Pool Fence Regulations NSW and Australian Fence Standards: What Actually Applies to Your Fence?

Key takeaways

AS 1926.1 is the Australian Standard for swimming pool safety barriers. It specifies requirements for barriers that restrict young children's access to swimming pools, and is not a general standard for ordinary residential boundary fences.

So if you are building or fixing a standard boundary fence between properties, AS 1926.1 does not apply. In NSW, the law does not say what type of fence you should build for an ordinary dividing fence, so what is required depends on the circumstances described below.

Many NSW homeowners are confused about which standards and rules apply when building or maintaining a fence. Does every fence need to meet an Australian Standard? Do boundary fences follow the same rules as pool fences? The requirements depend on what your fence is for.

This guide explains the difference between pool fence regulations in NSW and the rules that apply to ordinary residential boundary fences.

Australian Fence Standards: AS 1926.1 Applies Only to Pool Fences

AS 1926.1 is the Australian Standard for swimming pool safety barriers. It specifies requirements for barriers that restrict young children’s access to swimming pools, and is not a general standard for ordinary residential boundary fences.

So if you are building or fixing a standard boundary fence between properties, AS 1926.1 does not apply. In NSW, the law does not say what type of fence you should build for an ordinary dividing fence, so what is required depends on the circumstances described below.

The law in NSW does not say what type of fence you should build for an ordinary dividing fence. Neighbours contribute equally to a ‘sufficient dividing fence’, which depends on the existing fence, land use, privacy, local fence types and council requirements. Your local council may also have planning controls, but these are planning rules, not Australian Standards.

Pool Fence Regulations NSW: Strict Rules for Safety

If you have a swimming pool, NSW pool fence regulations are mandatory and detailed. NSW pool owners must at all times surround the pool with a child-resistant barrier that separates the pool from any residential building and any adjoining place, keep doors and gates to the pool closed, and ensure fences are designed, built and maintained to comply with the relevant Australian Standards.

According to the NSW Government, the edition of the standard that may apply depends on when the pool was built: AS 1926-1986 for pools built before 30 August 2008, AS 1926.1-2007 for pools built from 1 September 2008 to 30 April 2013, and AS 1926.1-2012 for pools built after 1 May 2013. If a pool barrier is modified or altered, including through house and yard renovations, the current Swimming Pools Act 1992, Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 and AS 1926.1-2012 apply. Check which applies to your pool with your council.

Pool Fence Height NSW and Key Measurements

Key NSW pool fence measurements include:

• At least 1.2 m high measured from finished ground level.
• No more than a 10 cm gap at the bottom.
• No more than 10 cm between vertical bars.
• 1.8 m high if a boundary fence forms part of the pool fence (for pools built before 1 September 2008, 1.2 m can apply).
• Horizontal climbable bars at least 90 cm apart.

These figures come from the NSW Government pool owner obligations guidance and the NSW Swimming Pool Register checklist. Your council can confirm which apply to your pool.

The Non-Climbable Zone: 90 cm Outside, 30 cm Inside

The non-climbable zone is a critical part of pool fence safety. A 90 cm non-climbable zone free of trees, shrubs, barbecues, pot plants, ladders and chairs must be maintained outside the pool fence, plus 30 cm inside the pool area.

Keep the zone clear of anything a child could climb.

Pool Gates Must Be Self-Closing and Self-Latching

A NSW pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching from any position, open outwards away from the pool, and must never be propped open.

The pool fence must be well maintained, with no holes or broken rails or palings.

Source: NSW Government, Owning a pool or spa: your obligations; NSW Government, Pools and pool safety.

Exempt Development for Ordinary Boundary Fences

For standard residential boundary fences in NSW, the main concern is whether you need planning approval. In NSW residential zones R1, R2, R3, R4 and RU5, side and rear boundary fences up to 1.8 metres high (1.2 metres if masonry) can be exempt development, which means no planning approval is needed.

Check your local council’s development control plan for any additional restrictions, especially in heritage areas. Even though approval may not be required, you should still discuss the fence type and cost-sharing with your neighbour in accordance with the Dividing Fences Act.

Source: NSW Planning Portal, Fences (exempt development).

When to Call a Professional for Pool Fence Work

The NSW Government says that if a pool area does not meet the requirements, owners can contact a licensed builder, pool technician or fencing contractor to carry out work in line with the safety requirements.

If you notice a gap that is too wide, a gate that does not self-close properly, or rust damage to a pool fence, act quickly. Speak to your council or an accredited certifier in NSW about what is needed. Confirm your specific pool fence requirements with them before starting work. This guide is general information only and is not a substitute for that advice.

Boundary Fences: No Pool Standard, Just Local Rules

If you are replacing or building a standard timber, Colorbond or aluminium boundary fence, the pool barrier standard AS 1926.1 does not apply. Your fence needs to be ‘sufficient’ under the Dividing Fences Act, which is a flexible term based on what is appropriate for your street and the agreement you reach with your neighbour.

Southside Fencing & Construction has a Sydney base in the Austral and Leppington area (NSW 2179). Contact us to confirm availability for your suburb. For ordinary boundary fences, our services include Colorbond, timber, PVC, aluminium and aluminium slat fencing, gates, retaining walls and fence repairs.

If you are unsure which height or style is allowed on your block, check with your council’s planning department or ask your neighbours what the street norm is.

Getting a Quote for Your Fence Project

For general fencing enquiries, you can contact us through the contact page or by emailing info@southsidefencing.com.au. Helpful details to send include suburb, the work needed, approximate lengths, preferred material or finish, and a few photos.

If you are planning a new boundary fence, contact us for a general fencing enquiry. For pool barrier requirements, confirm with your council or an accredited certifier.

FAQ

Does every fence in NSW need to meet an Australian Standard?

AS 1926.1 applies to swimming pool safety barriers, not to ordinary dividing fences. An ordinary dividing fence must be ‘sufficient’ for the location and agreed between neighbours, and it may need to comply with local council planning rules for height and materials.

What is the pool fence height requirement in NSW?

Pool fences must be at least 1.2 m high measured from the finished ground level. If a boundary fence forms part of the pool barrier, that section must be 1.8 m high (for pools built before 1 September 2008, 1.2 m can apply).

What is the non-climbable zone rule for pool fences?

The non-climbable zone is a 90 cm area outside the pool fence, plus 30 cm inside, that must be kept clear of trees, shrubs, barbecues, pot plants, ladders, chairs and any other object a child could use to climb over the fence.

Can I build a 1.8 m side fence without council approval in NSW?

In many NSW residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4 and RU5), side and rear boundary fences up to 1.8 m high can be exempt development, so no planning approval is needed. Always check your local council’s development control plan for any additional controls or heritage restrictions.

Who can confirm my pool fence complies with NSW rules?

If you are unsure whether your pool fence meets the current requirements, confirm with your local council or an accredited certifier. The NSW Government says owners can contact a licensed builder, pool technician or fencing contractor to carry out work.