POOL SAFETY CHECKLIST
Please note, in NSW there are various exemptions that apply to pools built before 1 August 1990, pools on sites larger than 2 hectares, pools on sites less than 230m2, waterfront properties, indoor pools and spa pools. Please contact iComply Pool Safety Certification for further details if you believe these exemptions apply to your pool.
This checklist is based upon AS1926.1 – 2012 and is therefore provided as a guide only.
POOL BARRIER / FENCING
- The pool fence must be at least 1200mm high all the way around measured from the outside of the pool.
If a boundary fence forms part of the pool fence, it must be at least 1800mm high measured from the inside of the pool area. - The gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground is less than 100mm.
- The gap between all vertical or near vertical rails on the fence is less than 100mm.
- There are no potential climbable objects or hand holds / foot holds greater than 10mm within 900mm of the top of the pool fence in any direction.
- The gap between horizontal rails on the fence and gate must be no less than 900mm.
There must be a 300mm clearance from the barrier inside the pool area (incl. toys and furniture). - There are no retaining walls or objects within 500mm of the outside of the barrier which reduce the effective height of the barrier.
- If perforated or mesh fencing is used, the holes must be 13mm or less.
- Your pool fence must be well maintained and in a good state of repair (eg no holes, broken rails or palings) and all fixtures are secure and capable of withstanding force test.
- There are no sharp objects on or around the fence area.
GATE
- The gate must be self-closing and latch by itself from any position.
- The gate latch must be working well so that the gate is secure and, once closed, can’t be pulled open.
- The gate must open outwards, away from the pool.
- The gap between vertical barriers of a gate must be no less than 100mm.
- The hinges on the gate are more than 900mm apart, or have 60 degree non climbable safety caps fitted.
- The gate latch must be 1500mm above ground level, or if located inside the gate, 1200mm above ground level and at least 150mm below the top of the gate.
OTHER
- If a wall forms part of the barrier, there are no openings greater than 100mm.
- All windows can only open to a maximum of 100mm or the windows must be totally covered by bars or a mesh screen.
- The height from the sill of the lowest opening panel of a window (to the pool area) has to be 1800mm from the floor.
- There must be an appropriate warning sign, including details of resuscitation (CPR) techniques, in the immediate vicinity of the pool area and which can be easily read from a distance of 3 metres.
- Your pool fence must be clear of any objects such as BBQs, trees, rocks, shrubs and deckchairs that could help a small child climb over the fence.