’s. Set at 1.800mm the top and middle rails often provide a claimable foothold from the neighboring  property.

The question posed, ”but if the rails are not on the neighbours side and not mine then this is ok right”?

Well what in fact you have done by installing a new boundary fence is trigger the need for a new building permit. So providing a 60 deg chamber will bring it up to today’s requirement, but what about the rest of the barrier?

Unfortunately in Victoria our State government or Building Authority have not streamlined any system or made any changes for well over 30 years. States like QLD, NSW, WA have had the courage to introduce a mandatory scheme that forces own owners of outside pools ad spas to have regular inspections. Councils don’t have the auditing  man power, Real estate agents are confused on what to do and home owners just don’t understand the requirements of the Australian Standard.

I have performed well over 2000 inspections,  not one  pool barrier has passed inspection. We need change in Victoria so that drownings decrease.

While we can appreciate the complexities and difficulties that come with pool and fence compliance in Victoria, there are certain common questions that many homeowners struggle with. Understanding the process of getting a permit for a pool, how to handle boundary issues, or how to build your own pool fence – all these are crucial aspects of the process. Here, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions to provide you with a deeper understanding of these regulations, and hopefully ease the process.

Q: Do you need a permit to put a pool in Victoria?

A: Yes, you do need a permit to put a pool in Victoria. It is a requirement set by the state government to ensure the safety of individuals using the pool and those living nearby.

Q: How close to your boundary can you build a pool?

A: The distance between a pool and boundary is subject to local regulations. It’s best to consult with your local council or a certified pool builder for this specific information.

Q: How close can a pool be to a boundary Victoria?

A: In Victoria, the regulation stipulates that a pool must be at least 1 metre from the boundary, but this could vary depending on your local council’s regulations and the type of pool.

Q: Can you use a boundary fence as a pool fence Victoria?

A: Yes, a boundary fence can be used as a pool fence in Victoria, provided it meets the requirements set by the Australian Standard for pool fencing which includes minimum height and non-climbable zone considerations.

Q: Can I build my own pool fence Victoria?

A: Yes, you can, but it must comply with the Australian Standard for pool fencing. Also, remember that any new fences or alterations to existing fences may require a building permit.

Q: How do I build a boundary fence pool compliant Victoria?

A: To build a boundary fence that is pool compliant in Victoria, it must be at least 1.2m high, non-climbable, and have no gaps more than 100mm wide. The fence gate should swing away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching.

Q: Can colorbond be used as a pool fence?

A: Yes, Colorbond can be used as a pool fence material as long as it complies with the safety regulations. It is durable, easy to maintain, and provides privacy.

Q: Do you need a permit for a fence in Victoria?

A: Yes, in most cases, you need a permit for a fence in Victoria, especially if it is more than 1.2 meters high, or if it will be used as a pool barrier.

Q: What is the fine for a pool fence in Victoria?

A: Non-compliance with pool fencing laws in Victoria could lead to a fine of up to $5000, but the exact fine varies depending on the specific violation and local council regulations.

We hope these answers help clarify some of the complex regulations surrounding pool ownership in Victoria. As always, consult with local authorities or a certified professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Safety is our utmost priority, especially at home where children are at risk if safety measures aren’t in place within the pool’s premises.

In a harrowing report, a three-year old boy died days after being found unconscious in his family’s pool area. According to news sources, it took some time for the parents of the boy to realise that they haven’t heard from their child in a while.

Had the pool fence been secured, the accident could have been avoided.

Despite efforts to make pool safety a priority, fence breaches in residential pool areas still occur. To ensure compliance, authorities have been cautioning the public of the hefty penalty for pool fence breaches.

What’s important here is the safety and well-being of occupants around the pool area, especially the little ones.

THE NEED FOR POOL FENCE SAFETY CHECKS

Our family’s safety is our primary concern. So we do all that we can to make sure that our home is secure from any breaches. We also make sure that our kids are prevented from going into places alone where they could be in danger, even within the home’s backyard.

Homes with backyard pool deeper than 30cm are required to have fences. They should be regularly inspected to ensure that they are free of any defects that cause children to breach and wander beyond safety in the pool area.

Inspection is required when pools are being installed to make sure they are constructed according to standards. Inspection is also necessary when pools are being modified or to ensure that proper maintenance is observed, gate latches and closers are in place, and that no climbable items are placed too close to the fences.

HOW TO CONDUCT YOUR OWN SAFETY CHECKS

With summer around the corner, now is the time to check your pool area. It’s highly recommended that you do safety checks in your backyard pool area on your own. This should be conducted on a regular basis and right away after the pool has been used, especially by children.

The areas and things you need to keep a lookout for are:

• pool gates
• latches
• the pool barriers or fences
• gaps within the fences
• climbable objects, and
• debris or branches.

Make sure that the following are in place:

• Pool gates open away from the pool and should be self-closing and self-latching from any position with the latches at least 1.5 metres in height
• Pool fences should be 1.2 metres high with a non-climbable section of at least 900mm
• There should be no gaps wider than 100mm anywhere throughout the fence
• Debris and fallen branches should be kept away, as they could be used for climbing
• Any climbable object should be kept farther than 900mm from the outside of the pool fence.

Pool Safe Inspections Victoria can help you insure that your backyard pool is safe and that it complies with state regulations. The company is an accredited and registered building inspector with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). The company has over 10 years of extensive experience in insuring that any type of spa or pool fences are fully compliant with current regulations.

For more information on our services, visit Pool Safe Inspection Victoria today or call 1800 431 446. We are always happy to have a chat.

This article originally appeared in the Leader Newspapers on Monday 28th of November 2016:

—

VICTORIA’S pool fencing legislation is failing children and in urgent need of overhaul, a Leader News investigation has found.

Our exclusive survey of Melbourne councils reveals that the vast majority of backyard pools and spas consistently fail pool fencing checks.

This week, as we head into summer, Leader launches Make Pools Safe, a campaign for an overhaul of the laws in Victoria, where an outdated and confusing system of rules apply depending on the age of the pool.

You can read the full article here