Like countless other Perth homeowners, you might be thinking of installing a swimming pool to enhance your outdoor living experience this summer. Or you may already own one, which makes sense because Perth has the sunniest and the hottest summers in Australia. In fact, almost 1 in 5 Perth homes already boast a swimming pool, the highest rate of any state capital.
One often overlooked and sometimes confusing aspect of swimming pools is pool fencing. The selection you make for your pool fence can either make or break your pool area, and with the added complexity of council regulations, it can sometimes be the deciding factor for whether a more unique pool design is even possible.
Below we'll shed some light on the pool safety regulations, and we'll also look at some of the best options for pool fencing here in Perth. So whether you're just starting your swimming pool journey, or you're just looking to update your existing pool fencing, then is is the blog for you.
The Rules and Regulations
Both here in Perth and nationally, private pools and spas must have barriers that comply with The Australian Pool Safety Standard AS1926.1. These regulations are a key safety measure in protecting young children from the risk of drowning in pools. All pools or spas containing more than 300mm of water must comply with the regulations. Owners and occupiers of a property with a pool or spa have a legal obligation to maintain compliant safety barriers under the Building Act 2011 and the Building Regulations 2012.
If your pool was installed before May 2016, then pre-May 2016 rules may apply. However, if you plan to make changes to your pool fence, it's essential to bring it up to the post-2016 standards. We will only be covering the post-216 rules in this guide. Under the Australian Standard, barriers must comply with the following requirements:
Barriers must restrict access to pool or spa areas from young children. Both from inside and outside the property.
They must separate the pool or spa area from any habitable buildings on the property.
Walls of a building may form a part of the barrier, so long as they do not contain doors.
Walls that form a part of the barrier may contain windows so long as they have security screens installed or openings permanently restricted to 100mm or less. A permanent restriction means a device that is not a key locking mechanism. e.g. It must be a device that requires a tool to remove it.
Internal pool fencing must be a minimum of 1200mm high and comply with Non-Climbable Zones (NCZ) 1 to 4.
Boundary fencing that forms a part of the pool barrier must be a minimum of 1800mm high and comply with NCZ 5. This is measured from the finished ground surface on the inside of the pool barrier.
Gates must be self closing, self latching & the latch must be at least 1500mm high, or on the inside of the pool barrier and shielded - e.g. glass pool fencing.
It's important to note that the pool barrier regulations can be complex and highly situational. We have only covered some of the basic requirements of pool barriers above.
Interpretations of these regulations can also vary between different councils, so it always pays to check with your local council's building department.
Check out the Rules for Pools and Spas for more in depth look at the requirements.
The Best Pool Fence Designs for Perth
At Valley Design Co., we believe that safety doesn't mean sacrificing style. So below we've put together some of our favourite pool fencing options to add elegance to your outdoor space:
1. Flat Bar Style: This modern take on the traditional tubular style uses flat bar instead, offering an elegant and visually unobtrusive fence option. We really love using this style because it blends seamlessly with many different garden designs and its very low maintenance.
2. Blade or Soldier Style: Perfect for contemporary homes, this style involves chunky rectangular, square, or round hollow sections mounted to a base plate. Usually designed without rails, it's a very sleek and minimalist option.
3. Frameless Glass Pool Fencing: A classic choice for its transparency and modern look, frameless glass fencing provides unobstructed views of your pool area. Cleaning can be a bit high maintenance, but the aesthetic appeal is undeniable.
4. Perforated Steel: For a unique design, consider perforated steel fences, which use panels with tiny perforations throughout. This option allows for many uniform or creative and eye-catching patterns, similar to laser cut screens, all while remaining non-climbable and compliant.
5. Pool & Spa Isolation Moats: This innovative approach uses the wall of an above ground spa or concrete pool as the barrier itself. Combined with a sunken garden in front of the pool wall, it allows for a raised pool to be lower than 1200mm above the main ground level of your outdoor areas. This creates a seamless connection between your pool area and the surrounding landscape, allowing for some truly stunning designs.
Durability and Strength
To ensure the stability of frameless glass pool fences, we recommend using bolt-through style spigots, which offer superior wind resistance compared to friction-mount style spigots.
Because blade style fences are only welded to a base plate and generally have no rails, the top of the fence can be a weak point. Pressure applied to the top of the fence can act as a lever and bend the fence out of shape. Round hollow sections are generally the strongest option to help prevent this, and if you want rectangular or square you'll need to use larger sections. Engaging the right pool fence fabricator is key to getting the right results with this style.
Some Common Pitfalls
When it comes to planter boxes within the pool area, be cautious. Some councils may interpret the regulations differently, especially in relation to the proximity of planter boxes to boundary fences. Always consult with your local council before installing a poolside planter box to avoid costly and aesthetic-altering modifications.
Another pitfall to avoid is forgetting to earth your pool fence. Metal components closer than 1250mm to the waters edge must be electrically bonded to the main earthing system of the premises to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Contact Valley Design Co. for Your Pool Fence Design
In conclusion, when it comes to pool fence ideas for Perth, you'll need a design that complies with the safety standards, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on style.
We are experts at designing pool areas and pool fences here in Perth. From simple to complex projects, we love designing beautiful pool areas for our clients!
Fill out our contact form or call us today to see how we can help you design your dream pool area!
Comments