The ins and outs of pool fencing
Buying a pool is enormous fun. Choosing the size, shape, colour, accessories, decking and plants is exciting. Less exciting but more important than all these things put together is the pool fence. Australia's fabulous weather means we have more backyard pools per capita than any other country in the world. And safety is paramount, which is why there are regulations around pool fencing. Pool fencing can help prevent drownings by stopping youngsters getting into the water unsupervised and is mandatory in all Australian states. But that doesn't mean it has to detract from the aesthetics of your swimming area. There are plenty of pool fencing options available ranging from DIY aluminium fence panels to barely there safety glass. What you choose will depend on your budget and where the pool is situated in your yard. The first thing to consider is the legislation, while the laws vary between states and territories, all pool fences must meet Australian Standard, AS1926.1. A fence that meets the standard: - won't have gaps that are wide enough for a toddler to squeeze through - won't have any climbing footholds - will be at least 1.2m high with no more than 100mm ground clearance - will be strong and rigid enough that a child can't force a gap in the bars or mesh - will have materials and welds strong enough to withstand a heavy knock. Royal Life Saving is campaigning for a unified approach to pool fencing to prevent the confusion that results from having differing laws in each state or territory.
What's out there The two main pool fencing materials are aluminium and steel, which are usually made using upright bars joined by upper and lower rails. The types of fences include:
Safety glass is considered the high-end choice as it allows an uninterrupted view of the pool area. Glass panels are held in place by posts and spigots that are core-drilled or bolted into the concrete. Glass fences can be frameless, semi-framed, framed or in-ground. Safety glass:
Inflatable kids' pools: These are also subject to fencing laws, as young children can drown in water only a few centimetres deep so if you have one of these pools that is deeper than 30cm, it must be fenced. Pool owners can save on cost by doing the installation themselves, but it's imperative to check the regulations to ensure it complies with the required distances between the fence, pool and house as well as at the bottom. You must also ensure that the gate is balanced correctly so that it self-closes and self-latches easily. |
Image (above) provided by Blue Poppy Photography Image (above) Provided by S terns Playland Image (above) provided by Modular Wall Systems
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